Federal Funding Grant Tracker

Resources

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Grants

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Grants

Catalyst Communities

A free resource hub that helps local governments in Michigan reach their sustainability goals by offering education, training, planning support, and technical resources. The program covers a wide range of environmental, social, and economic topics to support a fair and inclusive transition to lower carbon emissions. It’s designed to meet communities where they are, no matter their location, size, or level of experience.

Catalyst Leadership Circle

The Catalyst Leadership Circle (CLC) is a network of dedicated communities working to support each other in reaching climate and energy goals through peer networking and skill-building.
The network is led by the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute, in partnership with Michigan Green Communities and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Membership in the Catalyst Leadership Circle is granted to communities who have reached silver or gold certification from the Michigan Green Communities Challenge. Participation in the CLC include access to bi-monthly peer-sharing convenings with other local leaders, regular email updates on relevant resources and opportunities, and eligibility to host a CLC Fellow that can assist with decarbonization projects.

To learn more, visit the Graham Sustainability Institute for a summary of the 2024 CLC Fellowship projects.

Michigan Green Communities

Michigan Green Communities (MGC) is a statewide network that supports Michigan’s local governments in advancing sustainability and climate action. MGC facilitates peer learning, offers technical assistance, and provides statewide recognition to promote environmental progress. The initiative is jointly managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) , the Michigan Municipal League, and the Michigan Association of Counties.

At the core of MGC’s efforts is the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, an annual self-assessment and recognition program. This program benchmarks municipal sustainability initiatives across key areas such as energy, mobility, water, waste, and equity. Participating communities receive Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification based on their demonstrated progress.

Through the MGC Challenge, communities gain access to resources, technical support, and a structured framework for continuous improvement of sustainability goals.

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)^*

^*scroll down on the SEMCOG homepage to find topic information
SEMCOG is a regional collaboration of local governments in Southeast Michigan (SEMCOG). SEMCOG provides data, technical assistance, policy advocacy, education and networking, public engagement, collaboration opportunities, and other resources. SEMCOG is available through a fee-based membership, but their website offers several free resources on environmental topics as detailed below.

SEMCOG Environment Page

• Climate resilience
• Climate action
• GREEN Initiative
• Nature-based solutions
• Water
• Materials Management
• Air

Urban Sustainability Director’s Network (USDN)

USDN is a national group of municipal sustainability professionals who work together to share knowledge, support each other, and speed up progress in local sustainability efforts. USDN gives members the tools, resources, and connections they need to make a difference in their communities. By working together, members help create a more fair, resilient, and sustainable society. USDN is available through a fee-based membership.

ICLEI

ICLEI is a global network of local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. ICLEI offers learning cohorts, technical assistance, grants, and the greenhouse gas inventory software, ClearPath. ICLEI is available through a fee-based membership.

Oakland County Resources

WRC Hardship Assistance Program

This program was created to assist Oakland County households in paying for water/sewer services. It is designed for those who may not qualify for other existing programs but still face hardships that make it difficult to pay their bills. Hardship could include temporary unemployment, medical expenses due to an accident and divorce. Learn more by visiting the WRC Hardship Assistance Program.

Water Residential Assistance Program

The Water Residential Assistance Program provides funding to eligible, low-income households. Funding is provided by the Great Lakes Water Authority and is administered in partnership with local community action agencies. Households can receive help with paying down past due balances as well as water and sewer bill payment assistance for up to two years. Click here to learn more about the Water Residential Assistance Program.

State and Federal Opportunities

Information for Municipalities

Home Energy Rebates: It’s possible to help your residents save money and increase economic benefit for local businesses through the Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) programming.
MiHER is a rebate program designed to make energy efficiency and electrification more affordable for Michigan residents. Households up to 150% AMI qualify for this program. MiHER is open for applications from low-to-moderate-income residents as of spring of 2025.

Municipalities can also spread the word to local businesses to ensure they don’t miss out on this economic opportunity. Through MiHER, contractors can receive increased business while helping your community access federal stimulus dollars.

MI Healthy Climate Challenge

The MI Healthy Climate Challenge is Michigan’s biggest effort yet to speed up the shift to clean energy. Led by EGLE’s Office of Climate and Energy, it offers grant funding through a series of competitive programs to support projects in renewable energy, electrification, energy storage and efficiency.

The Challenge is designed to help meet Michigan’s climate goals, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 52% by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. It also focuses on equity, job creation and public-private partnerships, making it easier for local governments, nonprofits, businesses and communities to take action and scale up clean energy solutions.

MI Solar For All

The MI Solar for All (MI SFA) program is a $156 million initiative funded by the U.S. EPA to expand access to affordable, clean solar energy for low-income and disadvantaged communities in Michigan. It offers direct financial support for rooftop and community solar, energy storage, and related upgrades, along with workforce training, community outreach, and technical assistance. Participating households are expected to see an average 20% reduction in their electricity bills.