The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now accepting applications for competitive grants under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). DOE will award $454 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act through its Retrofit Ramp-up Program and General Innovation Fund.

The Retrofit Ramp-up Program is designed for innovative programs that are structured to provide whole-neighborhood building energy retrofits. DOE expects to make between eight and 20 awards, ranging from $5-75 million.

The General Innovation Fund is for cities, counties and state-recognized Indian Tribes which were not eligible to receive population-based formula grant allocations from DOE under the EECBG. DOE expects to make between 15 and 60 grants, with the amounts ranging from $1-5 million.

For additional program information visit the DOE's Web site.  

The funding opportunity announcement can also be viewed on the DOE's Web site. 

Applications are being accepted online through Dec. 14, 11:59 p.m., EST. DOE requests a voluntary letter of intent to apply by Nov. 19.