Join the League to learn more about two programs, Energy Navigators and Community Energy Management Grants, that can help your community achieve its clean energy goals.
Great Plains Institute (GPI) is offering free, hands-on support through Energy Navigators to help local governments match with resources and tools to address energy-related issues. This program is open to communities experiencing energy resilience challenges due to geography, infrastructure, weather, and other considerations. Collaborative and locally focused, GPI works closely with local governments and organizations to help them understand their needs, bolster existing expertise, and open pathways to available resources and funding. Their mission is to equip local decision-makers with focused support that accelerates progress toward a more resilient and affordable energy future.
Benefits
Through this program, your local government receives 10–40 hours of guidance and support.
Explore Energy Challenges and Opportunities
- Beginning with your energy priorities, we help you find and assess potential obstacles and opportunities within your local context.
Provide Expertise to Inform Local Decision-Making
- Our team provides training and resources to aid in planning and executing local energy projects.
Identify Relevant Support Programs
- We guide you in navigating available programs and resources aligned with your energy needs.
Prepare for Funding Opportunities
- We help identify options and strengthen your readiness, positioning you to confidently pursue a range of funding and support mechanisms.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will launch another round of funding for the Community Energy Management (CEM) grant program in fall 2025. The CEM program is a flexible and easy-to-access funding source for projects such as energy management, energy efficiency, renewable energy, fleet electrification, EV charging infrastructure, sustainable financing solutions, and clean energy workforce development. Anything your community identifies with support from the Energy Navigators program would likely be eligible for implementation funding through the CEM program.