The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Office of Grants Management have launched the inaugural FY 2024
Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program.
This initiative targets the retrofitting of homes belonging to income-eligible community members to enhance energy efficiency, promote a healthy indoor environment, and bolster climate resilience. The program, aligned with the county's Climate Action Plan, aims to empower communities to combat climate change and prepare for climate-related challenges.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the importance of the grant in enhancing community resilience and supporting vulnerable residents, stating, "We recognize the need to support efforts that address racial equity and social justice. This grant helps enhance the resilience of our community while working to preserve and protect housing for vulnerable residents in the face of environmental challenges."
Organizations working with low- and moderate-income residents in energy efficiency are encouraged to apply for the grant opportunity through the HEECAP program. This will address gaps in existing federal, state, and county programs and pilot innovative approaches that can be scaled up. The total grant funding is $1.5 million, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $1.5 million.
Applicants can submit multi-year funding proposals for up to two years, with funding beyond the first 12 months contingent on project performance and funding availability.
An independent committee organized by the Department of Environmental Protection will review grant applications, consisting of individuals selected for their expertise in grants administration, project management, and community members with grant review expertise.
A virtual information session on Monday, March 4, at 1 p.m. will assist interested applicants by providing guidance on completing the application form and addressing questions about the solicitation. The submission deadline for grant applications is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
For more information about the HEECAP program, eligibility criteria, and application process, visit the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management grant application platform. For more details, applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Grants Management at 240-773-3344 or grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Additionally, for information on energy efficiency and energy assistance programs available to County residents, visit the Montgomery Energy Connection website, call 301-7-ENERGY, or email energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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