{"status":200,"message":"Success","data":{"id":"3821b7bc-4c76-5c63-be5c-c232b665c168","title":"Decarbonizing Public Schools Program","description":"The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), in partnership with the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC), provides grants to Local Education Agencies (LEAs, also known as school districts) to help them develop capacity and advance strategies for clean and efficient energy use in their K-12 schools and support facilities. The program covers four Areas of Interest (AOIs): (1) Capacity Building for Energy Management, Efficiency, Sustainability, and Portfolio Planning; (2) Energy Efficiency upgrades; (3) Solar on Schools installations; and (4) Net Zero Energy Schools design. Eligible activities include planning, energy efficiency and solar projects on existing facilities, electrification, and new construction of Net-Zero Energy schools. Applicants may apply for one or multiple AOIs, covering their entire school district, a significantly sized multi-facility subset, or individual school facilities.","status":{"value":"custom","customValue":"Recurring"},"source":"https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization.aspx","funding":{"details":"Approximately $36 million in total grant funding is available from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, Climate Action Plan, and Alternative Compliance Program. AOI 1 (Capacity Building) has $1,500,000 available ($1,000,000 for Category 1 Energy Data Management Support; $500,000 for Category 2 Capital Planning for Energy Efficient Schools), with awards scaled by LEA student enrollment. AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency) has $15,000,000 available ($10M from Strategic Energy Investment Fund; $5M from Dedicated Purpose Account), with a minimum award of $50,000 and maximum of $3,000,000, reimbursing up to 75% of total project cost (applicants must match remaining 25%). AOI 3 (Solar on Schools) has $11,000,000 available, with a minimum award of $50,000 and maximum of $1,000,000. Individual grant performance periods range from 24–27 months (energy efficiency) to 72–75 months (net zero energy schools). AOI 4 (Net Zero Energy Schools) funding is expected to be provided for multiple fiscal years to coincide with planning and construction phases. Funding is awarded on a formula and competitive basis with consideration of need.","maxAwardAmount":{"amount":"3000000.00","currency":"USD"}},"keyDates":{"closeDate":{"name":"Application deadline","eventType":"singleDate","date":"2025-11-21","details":"November 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET"}},"acceptedApplicantTypes":[{"value":"custom","customValue":"government"}],"customFields":{"agency":{"name":"agency","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Maryland Energy Administration"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/agency"},"contactInfo":{"name":"contactInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Kristen Keim, Program Manager","email":"schools.mea@maryland.gov, Kristen.Keim@Maryland.gov","phone":"443-571-6976"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/contactInfo"},"additionalInfo":{"name":"additionalInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"url":"https://compass.maryland.gov/incentives/#/incentive/decarbonizing-public-schools-program","description":"Maryland Community Compass record"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/additionalInfo"},"eligibilityCriteria":{"name":"eligibilityCriteria","fieldType":"object","value":{"beneficiaryTypes":[{"code":"government","name":"government"}],"details":"Local Education Agencies (LEAs/school districts) operating K-12 public schools in Maryland, as well as the Maryland School for the Blind. Applications must be submitted by the LEA directly; third parties may not submit on behalf of an LEA. Must be signed by an LEA officer with authority to commit the agency (e.g., Chair of Board of Education, Chief Financial Officer, General Manager).\n\nStatewide Maryland; all Maryland LEAs are eligible to apply. For AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency) and AOI 3 (Solar on Schools), schools must be located in census tracts designated as overburdened or with median income at or below 80% of state median income per §9-20B-05 of the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, or must demonstrate that ≥50%+1 of enrolled students come from qualifying census tracts. Reference tools include the Maryland Department of Environment's MDEnviroScreen Tool and MEA's approved census tract list."},"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"attachments":{"name":"attachments","fieldType":"array","value":[{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20AOI1%20Capacity%20Building.pdf","name":"FY26 AOI1 Capacity Building.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20AOI2%20Energy%20Efficiency.pdf","name":"FY26 AOI2 Energy Efficiency.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20AOI3%20Solar%20on%20Schools%20.pdf","name":"FY26 AOI3 Solar on Schools .pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20AOI4%20Net%20Zero%20Energy%20Schools%20%281%29.pdf","name":"FY26 AOI4 Net Zero Energy Schools (1).pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20DPS%20Application_Word%20Version.docx","name":"FY26 DPS Application_Word Version.docx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20Schools%20Decarb%20Project%20Budget.xlsx","name":"FY26 Schools Decarb Project Budget.xlsx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/Education%20Sector%20FY26%20Grant%20Program%20Directory.pdf","name":"Education Sector FY26 Grant Program Directory.