Best Renewable Energy Grants in California

Organizations developing commercial EV charging infrastructure with behind-the-meter microgrids in California can apply for California Energy Commission’s DRIVES program; awards US $2,000,000 - US $4,500,000 for technology demonstration and deployment. Projects should use advanced power control and energy management to speed energization, cut ratepayer costs, and address grid and regulatory barriers.

California farmers and ranchers adopting regenerative, soil‑health practices can access funding through Zero Foodprint to implement conservation measures that sequester atmospheric carbon. Grants of US $1,500 - US $25,000 support sustainable agriculture and soil science projects that enhance climate resilience, improve water and nutrient management, and contribute to renewable, climate-friendly food systems.

Organizations planning clean hydrogen projects in California that produce, process, deliver, store, or use renewable-based hydrogen can seek cost-share funding for federal opportunities. With a mission to advance renewable energy and climate goals, California Energy Commission provides California renewable energy efforts with up to US $2,000,000 to demonstrate or scale hydrogen technologies, especially benefiting disadvantaged communities.

Clean energy startups in California with prior awards from the California Energy Commission or eligible U.S. federal agencies can apply for BRIDGE 2024 funding; awards US $1,000,000 - US $4,000,000 for applied research, technology demonstration, and deployment. Projects may focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, AI, advanced power electronics, or zero/negative-carbon generation.

Manufacturers in California investing in alternative energy, advanced transportation technologies, advanced manufacturing, or recycling equipment can access a sales and use tax exclusion through the Sales Tax Exclusion Program. Grants from the California State Treasurer's Office help eligible businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, tribes, and individuals reduce equipment costs for qualified clean energy and recycling manufacturing projects, with awards up to US $10,000,000 in in-kind support.

Tribal governments and communities pursuing renewable energy projects can access funding for solar capacity building and workforce development in California and nationwide. Grants from GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund help advance tribal energy sovereignty through new solar infrastructure, education, training, leadership development, and long-term energy planning, with awards up to US $100,000 for feasible, community-engaged projects.

Organizations installing high-powered DC fast chargers in California can receive incentives for purchasing and installing eligible EV charging equipment. Grants from the California Energy Commission help California renewable and sustainable energy projects expand electric vehicle infrastructure statewide through the Fast Charge California Project 1 under CALeVIP 2.0, supporting the state’s zero-emission vehicle goals.

Industrial and food production facilities in California seeking to decarbonize operations and support grid reliability can access cost-share funding for eligible federal projects, with awards from US $500,000 - US $5,000,000. CA Energy Commission supports renewable and sustainable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and electrification projects through its INDIGO and Food Production Investment Program initiatives.

Organizations able to demonstrate virtual power plants using inverter-based distributed energy resources in California disadvantaged communities can apply for California Energy Commission’s CHOIR solicitation; awards US $2,000,000 - US $4,000,000 for large-scale demonstrations. Projects must be within an investor-owned utility service territory and optimize resources on a single substation or distribution circuit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools running decarbonization, clean energy, or resource-efficiency programs in California can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 in programmatic support. With a mission to support sustainable communities, American Honda Motor provides funding for initiatives like solar or wind installations, energy efficiency upgrades, recycling, composting, and other environmental projects in communities where Honda associates live and work.

California organizations leading renewable and sustainable energy, workforce, or economic development projects can access funding through the Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s Regional Investment Initiative Implementation Phase. Grants of More than US $500,000 support ready-to-go projects that advance clean energy, job creation, job training, business development, and equitable economic growth in disadvantaged communities statewide.

California renewable and sustainable energy organizations planning EV charging infrastructure can access funding through the California Energy Commission to deploy high-powered direct current fast chargers along major travel corridors. Eligible projects in California may receive up to US $15,800,000 to expand publicly accessible light-duty electric vehicle charging under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.

• About

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. As the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, the Energy Commission plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future - one that is clean, is modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive.

