The Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office is accepting annual applications for community action agencies, nonprofits and public entities to join the federally funded NC Weatherization Assistance Program’s network of subgrantees for State Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY26). Subgrantees install energy conservation measures in eligible low-income homes across the entire state to reduce energy burden and carbon emissions.
Application information is available here. Applications will be accepted until 12 p.m., Feb. 17, 2025. Selected subgrantees will be announced via public notice no later than March 27, 2025, and incorporated into the FY26 NC Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan effective July 1, 2025.
Competitive Process
This is the first time DEQ has engaged in a competitive application process for the NC Weatherization Assistance Program. The state has decided to make this process competitive to ensure low-income residents:
Have equitable access to subgrantees that consistently meet program objectives, deliver high-quality work products, and exhibit excellent customer service.
Benefit from competition among potential subgrantees, ensuring the most effective entities are awarded to serve local communities.
Are served by subgrantees that value programmatic accountability, integrity, and stewardship of federal funds.
Receive services that will include single-family and multi-family dwellings.
Current subgrantees must apply to be considered for the FY26 Weatherization Assistance Program.
Historical service areas will likely change for the FY26 program year. Applicants may propose one or more counties they would like to designate as their service region. Based on the information provided in the applications, the state will create new service regions to maximize programmatic impacts. As stated in the federally approved State Plan, the NC Weatherization Assistance Program Manager will ensure that all 100 counties receive an equitable distribution of funding and services.
Applications will be reviewed by an Evaluation Committee who will assess each application on its demonstrated strengths and weaknesses. Based on federal regulations, applicants who possess a successful track record in administering an effective weatherization program will receive preference.
Question and Answer Period
Questions about the application can be submitted via the formal Question Portal until 2:00 p.m., Jan. 3, 2025. Submitted questions will be answered on a rolling basis on the DEQ website, with all answers posted no later than 2:00 p.m., Jan. 10, 2025.
Applicants must use this question portal and may not use other mediums of communication to contact DEQ while the application period is open. This structure is designed to afford all applicants equitable access to information and provides a vehicle for the Weatherization Assistance Program to disseminate consistent information.
Application Assistance for Organizations Impacted by Hurricane Helene
For organizations in Western NC that were impacted by Hurricane Helene and physically located in a county included in the FEMA disaster declaration, DEQ is partnering with Land of Sky Regional Council to provide application assistance at no cost to the applicant. To access this assistance please contact Erin Hughes, Project Manager, Land of Sky Regional Council at Erin@landofsky.org by January 3, 2025.