A guide to applying for Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) seed grants. Learn more and apply at http://rfp.mncerts.org.

1. Spurring Community
Energy Projects:
A guide to applying for
CERT Seed Grant Funding

2. Overview
1. Funding Overview
2. Application Materials
3. CERTs Funding Application
4. Application Submission
5. Review Criteria
6. Timeline
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

3. Funding Overview
What is CERTs looking for in a proposal?
• Relates to clean energy or energy efficiency
• Includes an outreach component, such as education or
community involvement
• Fosters new network relationships
• Cost-effective and well-planned use of resources
Each Regional CERT has $10,000 in funding to allocate.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

4. Application Materials
Visit http://rfp.mncerts.com to find:
• Funding Application Form*
• RFP Details, Evaluation Criteria*, and Submission Information
• Project Impact Worksheets and Resources
• Previously-funded Projects
*Be sure to use the correct application form for the CERT Region in which
you are applying. Also see Region-specific evaluation criteria.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

5. CERTs Funding Application
1. General Info
– Summary
– Organizational History
2. Project Narrative & Work Plan
– Connection to Community
3. Collaboration and Project Support
– Team members
– Project Partners
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

6. CERTs Funding Application
4. Project Focus and Impact
– Energy Focus
– Activities and Impacts: What are you doing around energy? Associated
Impacts? E.g. Implementation & Education and Outreach
– Project Impact Worksheets
5. Project Funding
– Other Funding Support & Project Budget
– Match Requirements (SW and NE CERTs)
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

7. Review Criteria
Statewide Criteria:
1. Projects that advance community energy efficiency and/or renewable energy
2. Ideally, projects that provide measurable savings/offsets
3. Projects that have high potential to provide replicable models
4. Projects that engage and involved a variety of community partners
…more In the “RFP Details” document at http://rfp.mncerts.org.
Regional Criteria:
1. Match requirements for SW and NE CERTs
2. Selection committees are regional, so check for their priorities!
…more In the “RFP Details” document at http://rfp.mncerts.org.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

8. Application Submission
Applications due to RFP@CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org by 5:00pm
on Tuesday, November 15th.
Be sure to include:
• Application in MS Word or PDF
• Documentation of energy impacts
• Letters of support for secured funding
Please include your project name and CERT Region in the subject line. We
will confirm receipt within 1-2 days.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

9. Timeline
• November 15, 2011: Proposals Due
• January 2, 2012: Selections made by Regional CERTs
• January 6, 2012: Awards announced
• May 1, 2012: Project Interim Report & Invoice Due
• June 1, 2012: $ revoked if project not initiated
• December 1, 2012: Project Final Report & Invoices Due
Invoices must be dated December 1, 2012 or earlier to receive payment.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

10. For More Information
Visit http://rfp.mncerts.org
or email RFP@
CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org