MassCEC Empower Grant
AEC has received funding from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to provide up to 5 pro bono analyses, research, or detailed reports for Environmental Justice (EJ) groups and Community Based Organizations representing the needs of energy-burdened communities, Priority Groups—such as EJ communities and renters—and other underserved populations in Massachusetts. The goal of accepted projects must be to reduce energy burdens or expand energy access for these communities and priority populations of interest.
The MassCEC EmPower Grant is a vital funding program designed to champion and finance clean energy projects with a primary focus on addressing the unique needs of underserved populations within the state of Massachusetts. These grants play a crucial role in advancing equitable access to the benefits of clean energy for all residents, irrespective of socioeconomic status, language proficiency, or housing situation. Please visit https://www.masscec.com/program/empower-massachusetts for more information about the MassCEC EmPower Program.
Application Requirements:
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria
Location: Applicant organizations must be based in Massachusetts.
Community-Based Organizations: Eligible applicants should be community-based organizations advancing clean energy and addressing environmental justice (EJ) issues. This includes organizations focused on Massachusetts EJ populations, renters, or communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards.
Expertise Alignment: The specific expert services needed should align with the skills and expertise of AEC. Applicants are encouraged to review AEC's website for alignment.
Project Liaison: Each applicant organization should designate an individual, such as a AEC staff member or board member, as their project liaison for the proposed work.
Pro-Bono Assistance: Groups eligible for pro-bono assistance should be actively engaged in projects aimed at reducing energy burdens or expanding energy access for the communities of interest mentioned above.
Examples of viable projects
• Benefits of Net Zero Buildings for the Town of Bedford
• Energy Storage Benefit-Cost Analysis
• Impact of Refinery Row on the City of Corpus Christi
To apply, please submit a 1-2 page cover letter to probonofund@aeclinic.org with the following:
(1) Clearly identify how your organization works to advance clean energy and/or environmental justice in Massachusetts.
(2) Identify the specific expert services your organization is requesting from AEC. If you are unsure, please review the examples of viable projects above or reach out with questions.
(3) Identify what the use of the work is for.
(4) Designate an individual from your organization to be the project-liaison.