MRES has compiled an extensive list of resources members can use to learn more about the funds available, grant-writing best practices, application guidance and announcements, grant compliance and post-award management, and links to state and federal websites for more specific information.
If you have questions or require more information, contact Member Programs Coordinator Amy Collins at amy.collins@mrenergy.com or 605-838-6490.
Tips to Get You Started
Resources and Tips for Grant Writing
Below are two presentations from Baker Tilly's "Utility University" webinar series:
- Maximizing federal funding opportunities for utilities
- Federal grant compliance and post-award management
Additional Grant-Writing Resources
First-time applicants can understandably feel daunted by the task of applying for a federal funding opportunities. Here are some additional resources to help you get started with grant writing:
A Guide for Local Governments
The Urban Sustainability Directors Network, in partnership with Climate Mayors and C40 Cities has created this resource guide that provides insights, lessons learned, best practices, along with challenges and pitfalls faced by local governments seeking federal funding.
Educational Webinar Recordings
The grant landscape has changed, and many MRES members have questions about how to find, research and apply for grants at the federal and state levels. To address these questions, MRES partnered with experts from Baker Tilly in December 2025 to host an educational webinar to help members better understand the grant process and how to find and win federal, state and private grants.
To access the one-hour webinar recording and corresponding slide deck, please click the links below.
Below are some additional webinar recordings from The Ferguson Group on basic grant writing strategies.
Session 1 – Grants 101 Training
This session includes an overview of the federal grants landscape, required registrations, searching for federal grants and strategically positioning projects ahead of a solicitation.
Session 2 – Grant Writing
This session includes an overview of common grant narrative elements, as well as tips and tricks for writing and submitting a competitive grant application.
Federal Grant Information
Finding Federal Grant Opportunities
- Grants.gov — Create an account and search for federal grant opportunities and sign up for email notifications regarding grant announcements.
- Click here to learn more about DOE funding opportunities and how to apply on energy.gov.
State-Specific Grant Information
Below are two user-friendly websites where state-specific funding opportunities and helpful information can be found:
- Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) — This website compiles information on state grants, loans, tax credits, rebates and other incentives, and the website’s database is searchable by state, incentive type and program name.
- Alternative Fuels Data Center — This site is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy and allows users to select and view each state’s laws and incentives related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.
Iowa
MRES member utilities and communities in Iowa can find, research and apply for state grants using the links below:
- IowaGrants.gov — This is Iowa's main website for finding and applying for grants from different state agencies.
- Iowa Energy Grants & Funding | Economic Development & Finance Authority — Explore grants and funding opportunities for Iowa communities to improve energy and invest in energy-efficient strategies.
- Iowa Energy & Infrastructure Funding Hub — The hub provides key information on energy and infrastructure-related federal funding opportunities, and you can also subscribe to their newsletter on federal funding updates that impact the state.
Minnesota
MRES member utilities and communities in Minnesota can find, research and apply for state grants using the links below:
- MN Grants — This website provides a single entry point to Minnesota grant opportunities.
- Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Funding Opportunities — The state regularly updates this webpage with state and federal opportunities for energy funding:
- New energy programs — Bookmark this page for future reference!
- Sign up for email updates from the MN DOC.
North Dakota
MRES member utilities and communities in North Dakota can find, research and apply for state grants using the links below:
- North Dakota Community Services — This website has a number of pages for each state office that includes grant program opportunities and announcements; some examples are below:
- Energy Efficiency Office — Energy conservation grants, energy-efficiency grants and loans, state energy program, etc.
- NDCS grant programs — Workforce development, community services, economic development and finance, etc.
- ND Development Fund — The state makes investments of up to $3 million through innovative financing mechanisms including direct loans, participation loans, and subordinated debt and equity investments.
- Community Development and Rural Prosperity (CDRP) grant programs
South Dakota
MRES member utilities and communities in South Dakota can find, research and apply for funding opportunities at the links below:
- South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) financing and incentives — Choose from a list of grants and loans on this webpage to meet your needs. Whether you are looking for working capital, workforce training money or a low-interest loan, GOED can help. Some examples are below:
- Local Infrastructure Improvement — This program provides grants to municipalities, counties or other political subdivisions to construct or reconstruct public infrastructure associated with an economic development project.
- Workforce Development — This grant helps fund training for new and existing employees that require additional skills as the result of company growth.
- South Dakota Air Quality – Clean Diesel Program — The SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has some environmentally focused opportunities that could apply to renewables, EVs, etc.
- SD Public Utilities Commission resources — This website has some resources available for renewable energy and energy-efficiency tax incentives and programs.
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