Texas Energy Innovation Fund
Supporting innovative, community-driven energy solutions that improve affordability, strengthen resilience, expand access to energy technologies, and build workforce capacity across Texas.
About the Fund
A community-focused grantmaking initiative.
The Texas Energy Innovation Fund is a community-focused grantmaking initiative made possible by Google’s Energy Impact Program and administered by the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI).
The Fund supports innovative projects near Google’s data centers that improve energy affordability, strengthen community resilience, expand access to energy technologies, and build workforce capacity here in Texas.
Program Goals
What the Fund sets out to do.
Improve Energy Affordability
Support solutions that lower energy costs and reduce the energy burden for households and communities.
Strengthen Community Resilience
Help communities prepare for and withstand extreme weather and other energy-related disruptions.
Expand Access to Energy Solutions
Increase access to clean, reliable, and innovative energy technologies and community energy resources.
Build Workforce Capacity
Invest in education, training, and career pathways to strengthen the energy workforce.
Eligibility
The Texas Energy Innovation Fund supports projects that improve energy affordability, strengthen resilience, expand access to energy technologies, and build workforce capacity across Texas.
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet both Organizational Eligibility and Geographic Eligibility requirements.
Organizational Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an eligible applicant organization as defined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
- Be legally authorized to enter into a grant agreement.
- Demonstrate the organizational and financial capacity to successfully implement the proposed project.
- Be in good standing and not suspended or debarred from receiving federal, state, or local funding.
- Projects must primarily benefit eligible communities within the Fund’s designated geographic service area.
For complete applicant eligibility requirements, please refer to the Request for Proposals (RFP).
Geographic Eligibility
Projects must primarily benefit communities located within the Fund’s designated geographic service area as shown in the map. Eligible counties are organized into three priority tiers based on the Fund’s priorities.
How to Apply
The Energy Innovation Fund utilizes a two-step application process designed to encourage participation from organizations of all sizes while allowing applicants to further develop promising project concepts prior to submitting a Full Proposal.
Applicants will first submit an Initial Project Concept that provides a concise overview of the proposed project, the community need or opportunity being addressed, and its alignment with the goals of the Energy Innovation Fund. Following an initial review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a Full Proposal containing detailed organizational, project, budget, and supporting information.
Initial Project Concept Submission
The Initial Project Concept is intended to provide a concise overview of a proposed project and its potential alignment with the Energy Innovation Fund.
Applicants must provide:
- Organization name
- Primary contact information
- Organization type
- Project title
- Estimated funding request
- Geographic area served
- Brief Project Concept, maximum 1–2 pages, describing:
- The community need or opportunity being addressed
- The proposed project or solution
- The population or community expected to benefit
- How the project aligns with the goals of the Energy Innovation Fund
Project Concepts will be reviewed by TEPRI to determine whether applicants will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.
Link to ApplicationFull Proposal
Applicants whose Project Concepts successfully advance through the initial review process will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.
Invited applicants will be required to provide detailed information in the following areas:
- Organization Information
- Project Description
- Project Budget
- Organizational Financial Information
- Supporting Documentation
Invited applicants will receive templates and guidance for developing their application. Receiving an invitation to submit a Full Proposal does not guarantee funding.
Application Process Overview
Resources
Helpful tools and information to support you throughout the Energy Innovation Fund application process. Check back often—new resources will be added throughout the funding cycle.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Review the official Energy Innovation Fund Request for Proposals, including eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application instructions, evaluation criteria, and award information.
View Resource →Project Concept Template
The template used to prepare and submit your Initial Project Concept. Download it, complete the requested information, and upload it with your application.
Download File ↓Info Session Webinar
Missed the October 8 info session? Watch the recording and review the slides for a walkthrough of how to apply, the Fund’s goals, and answers to applicant questions.
Download Slides ↓FAQ
Who can apply?
What types of projects are eligible?
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Heat pumps
- Smart appliances and thermostats
- Demand response technologies
- Weatherization projects
- Home-based residential solar and battery systems
- Community solar projects
- Resilience hubs equipped with solar and storage
- Innovative energy technologies
- Energy-related workforce development and training
These examples are illustrative and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of eligible projects.
Can this Fund support feasibility studies for energy efficiency?
Where can projects be located?
Priority Counties: Armstrong, Ellis, Haskell, Wilbarger
Other eligible counties: Baylor, Briscoe, Callahan, Carson, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Cottle, Dallas, Donley, Eastland, Erath, Fisher, Foard, Gray, Hall, Hardeman, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hutchinson, Jack, Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, King, Knox, Mitchell, Moore, Navarro, Nolan, Potter, Parker, Randall, Roberts, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Swisher, Tarrant, Taylor, Throckmorton, Wheeler, Wichita, Wise, Young
Are there project opportunities outside the geographic region highlighted in the eligibility section?
How much funding is available?
Is matching funding required?
Can an organization submit more than one application?
How are applications evaluated?
When are funding decisions made?
Where can I find the application and program materials?
Is there technical assistance available to help me complete my proposal and my project?
Can TEPRI help connect my organization with local partner organizations?
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Contact Us
We’re here to help. Whether you have questions about eligibility, the application process, funding priorities, or requirements, our team is available to assist you throughout the Texas Energy Innovation Fund application process.
Please feel free to contact the appropriate team member below.
Initial Project Concept Application
Please enter the following information to submit your initial project concept to the Energy Innovation Fund. The TEPRI staff will reach out within 3 business days with next steps for the review process.
Download the Project Concept Template below, complete it, and upload the finished file with your application form.
Full Proposal: a separate application, available by invitation only. The link is sent directly to invited applicants and is intentionally not published on the site to avoid accidental submissions.