Community Energy Innovation Prize

Yes, but it’s quick and easy. Just click the “Solve this Challenge” button on this page and follow the instructions to complete your registration. All you need to provide is your name and email address.

All of your files are uploaded as part of the submission form, access this by clicking the Begin Entry/Solve This Challenge button.  The submission form contains an upload option for each of the required file entries.  Only PDF files will be accepted for upload.

If you encounter an issue when attempting to submit an entry to the challenge, you may need to contact HeroX or the Prize Administrator.

You may try to connect with HeroX using the online form which appears in the bottom right corner of your browser window, it says Leave a Message.

You may also send a message to the Prize Administrator inbox at communityenergy@nrel.gov.

Please allow at least 1 business day for a response.

The competition is open only to private entities (for-profits and nonprofits), non-federal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities, academic institutions, and individuals, subject to the detailed requirements found in the Official Rules Document.

In this prize we are not looking to provide funding to any one type of technology or activity. We are looking to fund highly impactful innovators for ongoing and/or proposed activities related to climate and clean energy that support, build trust, and strengthen relationships and partnerships with disadvantaged communities (as defined in the Official Rules Document).

There is no limit to the number of submissions an organization/individual can partner on, or that an individual can submit – however it’s important to note: each submission must be materially different in the content and topic to be considered. If multiple submissions from the same competitor are too similar, only the last submission received will be scored and considered for prizes.

Power Connectors, utilized by some prize programs such as the Community Energy Innovation Prize, are deeply involved with prize program execution, recruitment, and support. These organizations are contracted yearly to perform a variety of tasks for specific prizes that advance program successes—extending the reach and improving the diversity and inclusivity of the Network overall. Power Connectors may also assist with other innovative DOE programs based on program needs. The prize program will send out information on opportunities to connect/utilize these.

Power Connector Descriptions:

• Clean Energy Business Network is a nationwide network of small business and community leaders, headquartered in Washington DC. Having served as a Power Connector since 2020, CEBN is well-versed in strategies for successfully competing in the American-Made prizes. CEBN can also offer recommendations on other federal funding resources, including areas of overlap and difference with another manufacturing-related prize (MAKE IT). CEBN is primarily concentrating on group events for this prize but can also be reached at cebn@cebn.org for individual support.
• yet2 is an Open Innovation (OI) and Solutions Scouting firm with decades of cumulative experience in identifying solutions across a broad range of technologies. yet2 is primarily concentrating on recruitment and outreach of groups that are not currently in existing NREL networks, as well as supporting teaming and other events. If you’d like support from yet2, please reach out to Megan Waldock. 
• ADL helps energy & infrastructure companies Assess, Develop and Launch new products, services and startups — and we lead innovation programs sponsored by DOE, NREL, and more. ADL is primarily concentrating on 1-on-1 application support for competitors, as well as expanding the existing American-Made Network through recruitment and networking. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to matthew.paul@adlventures.com.
• Entrepreneur Futures Network is a global non-profit dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. We provide training, accelerator and funding development programs powered by 20 years of experience and our global network including over 100 universities.. EFN is an official DOE technical assistance provider and has received funding from the DOE's National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) to provide support to applicants on the Community Energy Innovation prize. For questions, reach out to Cassie Coravos at admin@entrepreneurfutures.org. 

No, there is not a page limit, but there is a word limit (5,000 words) and a limit to the number of supplemental graphics/visualizations (5).

• The budget table is exempt from the word count and does not count towards the 5 supplemental visualizations or graphics.
• The short description in the Impact Plan does not count towards the 5000 word limit, nor do headings.
• If you choose to include letters of support in your Impact Plan, these do count towards your word limit.

Submissions are scored based on the scoring criterion listed in the Official Rules Document. While we expect submissions to be reasonably close to the word limit, it is meant to guide your response - it is not a scoring criterion. Please keep this in mind when drafting your final submission.

Yes, tables count towards the 5 supplemental visualization or graphics maximum. 

The budget table is not considered supplemental and does not count towards the 5 supplemental visualizations or graphics.

Yes, the budget can be greater than the prize dollar amount given that the description provides adequate detail and indicates that the activities are achievable.

We do not restrict how prize funds are spent, thus we do not have any stipulations on what indirect/overhead/F&A rates should be used or whether your budget should include indirect and/or direct costs.

We recommend teams with questions related to developing a budget review the Official Rules Document where we suggest a budget be provided and list the scoring statements that would be used in the evaluation/scoring process.

The Community Energy Innovation Prize aims to fund organizations for ongoing and/or proposed activities related to climate and clean energy that support, build trust, and strengthen relationships and partnerships with disadvantaged communities.