GFO-26-601 - Charger Service Skills Accelerator Grant Program

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $6,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will increase the qualified workforce needed to service electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. 

Funding will support training that leads to portable, industry-recognized credentials and may be used to expand existing training programs to include EV charging equipment service.

Background

Assembly Bill (AB) 118 (Nuñez, Chapter 750, Statutes of 2007), created the Clean Transportation Program. The statute authorizes the CEC to develop and deploy alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies to help attain the state’s climate change and clean air goals. AB 126 (Reyes, Chapter 319, Statutes of 2023) reauthorized the funding program through July 1, 2035 and focused the program on zero-emission transportation. 

The Clean Transportation Program has an annual budget of approximately $100 million and provides financial support for projects that:

• Develop and deploy zero-emission technology and fuels in the marketplace.
• Produce alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels in California.
• Deploy zero-emission fueling infrastructure, fueling stations, and equipment.
• Establish workforce training programs and conduct public outreach on the benefits of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies.

The CEC, in collaboration with the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), is further committed to integrating the California Jobs First Strategic Sectors https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/blueprint/ and California Jobs First Regional Plans https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/regions/ that will support the creation of and access to family-supporting jobs including prioritizing industry sectors for future growth.  

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNTS

• The minimum CEC award amount per application is $500,000 and the maximum award amount per application is $2,000,000. Applicants must request at least $500,000.

Grants from California Energy Commission help California renewable and sustainable energy projects demonstrate and deploy large-scale clean hydrogen production, storage, delivery, and end use, with awards from US $20,000,000 - US $22,500,000. Eligible applicants advancing centralized, renewable-based hydrogen systems with identified offtakers may benefit sectors like transportation, industry, and power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California with at least three years of operation and a $100,000+ budget can seek funding for workforce skills, youth career readiness, inclusive prosperity, or net-zero transition projects through RBC Foundation USA. Programs that build in-demand skills or advance sustainable, energy-efficient community spaces may be eligible.

Organizations conducting social, cultural, or economic research on fisheries and offshore wind interactions in the U.S. Northeast may be eligible for up to US $400,000, including California-based teams with required Northeast partners. Northeast Sea Grant Consortium supports renewable and sustainable energy-related fisheries research that engages affected communities and informs developers and decision-makers.

Graduate-level students and researchers in security, technology, climate, and clean energy fields, including renewable and sustainable energy, may receive up to US $40,000 to study between Australia and the U.S., including California. With a mission to support advanced study, American Australian Association provides funding for tuition, travel, living, and related research costs.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water and environmental research, the American Water Works Association opportunity may benefit students whose work intersects with renewable or sustainable energy topics in California.

The CREST program by the NSF aims to bolster research capabilities at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) through education and research integration. It specifically supports STEM doctoral programs and encourages proposals in high-priority areas such as AI and climate change. By enhancing the institutional capacity, the program seeks to increase the number of underrepresented doctoral graduates in STEM fields, thereby fostering diversity and innovation in scientific research.

Organizations scaling ARPA-E-funded energy inventions in the U.S., including California, can apply for United States Department of Energy grants supporting high-risk, transformative energy R&D and commercialization. Funding of US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 supports scaling patented subject inventions in renewable and sustainable energy, energy efficiency, biofuels, and other emerging energy technologies.

The Capacity Accelerator for Tribal Offshore Wind Engagement, launched by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to empower Tribal Nations in offshore wind energy decision-making. This initiative offers up to $7.1 million in cash prizes and technical assistance through three phases: Capacity Needs, Capacity Development, and Engagement. Each phase is designed to support Tribes in outlining their priorities, building capacity, and implementing impactful projects in offshore wind energy.

The Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers $4.8 million to promote innovative thermal energy storage solutions for the industrial sector. With three phases from 2025 to 2026, participants can win cash prizes by developing cost-effective concepts to enhance energy efficiency. This initiative encourages the adoption of sustainable technologies to address energy demands while reducing the strain on the electric grid, supporting the overall decarbonization goals of the industry.

The Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.