Accessible Grants for Congregations

  One of the key methods by which the IRA has begun to provide assistance is through the option of application-based grants. These grants exist as tools used to bridge the gap of costs in order to allow for an easier transition to renewable and cost-efficient energy for homeowners and small businesses.

Below is a breakdown of the most relevant grants containing information regarding eligibility and summaries of these options. These grants have been listed specifically due to their relevance and accessibility to both homeowners and small businesses.

Methane Emissions Reduction Program

This program exists in order to provide assistance in order to expedite the reduction of methane and other greenhouse gases from petroleum and other natural gases. This program also introduces a charge for applicable facilities that report more than 25k metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year, that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds.

The waste emissions charge starts at $900 per metric ton for emissions reported in 2024, increasing to $1,200 for 2025 emissions, and $1,500 for emissions years 2026-on.

  • 60113

  • $1,550,000,000

  • Grants, Rebates, Contracts

  • Individuals, Non profits both with and without 501(c)(3) status

  • Until 09/30/2028

Increasing Capital and Market Access Grant Program

This program exists in order to provide assistance in order to expedite the reduction of methane and other greenhouse gases from petroleum and other natural gases. This program also introduces a charge for applicable facilities that report more than 25k metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year, that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds.

The waste emissions charge starts at $900 per metric ton for emissions reported in 2024, increasing to $1,200 for 2025 emissions, and $1,500 for emissions years 2026-on.

  • 22007

  • $250,000,000

  • Competitive Grants

  • Non profit organizations, not for profit educational institutions, tribal financial institutions

  • Until 09/30/2031

Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants

This program exists in order to provide assistance to community-based organizations in the pursuit of reducing both outdoor and indoor pollution. It aims to improve community resilience to the impacts of climate change and help these organizations build the capacity to engage with state and federal decision-making processes.

This grant can be used toward community-led pollution monitoring, prevention, remediation, and investment in low/zero emission technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it can be used to mitigate climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events.

  • 60201

  • $3,000,000,000

  • Competitive Grants, Limited number of non competitive grants

  • Community-based non profit, A partnership of community-based non profit orgs, A partnership of community-based orgs and a Tribe, local government or higher education institution

  • Until 09/30/2026

Neighborhood Access And Equity Grant Program

This program exists in order to award competitive grants for context-sensitive projects that improve walkability and provide affordable transportation access. Additionally, this program aims to mitigate or remediate negative impacts on the human or natural environment in disadvantaged or underserved communities.

This grant can be used for context-sensitive projects that improve walkability, safety and transportation access. Additionally, other eligible activities include the provision of guidance, technical assistance, templates, and training all in the realm of facilitating the responsibility of these projects.

  • 60501

  • $3,205,000,000

  • Competitive Grants

  • Community based non profit organisation that is partnered with: A local government, political state subdivision. Federally recognised Indian tribe or a special purpose district or public authority with transportation function

  • Until 09/30/2026

Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program

This program exists in order to award application based grants in order to facilitate tree planting and other forestry

This has a cost share requirement of 50% but any non federal cost share requirements applicable to projects carried out under this section can be waived at the discretion of the secretary.

  • 23003(a)(2)

  • $1,500,000,000

  • Competitive Grants

  • Non profit organisations, Tribes

  • Until 09/30/2031