• Planned activities can extend beyond the scope of the prize duration.
• Planned activities could be new or a continuation/expansion of existing projects.

These are examples of potential activities, and organizations are encouraged to think creatively about specific activities that play to their strengths and serve their communities. 

Projects may extend past the prize timeline. However, robust project plans should include specific deliverables, milestones, or other metrics that demonstrate progress towards goals and overall impact within the timeframe of the prize.

Successful prize submission narratives will demonstrate that the team or organization involved has the capability to successfully implement programs that will achieve one or more of the goals of this prize. Those prize goals can be found in the Official Rules Document.

No. The use of the provided templates is not a requirement, they're just meant as a guide for our expectations of length and content. 

No, if you are a contest winner you are receiving the prize for meeting or exceeding the contest goals.

If you have a question not answered in the FAQ, we recommend that you post it in the Forum where someone will respond to you. This way, others who may have the same question will be able to see it.

You can also email us at communityenergy@nrel.gov.

Q: Why are the cash prize amounts lower for the Collegiate Track than for the Ecosystem Tracks? 

A: The Ecosystem Tracks are intended to support community-led activities, while the Collegiate Track should be led by students at academic institutions.  With the Collegiate Track, DOE aims to inspire and support the next generation of climate leaders to make an impact in their communities and support community-based clean energy transition programs.  

Q: Is there only one partner winning the Grand Prize? 

A: The Grand Prize cash prize will be divided among a number of meritorious winners, as determined by the submission criteria in the IMPACT Phase to be released at a later date. The number of winners could be anywhere from one to ten depending on submission quality. 

In terms of community partners, if a winning team is working with multiple partners it is up to the team to decide how to divide cash prizes. 

Q: What is the timing of each cash prize payout? 

A: Cash prizes are awarded to winning teams as quickly as possible after those winners have been publicly announced, for each phase of the competition. Teams will be informed that they have won a phase, and then payment will be sent to the recipient listed in the submission once required documentation has been completed by the team. 

Q: Our team is working on a project that would fit into this prize, but the cash prizes are not enough to fully fund it. What should we do? 

A: Competitors will need to make individual decisions regarding prize participation based on their specific situations. The cash prizes and in-kind mentorship services from this competition can help support organizations even if they would not be enough to fully fund an initiative. 

Q: For the Collegiate Track, do cash prizes go to the academic institution or the community partner? 

A: In the CONCEPT Phase, cash prizes are awarded to the academic institution. In the PROGRESS and IMPACT Phases, cash prizes are awarded to the community partner(s). 

Q: What parts of the CONCEPT Phase submission are scored? 

A: In the CONCEPT Phase, the scored portions are the video, the narrative, and the evidence of commitment. The prize rules document includes the scoring criteria by which each of the scored items will be evaluated against. 

Q: What is the purpose of Power Connectors? 

A: Power Connectors are organizations subcontracted to support this prize competition. They provide free services to all competitors, such as 1:1 or group office hours, workshops, teaming events, and application review. They can provide feedback and advice regarding team submissions, and they can help teams connect to additional resources and opportunities. 

Power Connectors and their contact information can be found on HeroX here. 

Q: Can Power Connectors help us write our applications? 

A: Power Connectors cannot write applications or provide “red-lining” assistance. They can read applications and provide feedback, suggestions, or advice, but they cannot write any submission materials. 

Q: Can a team apply to the Collegiate Track and one of the Ecosystem Tracks? 

A: Yes. Per the Official Rules, “competitors can submit separately to each prize track but must submit distinct materials with the appropriate activities and budget for each track. If a duplication of scope is noted and the duplicates are meritorious, the Prize Administrator will work with DOE and the prize judge to make a selection between those submissions. Competitors may be selected as a winner for none, one, or multiple prize tracks. Competitors may not compete with multiple projects within a single track.” 

Q: Unlike grant funding, are prize funds awarded after work is completed? If so, do competitors have to take the risk of funding projects upfront?  

A: This prize is structured to award an initial cash prize after the end of CONCEPT Phase, based on submitted project plans, and to award a second cash prize to teams that demonstrate progress towards their submitted plan at the end of the PROGRESS Phase. These structured cash prizes are intended to offset the costs of the teams’ activities as they execute their proposed plans. The final GRAND PRIZE will be awarded to the most meritorious of these participating teams.  

Q: What information shared during the informational webinar is not included in the prize rules document? 

A: The prize rules document is the most comprehensive source to find all information competitors would need to know to participate in the prize. The informational webinar is meant to be a brief high-level overview of what is included in the prize rules document and provide an opportunity for competitors to ask questions. Competitors are encouraged to review the prize rules document closely and use the information included in it to inform their submissions. If there are further questions or information not addressed in the prize rules document, competitors should reach out to communityenergy@nrel.gov. 

