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Unlocking Elective Pay: How to apply
Application timeline:
This is a competitive, one-time funding opportunity. All applicants must complete a two-step application process, beginning with a required concept paper. Only those invited through this process may submit a full application.
Key Dates:
- Concept Papers Posted: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Concept Papers Due: 11:59 PM EST, Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Concept Paper Feedback Provided & Full Application Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2025
- Full Applications Due: 11:59 PM EST, Sunday, November 3, 2025.
How to Apply:
Step 1: Concept Paper Submission (Required)
All applicants must first submit a concept paper that outlines the proposed project, key partners, and anticipated impact. This step allows the State of Michigan to assess alignment with the MI Healthy Climate Challenge goals and offer constructive feedback to strengthen full applications.
- Concept papers must be submitted online by 11:59 PM EST, Sunday, September 1, 2025.
- Only concept papers that receive one of the following responses will be invited to submit a full application:
- Encouraged to apply
- Encouraged to apply (with amendments)
Applicants receiving a response of "encouraged to apply (with amendments)" will receive feedback from the State.
Step 2: Full Application Submission (By Invitation Only)
Applicants who are invited to proceed will be eligible to submit a full online application beginning Tuesday, September 15, 2025.
- Only those who receive an “encouraged” designation based on their concept paper will be considered for funding.
- Applications must be submitted using the Online Application Form no later than 11:59 PM EST, Sunday, November 3, 2025.
- Required fields will be marked with an asterisk (*), and all supporting materials must be uploaded directly in the form.
- View the concept paper
Please submit to EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov with the subject line: MHC Challenge#2 Concept Paper Submission (ORGANIZATION NAME)
Information Required for Application Submission
- Concept Paper
- Online Application (Please note: The official application will open on Tuesday, September 15, 2025, and must be submitted through the designated online portal. A static version is available for reference only. Applications submitted before the opening date will not be accepted.)
- Approved Budget Form (This document will be available on Tuesday, September 15, 2025 when the official application opens.)
- Project Timeline Template (This document will be available on Tuesday, September 15, 2025 when the official application opens.)
- Price estimates or quotes for the proposed project [if applicable]
- Most recent copy of the A-133 or outside audit OR the most recent financial statements (balance sheet and income statement). Applicants that receive cumulative federal funding of over $750,000, or that receive a single state award over $500,000 are required to provide an A-133 single audit [if applicable]
Note: The State of Michigan recognizes that federal clean energy tax credits will be phased out according to the recently passed Congressional reconciliation bill. This Challenge is intended to support the near-term uptake of credits and EGLE will adapt program requirements if needed based on federal guidance.
Projects funded through the Challenge that are later impacted by federal changes will not have their grant funding rescinded. Clean energy projects are vital to a healthy, more climate-resilient future in Michigan and this Challenge will support those projects.