EPIC Funding Opportunity: Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities

The Indiana Office of Energy Development announces a $2.5 million funding opportunity for Indiana’s Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC) program. The purpose of the grant is to support a comprehensive energy solutions program tailored to communities and serve as a model for other communities across Indiana. This competitive grant program is aimed at addressing impactful energy needs and priorities at a community or regional level. Collaboration and partnerships among community entities are vital aspects of the program.

Application Process

• Begins: March 4, 2024
• Deadline 1: May 1, 2024 – Letter of intent (LOI) due
• Deadline 2: June 30, 2024 – Full application due
• Award Amount: No minimum or maximum award, but Indiana OED anticipates awards to average $300,000 - $500,000.
• Eligibility: Eligible entities include local units of government, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and institutions of higher education. Entities that work throughout a community or region and can coordinate partnerships are strongly encouraged, such as local and regional economic development organizations, community foundations, other organizations that participate in community development initiatives. 
• Program Objectives & Priorities: Awards will span across the four categories below to ensure a diversity of energy solutions are funded and to collectively support Indiana’s five energy pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. 
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Energy Security and Reliability
  • Alternative Fueling and Charging Infrastructure
  • Clean Energy Resources
• To Apply: https://www.in.gov/oed/grants-and-funding-opportunities/epic

“OED has tailored this program to support locally driven energy solutions and provide an opportunity for community leaders to share their communities’ energy priorities,” said Ryan Hadley, Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development. “We are eager to offer this support for energy-related investments in Hoosier communities.”

EPIC is funded by Indiana’s State Energy Program formula funds authorized by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021. OED anticipates issuing awards ranging from $300,000 - $500,000.

Overall, the goals of the program will support Indiana’s five pillars of electricity policy: reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Each project will support as many of the five pillars as possible with a measurable impact.

“Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about how they can address their energy needs on a larger scale through holistic partnerships,” Hadley said. “Ideally, successful projects could serve as a model for other communities.” The EPIC grant application process includes multiple phases. The initial phase begins March 4, 2024, when the grant opens to applicants. Applicants will then have until May 1, 2024, to submit letters of intent. Final grant applications are due June 30, 2024.

OED will offer early coordination and programmatic assistance for interested applicants. Participants interested in the grant and additional OED initiatives may sign up for updates.