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://energy.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization/FY26%20AOI4%20Net%20Zero%20Energy%20Schools%20(1).pdf","name":"FY26 AOI4 Net Zero Energy Schools (1).pdf"}],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingSource":{"name":"fundingSource","fieldType":"string","value":"Public","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingInstrument":{"name":"fundingInstrument","fieldType":"string","value":"grant","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"lastSyncedAt":{"name":"lastSyncedAt","fieldType":"string","value":"2026-10-17T08:01:11.292Z","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdCompassId":{"name":"mdCompassId","fieldType":"number","value":3018,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSlug":{"name":"mdSlug","fieldType":"string","value":"decarbonizing-public-schools-program","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdDataQuality":{"name":"mdDataQuality","fieldType":"string","value":"medium","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicScope":{"name":"mdGeographicScope","fieldType":"string","value":"statewide","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAcceptingApplications":{"name":"mdAcceptingApplications","fieldType":"boolean","value":false,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRecurring":{"name":"mdRecurring","fieldType":"boolean","value":true,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAssistanceTypes":{"name":"mdAssistanceTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["grant"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleIndustries":{"name":"mdEligibleIndustries","fieldType":"array","value":["Educational Services","Public Administration"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleCounties":{"name":"mdEligibleCounties","fieldType":"array","value":["All"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes":{"name":"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["government"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw":{"name":"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw","fieldType":"string","value":"November 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationProcess":{"name":"mdApplicationProcess","fieldType":"string","value":"Submit application by the deadline of November 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET. Applications may be submitted via online JotForm at https://form.jotform.com/251605585653159 or as a PDF via email to Schools.MEA@Maryland.gov. The Word document version of the application is provided for reference only; actual submission must be via JotForm portal. Alternative submission arrangements require at least 14 days advance notice to MEA. No late submissions are accepted under any circumstances. Program documents including AOI-specific guidelines, application form (Word Doc), project budget (Excel), and general provisions are available on the program page. A webinar was held on 09/09/2025. Contact Kristen Keim at schools.mea@maryland.gov or 443-571-6976 for more information.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdProgramAudience":{"name":"mdProgramAudience","fieldType":"string","value":"Local Education Agencies (LEAs/school districts) operating K-12 public schools in Maryland, as well as the Maryland School for the Blind. Applications must be submitted by the LEA directly; third parties may not submit on behalf of an LEA. Must be signed by an LEA officer with authority to commit the agency (e.g., Chair of Board of Education, Chief Financial Officer, General Manager).","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdUseOfFunds":{"name":"mdUseOfFunds","fieldType":"string","value":"Energy data management, utility bill management strategies, energy policy development, net zero energy design considerations for school portfolio planning, solar installations on school buildings, energy efficiency upgrades (including electrification of HVAC/boilers/chillers, building envelope improvements, building controls, lighting upgrades, and incremental costs for new construction above code), and Net Zero Energy school design, construction, and post-occupancy commissioning in K-12 public schools and support facilities. For AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency), scoring prioritizes GHG reduction per dollar invested (40%), electrification projects (10%), justification of funds (15%), additional capacity (15%), leveraged funds (10%), and environmental justice (10%). For AOI 3 (Solar on Schools), scoring weights cost-effectiveness at 70% (kWh per dollar), community engagement at 20%, and leveraged funding at 10%). Fossil-fuel or combustion technologies are ineligible except in limited circumstances with written MEA approval. For AOI 3 (Solar on Schools) and AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency), priority is given to schools in census tracts designated as overburdened or with median income at or below 80% of state median income, or schools where 50%+1 of enrolled students come from qualifying census tracts.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicEligibility":{"name":"mdGeographicEligibility","fieldType":"string","value":"Statewide Maryland; all Maryland LEAs are eligible to apply. For AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency) and AOI 3 (Solar on Schools), schools must be located in census tracts designated as overburdened or with median income at or below 80% of state median income per §9-20B-05 of the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, or must demonstrate that ≥50%+1 of enrolled students come from qualifying census tracts. Reference tools include the Maryland Department of Environment's MDEnviroScreen Tool and MEA's approved census tract list.