Climate Tech Grants | OpenGrants
Sector Funding Guide
Climate Tech Grant Funding
The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have unlocked over $400 billion in climate and clean energy funding — creating the largest climate investment in U.S. history.
$400B+
Total IRA + BIL climate funding
$47B
DOE Loan Programs Office capacity
$10B
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
$3.5B
ARPA-E total investments since 2009
What Are Climate Tech Grants?
Climate tech grants fund the development, demonstration, and deployment of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and build climate resilience. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) created an unprecedented wave of federal climate funding exceeding $400 billion across grants, tax credits, loans, and loan guarantees.
Key federal agencies funding climate tech include the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ARPA-E, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and USDA. These programs support everything from fundamental research to commercial-scale deployment of clean energy, carbon capture, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation technologies.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility varies widely. DOE and ARPA-E fund universities, national labs, small businesses, and large corporations — often requiring cost-sharing. EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund targets states, municipalities, nonprofits, and green banks. SBIR/STTR climate-focused topics are open to small businesses. Many IRA programs specifically prioritize projects in disadvantaged and energy communities.
Key climate tech funding programs
The DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) manages $25 billion for commercial-scale clean energy projects. ARPA-E funds transformational energy technologies with $427M in annual budget. The EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund ($27 billion total) created a national clean financing network. DOE’s Loan Programs Office has $400B+ in lending authority for clean energy projects. USDA REAP provides grants for rural energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Funding Landscape Insights
ARPA-E: Transformational Energy R&D
ARPA-E funds high-risk, high-reward energy research that could fundamentally change how we generate, store, and use energy. Since 2009, ARPA-E has invested $3.5 billion across 1,400+ projects. Typical awards range from $500K to $10M over 1–3 years.
DOE Clean Energy Demonstrations
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) manages $25 billion for first-of-a-kind commercial-scale projects in clean hydrogen, carbon capture, advanced nuclear, and long-duration energy storage. These are among the largest individual grant awards in U.S. history.
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The $27 billion GGRF created a national network of green banks and clean financing institutions. The Clean Communities Investment Accelerator and National Clean Investment Fund provide grants and low-cost capital for clean energy projects in disadvantaged communities.
SBIR/STTR Climate Topics
DOE, EPA, NSF, and USDA all include climate-focused topics in their SBIR/STTR solicitations. Small businesses developing climate technologies can access Phase I ($50K–$275K) and Phase II ($500K–$1.8M) non-dilutive funding through these programs.
Essential Resources
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GOV
Department of Energy Clean energy programs, funding, and research priorities
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GOV
ARPA-E Advanced Research Projects Agency — Energy
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GOV
EPA GGRF Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund programs
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DATA
USASpending.gov Track climate-related federal spending and awards
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TOOL
Grants.gov Search & apply to federal climate grant opportunities
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EDU
Investing in America IRA and BIL clean energy funding tracker
Frequently Asked Questions
What federal programs fund climate technology?
Major federal climate tech funders include the Department of Energy (DOE) through ARPA-E and the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the EPA through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the NSF through climate-focused research programs, and USDA through rural energy programs. The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created over $400 billion in total climate funding.
How much funding is available for climate tech startups?
Climate tech startups can access SBIR/STTR grants ($50K–$1.8M), ARPA-E OPEN solicitations (up to $10M), DOE voucher programs for national lab access, and NSF SBIR climate topics. The IRA also created new tax credits (like the 45X Advanced Manufacturing credit) that benefit climate tech manufacturers.
What is ARPA-E and how does it work?
ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency — Energy) funds transformational energy technologies that are too early for private investment but could fundamentally change how we generate, store, and use energy. Since 2009, it has invested $3.5 billion across 1,400+ projects. ARPA-E issues focused programs and OPEN solicitations throughout the year.
Can nonprofits and municipalities access climate tech grants?
Yes. The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund specifically targets nonprofits, municipalities, and community-based organizations. DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program provides formula funding to local governments. Many IRA programs prioritize projects in disadvantaged and energy communities.
How does OpenGrants help with climate tech funding?
OpenGrants matches your organization to relevant climate tech funding opportunities across DOE, EPA, ARPA-E, and other agencies. Access expert grant writers who specialize in technical energy proposals, plus live support to navigate complex federal applications.
Find climate tech grants matched to your organization — for free.
Create a profile on OpenGrants and get matched with DOE, EPA, ARPA-E, and other climate tech funding opportunities. Access expert grant writers and live support.
Sources & Further Reading