Q: For the Collegiate Track, how many winners will there be for each phase of the prize? 

A: For the CONCEPT Phase, there can be up to (or a maximum of) 10 winners. Only CONCEPT Phase winners are eligible to compete in the remaining phases of the prize. For the PROGRESS Phase, there can be up to 10 winners. The GRAND PRIZE cash pool will be divided among a number of meritorious winners, as determined by the submission criteria in the IMPACT Phase, to be released at a later date. The number of winners could be anywhere from one to ten depending on submission quality. 

Q: Academic institutions typically reserve a portion of funds, typically half of the funding received, to pay for university overhead and other indirect costs. How has this been navigated in past prizes where funds go to the academic institution? Do the prize rules prohibit or limit application of overhead/indirect rates? 

A: The prize rules do not have any restrictions on or requirements of the prize funds, including any overhead or indirect rates. We do not have any stipulations on what indirect/overhead/F&A rates should be used or whether your budget should include indirect and/or direct costs. 

Q: When will we get details on the number of winners for the grand prize and number of potential awards? 

A: The number of potential winners and award amounts for the GRAND PRIZE have not determined at this time and will be announced in the updated rules document released before the PROGRESS and IMPACT Phases.  

Q: Does the Prize money also go to the Community Partner for the Clean Energy and Manufacturing Ecosystem tracks? 

A: The Community Partner is a requirement of competitors participating in the Collegiate Track. The Clean Energy and Manufacturing Ecosystem Tracks have different requirements. The prize rules document includes the eligibility and teaming requirements for each track. 

Q: What are the targeted applicants differences between collegiate and other two tracks? Can the college staff attend the other two tracks or the other two tracks are mainly for the industries? 

A: The Collegiate Track is for students supported by a faculty advisor. Universities and academic institutions may also participate in the other two tracks, as long as their proposed activities are in line with the objectives and criteria described in those tracks. 

Q: Are we able to combine two or more of the prize goals in a single project or initiative? 

A: Yes, you can combine as many prize goals in your project or initiative as you would like.  

Q: Are tribal organizations eligible for the prize? 

A: Yes. Be sure to check the full eligibility requirements listed in the official rules document. 

Q: How is “disadvantaged community” defined for this prize? 

A: We are using the DOE Justice40's definition for disadvantaged community. https://www.energy.gov/diversity/justice40-initiative 

Essentially there are 2 definitions: (1) geographic and (2) common condition of community.  

For the “geographic” definition of community, pursuant to the Interim Implementation Guidance and OMB guidance M-23-09, DOE recognizes as disadvantaged those census tracts identified by the White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), which you can view on the Justice40 website. 

For the “common condition” definition of community, federally recognized tribal lands and U.S. territories are categorized as disadvantaged in accordance with OMB’s Interim Implementation Guidance. 

Q: The Manufacturing Track appears to have some overlap with another prize competition through American-Made. Can an eligible entry apply to both? 

A: Yes, as long as a team follows the eligibility and submission requirements listed in a prize competition, a project can be submitted to as many prizes as is applicable. 

Q: How do you define “capacity building”? 

A: This term has a broad definition, but may include increasing staffing, programming, reach, resources, messaging, constituents, input, and more. 

Q: To receive PROGRESS or IMPACT Phase prizes, do we have to apply for and win the CONCEPT Phase first? 

A: Yes, only winners of the CONCEPT Phase will be eligible for the remaining phases of the prize. 

Q: How many Grand Prize winners do you anticipate awarding? 
A: The number has not yet been determined, and we aim to clarify that number when we release the rules for the IMPACT Phase. 

Q: If we have a technology, will you help us connect with a disadvantaged community? Or do we need to have a partner already identified? 
A: The CEI Prize Team cannot help connect competitors, however Power Connectors are an excellent resource for this. You can find their overviews and contact information in the Resources section. You can also post on the Forum if you are looking for specific partners for your project. 

Q: What restrictions or reporting requirements are there on how prize money can be spent? 

A: Cash prizes do not come with restrictions or reporting requirements once paid to the competitor. It is expected that prize money will help advance the initiatives of the winning teams in order to progress further into the prize phases and participate in in-person events. 

Q: My Impact Plan involves manufacturing in one state, however my technology originates from another state. Should I limit the regional coverage to just one state? 

A: We have no restrictions on regional coverage and encourage you to pursue what works best for your concept. 

Q: Is housing rehab for energy efficiency within the clean energy scope? Or is it mainly referring to solar energy and technology-based initiatives? 

A: In general, energy efficiency retrofits are within the scope of clean energy and EERE’s activities. 

