The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is thrilled to announce the 22 nonprofits selected for the Building Upgrades Inspiring Local Transformation (BUILT Nonprofits) funding opportunity! Selectees across 17 states – 8 of which have never received funding from Renew America’s Nonprofits – will each receive up to $100,000 to support energy efficiency projects that lower energy use and generate operational savings that can be redirected toward mission-critical work that benefits their communities.  

BUILT Nonprofits is a $2 million funding opportunity from the Renew America’s Nonprofits Program, made possible through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The funded projects will encompass a range of energy-saving upgrades, including HVAC improvements, lighting replacements, and window and door retrofits, all of which will lead to reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and a more sustainable future for these essential community organizations. 

These projects will demonstrate the significant impact energy efficiency upgrades can have on nonprofits and the communities they serve, including how investments of up to $100,000 can generate significant short and long-term energy savings, prepare buildings for solar, and create lasting community benefits. 

BUILT Nonprofits received unprecedented interest, with 738 eligible applications requesting over $61 million—30 times the available funding. This high demand highlights the nonprofit sector's urgent need for energy upgrades and the limited availability of infrastructure funding to the sector. Notably, 95% of applicants had never previously received DOE funding, demonstrating untapped potential for impact in nonprofit efficiency projects. This need is reflected in the communities served by the selected nonprofits, with 95% of selectees located in or directly serving disadvantaged communities. 

Congratulations to the BUILT Nonprofits Opportunity Selectees: 

Selectees will now enter negotiations with TechWerx to finalize awards – including project details and timelines, with projects anticipated to begin in early 2025.  

BUILT Nonprofits is managed by TechWerx in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Transitions. This agreement enables TechWerx to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, such as community-based nonprofits, and to facilitate the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of clean energy solutions. 

Please join us in celebrating this news! 

1. Read the Press Release from DOE.
2. Visit the Renew America’s Nonprofits website to learn more about the announcement. 
3. Review our Media Promotion Toolkit for information about how to promote and engage with the #RenewAmericasNonprofits program. Follow, like, comment, share/repost, and/or craft your own unique content on media platforms, as desired!   
4. Notify Nonprofits@doe.gov of any media inquiries or social media features.