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRequirements":{"name":"mdRequirements","fieldType":"array","value":["Applicant must be a Maryland Local Education Agency (LEA) or the MD School for the Blind","Applications must be submitted by the LEA directly; third parties may not submit on behalf of the LEA","Applications may cover entire school district, a significantly sized multi-facility subset, or individual school facilities","Applicants may apply for one or multiple Areas of Interest (AOIs)","Must be signed by an LEA officer with authority to commit the applicant (e.g., Chair of Board of Education, Chief Financial Officer, General Manager)","A designated LEA staff person is required for ongoing oversight and continuity","For AOI 2 and AOI 3, schools must be in qualifying census tracts (overburdened or ≤80% of state median income) or serve a student population where ≥50%+1 come from qualifying census tracts","Electronic payment via ACH/Direct Deposit (Form X-10) required post-award","AOI 1 Category 1 is open to all LEAs, including those previously awarded funding in previous years","For AOI 4 (Net Zero Energy Schools), applicants new to the NZE planning process are encouraged to apply for AOI 1 funding first in FY26 and AOI 4 in subsequent years","AOI 4 (Net Zero Energy Schools) funding is expected to span multiple fiscal years to coincide with planning and construction phases","Physical construction activities, the purchase of materials, or equipment are not eligible for AOI 1 (Capacity Building) funding","For AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency), lighting upgrade applications will be deprioritized; applicants must provide a lighting schedule of current wattage and only interior lighting projects are considered; only the purchase cost of lighting fixtures is eligible","For AOI 2 (Energy Efficiency) new construction activities, only the incremental purchase cost of upgrading to a higher level of efficiency above code is eligible","Each application must provide a budget outlining how requested funds will be used","Each application for AOI 2 must include engineering calculations for projected energy impact (reported as kWh for electricity, therms for natural gas, etc.)","For AOI 2, each site location submitted must include names, addresses, grade levels served, and gross square footage of facilities","For AOI 3, planning and technical studies may be eligible for up to $50,000 specifically earmarked for technical reporting (including detailed site assessments)","Historic energy data collection should represent at least 12 months of energy bill data (AOI 1)","Category 2 recipients must submit final Energy and Sustainability Strategy Report by September 30, 2027, integrated into the FY27 EFMP (due July 1, 2027 to the IAC)","Sharing of school energy data with the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) is required","Quarterly progress reports in concert with invoices submitted to MEA are required","For AOI 1 Category 1, applicants must create and use a Portfolio Manager account (or similar software), populated with historic energy data representing at least 12 months of energy bill data","For AOI 1 Category 2, applicants must submit a grant implementation plan defining their approach to portfolio-scale energy and sustainability strategy, including identification of key LEA staff and a timeline","For AOI 1 Category 2, applicants must deliver a final Energy and Sustainability Strategy Report integrated into or supplementing the FY27 EFMP by the applicable deadline","For AOI 2, each application must include engineering calculations for projected energy impact including GHG reduction estimates","For AOI 4, applicants must evaluate all future new, replacement, and full renovation projects for suitability as Net Zero Energy schools and develop NZE design criteria and policies","For AOI 2, applications must provide an outline of the process including a timeline by June 1, 2027"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceUrls":{"name":"mdSourceUrls","fieldType":"array","value":["https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/SchoolDecarbonization.aspx"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceCount":{"name":"mdSourceCount","fieldType":"number","value":1,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"stateCode":{"name":"stateCode","fieldType":"string","value":"MD","description":"USPS code of the state whose agency offers this funding","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyKey":{"name":"agencyKey","fieldType":"string","value":"mea","description":"Portal key of the administering agency","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyAbbrev":{"name":"agencyAbbrev","fieldType":"string","value":"MEA","description":"Administering agency abbreviation","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"upstreamSource":{"name":"upstreamSource","fieldType":"string","value":"maryland","description":"Upstream CommonGrants API this record is read from (src/data/state-portals/upstreams.json)","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"bindingMode":{"name":"bindingMode","fieldType":"string","value":"upstream","description":"Read from an upstream CommonGrants API; 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