Q: We have a technology that fits this prize, but we do not have a manufacturing partner. Do we have to have a current manufacturer on our team to qualify? 

A: You do not have to have a manufacturer partner to qualify, but you should have a partner connected to the manufacturing sector. This organization can be, but is not limited to, a local manufacturer, a manufacturing-specific trade group, association, union, or another entity that can reasonably represent the interests of the manufacturing sector. 

Q: Would a Chief Officer of Manufacturing be eligible? This is someone who works closely with different manufacturers. 

A: Individuals are eligible for this prize, however we encourage applicants to build collaborative teams with connections to disadvantaged communities. Please review the full rules document for additional eligibility requirements. 

Q: Do applicants have to be creating completely new programs? Or could a program that’s already underway but continuing to build capacity be able to apply? 

A: Both new and existing programs are eligible to apply. Competitors will need to demonstrate what they intend to use the prize funds for given the scope of their projects. 

Q: We are a recipient of another American-Made prize competition. Are we still eligible to apply to this prize? 

A: Yes, you can apply if you've received another prize as long as the activities for each prize are distinct and meet the criteria outlined in the rules document 

Q: If the Impact Phase is to demonstrate a completed impact plan, should the scope (and budget) of the proposed impact plan reflect the $200k that a team would get to complete the plan (assuming no additional funds), or is the idea that the original impact plan is just the first phase of a bigger project that receipt of a grand prize would facilitate? 

A: The proposed impact plan should describe anticipated activities that can be carried out with $200K in prize funds from the CONCEPT phase and PROGRESS phase. 

Q: Do the Impact Plan Criteria count as part of the 5,000 word limit for the narrative? 

A: No, the written criteria are meant to guide the competitor’s responses and do not count towards the word limit. 

Q: Do we have to use the provided templates? 

A: No, but they help organize your submission to ensure you are responding to each criterion. 

Q: Do all team members have to join the team on the HeroX platform? 

A: No, at least one team member has to have a profile on HeroX to upload the submission. 

Q: Are the applications rolling, or will they be evaluated at the end of the application period? 

A: Applications for the Ecosystem Tracks are due on February 2, 2024 5pm ET and competitors will not be able to submit past that date and time. All submitted applications will be reviewed once the application period is closed. 

Q: Do words and graphics on the cover page count against the word/graphic limits on the narrative? 

A: The cover page is a separate document from the Impact Plan. The list of items needed on the cover page (and for all required submission materials) are in the rules document. The Impact Plan cannot exceed 5,000 words and may include up to 5 supporting visuals or graphics. 

Q: How do we connect with Power Connectors to get submission feedback prior to submitting? How do we know which ones to reach out to? 

A: You can find overviews and contact information for each Power Connector in the Resources section. You are free to select any number to contact, based on your situation and needs. 

Q: If we are not explicitly an energy organization, but rather a community organization working to adopt cleaner energy practices, can we still apply? 

A: Yes. Be sure to check the full eligibility requirements listed in the official rules document. 

Q: Can any one team member serve on multiple teams, and/or submit more than one application so long as they are different projects? 

A: Yes. There are no restrictions against participating in multiple projects.  

Q: Can a prize program enhance a different federal program (such as REAP, Community Facilities (USDA), LPO, IRA tax credits, etc.)? 

A: There are no DOE restrictions on the use of prize funds, unlike with a grant or cooperative agreement. However progressing through the prize phases will include an assessment of how prize funds have been utilized in furthering the goals of the prize, and teams are encouraged to ensure that prize funds maximize the impact of prize related activities. 

Q: Are Power Connectors briefed/trained on the scoring criteria so their feedback would be impactful for our proposals. 

A: Yes. 

Q: Can the same team submit ideas to the same or separate tracks for multiple ideas? 

A: Competitors can submit separately to each prize track but must submit distinct materials with the appropriate activities and budget for each track. If a duplication of scope is noted and the duplicates are meritorious, the Prize Administrator will work with DOE and the prize judge to make a selection between those submissions. Competitors may also submit more than one entry within a track but each entry must be distinct 

Q: Can you review what deliverables are required after the CONCEPT Phase is won in order to receive the PROGRESS Phase $100,000 prize award?  As well as the $10,000 and grand prize for the IMPACT Phase? 

A: The rule documents for the PROGRESS and IMPACT Phases will be released at the start of those phases. 

Q: Are there conflict of interest disqualifications in the rules? 

A: Please see the eligibility section of the rules for full descriptions that you can apply to your individual situation. 

Q: Through applying for this prize do we have to forfeit any ownership over a concept or intellectual property? 

A: No, no concept of intellectual property ownership needs to be forfeited.