$3.0M
per applicant
Grant
Cash award, application-based
Rolling
No fixed cutoff
Rolling
Or check for open cycles
Extensive
Detailed federal app
Supports regional innovation ecosystems through two tracks: Venture Challenge (scale startups) and Capital Challenge (build investment infrastructure). Grants of $500K–$3M awarded to universities, nonprofits, and governments.
Do I qualify?
Answer the questions below to get an instant self-assessment of your fit for this program. This is informational — final determinations are made by the administering agency.
1.Applicant must be a US university, non-profit, state/local government, or tribal entity
2.Project must support scalable entrepreneurs or strengthen regional investment networks
3.Venture Challenge: support startups transitioning from R&D to commercial scale
4.Capital Challenge: build mentor networks, angel groups, or early-stage fund access
5.Cost-share of 50% required from non-federal sources
6.Applications accepted through annual notice of funding opportunity (NOFO)
IRS · United States
Allows businesses to deduct up to $5.65/sq ft for commercial buildings achieving significant energy savings through improvements to HVAC, lighting, and building envelope systems. IRA expanded the deduction and allowed non-profits and government to allocate it.
LPO · United States
Offers federal loan guarantees for innovative clean energy projects that struggle to access conventional financing. Supports first-of-kind commercial-scale projects in renewable energy, storage, advanced nuclear, and industrial decarbonization.
CDFI Fund · United States
Attracts private investment into low-income communities by allowing investors to receive a 39% federal tax credit over 7 years on investments made through certified Community Development Entities (CDEs).