School Energy Efficiency Development (SEED) Grant Program

A competitive matching grant program to advance energy efficiency projects for New Hampshire’s public schools.

SEED Grant Program History:

Since the 1970s, the United States Department of Energy’s (USDOE) State Energy Program (SEP) has allocated a formula grant to states to encourage and facilitate state programs to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, and increase energy affordability. In 2018, the former New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives used this federal funding to create the SEED Grant Program, a competitive matching grant program that provides funding to advance energy efficiency projects for public schools in small communities. These projects have a dual benefit in providing a safer, healthier learning environment for students and reducing a school’s energy usage and operating costs to provide a direct financial benefit to school district budgets and local property taxpayers.

The SEED Grant Program has awarded funding on an annual basis since 2018 and has been successful in completing four energy efficiency projects for public schools in Hill, Lempster, New Boston, and Litchfield. $335,000 has been awarded since the program’s creation. These funds have resulted in a combined annual savings of more than $65,000, 335,945 kWh, and more than 5,200 gallons of heating fuel. The program is currently overseen by SEP staff within the New Hampshire Department of Energy (NHDOE).

SEED Grant Program Information:

NHDOE accepts program applications after formally posting a Request for Proposals (RFP), which typically takes place each year between May and July. Applications seek funding to complete energy efficiency projects such as the installation of LED lighting or insulation material. Specific program eligibility, program criteria, and other information can be found in the RFP once posted. 

NHDOE issues a separate RFP for a qualified technical monitor. The technical monitor performs ongoing monitoring and inspection of a funded project to ensure compliance with program guidelines on NHDOE’s behalf until the project is completed.

Program RFPs are posted at the following link:

SEED Grant Program Success Stories:

SEED Grant Program Solicitation of Written Comment: