Small community grants program

Grant Levels

Grants are awarded at one of three levels: $5,000, $15,000, or $30,000. The program will remain active during the development and construction phase of the Empire Wind 1 project until the project delivers first power to Brooklyn later this decade.

Who Can Apply?

Exclusions

The Program will not fund organizations without a 501(c)(3) status or a comparable fiscal sponsor, or activities that are political, sectarian, or contradict Equinor’s values. The program does not fund faith-based organizations, political candidate campaigns, conferences or events, donations or event sponsorships, or initiatives limited to the construction of buildings or infrastructure.

Funds may not benefit public officials, government entities or key decision makers when such parties may become involved in discretionary decisions that relate to Equinor.

How to apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions are made twice each year. Please note that only one proposal from an organization will be considered within a given year.

Program applications are made up of:

• Proposal Summary: Provide a concise overview of your organization and the proposed project. 
• Detailed Proposal Narrative (4-page maximum): Detail your project’s objectives, implementation strategy, expected outcomes, alignment with our priority areas, as well as overview of past success. 
• Organization Budget: Outline your organization’s current operating budget. 
• Project Budget: Provide a detailed budget for the project for which you are seeking funding. 
• Proof of 501(c)(3) Status: Include a copy of your IRS determination letter or equivalent documentation for fiscal sponsors.

Successful applicants will receive a portion of the payment upon award and the rest upon completion of the report capturing their project’s impact. A member of the Equinor team will coordinate with grant recipients to review project progress of a “final report” during project period. This review may include a midpoint check in or a site visit, as appropriate.

Success Stories- Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Small Community Grants Program?
   The Empire Wind Small Community Grants Program provides funding to support local communities through projects that offer social and environmental benefits, enhance existing programs, and promote the offshore wind industry.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
   Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or a comparable fiscal sponsor are eligible. Organizations must have been in operation for 5 years or more for existing programs active for 2 years or more. Exceptions may be made for new offshore wind-related programs on a case-by-case basis.
3. What size grants are available and for how much can my organization apply?
   Grants are awarded at three levels: $5,000, $15,000, or $30,000. Organizations can apply for funding for up to two consecutive years for a maximum total of $60,000.
4. How often are grants awards made?
   While grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, grants will be awarded twice each year.
5. How long will the Small Community Grants Program be active?
   The Small Community Grants Program is a short-term initiative that seeks to support local communities throughout Empire Wind’s development phase and is intended to provide grant funding until the project delivers its first power into the electrical grid later this decade. This is a voluntary social investment and Empire Wind reserves the right to change or end the program at any point.
6. How often can organizations apply?
   Only one proposal per organization will be considered in a calendar year. If successful applicants have received funding for two consecutive years, they must take a one-year break before reapplying.
7. How are applications reviewed?
   Applications are reviewed by a panel which assesses the proposal based on specific goals, objectives, action plans, and success measures. The review process ensures that the projects align with the program’s priorities and have a clear path for implementation and evaluation.
   
   A selection panel composed of project team members and local leaders will meet twice annually to review proposals and make funding decisions. Program Proposals will be included in the next round of selection committee meetings available following submission.
8. When can I apply?
   Proposals are accepted rolling year-round and grant award decisions are made in the spring and fall each year. The deadline for each decision period is October 25th for fall decisions and then March 21st for spring decisions.
9. How is the award disbursed?
   Successful applicants will receive a portion of the payment upon award and the remainder upon completing a final project impact report.