Grant Process FAQs
For complete information about the latest Request for Proposals, go to
RFP Postings
under the Environmental and Economic Research
and Development Program Quick Links.
What is the purpose of the Intent to Propose form, and do I need to submit one?
EERD asks for an Intent to Propose form to confirm whether a potential project fits within the one or more of the Research Areas of Interest, and also if it meets the general funding requirements as stated in the RFP. This is the only evaluation made from this form. Applicants will receive a response within a day advising them whether or not to send a full proposal. No applicant’s proposal will be considered if they have not sent the Intent to Propose form by the advertised deadline.How detailed a project description is needed for the Intent to Propose form?
EERD needs to know how the proposed project fits within the research interest areas and general RFP requirements. Therefore, the Intent to Propose form should provide a brief general description of the project’s intent and method that clearly addresses this question.Who needs to authorize the Intent to Propose form?
The "authorization" line is provided on the form for organizations that require authorization for outgoing research proposals. The EERD program does not require an authorizing signature.Can in-kind services be included in the 25% matching funds?
Yes. However, they must be recorded in equivalent dollars on the budget form. For example, if designating labor as an in-kind service, the amount would be expressed in dollars as the total number of hours times the rate per hour
What format should I use to submit my full proposal?
The reviewers will be accessing the proposals electronically in order to evaluate them. We therefore request they be submitted as Microsoft Word or pdf files accessible with Acrobat reader. Electronic letters of reference or support are preferred. If it is necessary to scan hard copy, please make sure it is readable
How long after the proposal due date will the results be announced?
EERD expects the complete proposal evaluation process to require no more than two months.Is there an upper limit on the amount of funding that can be requested?
There is no upper limit within the amount of funding available, but the EERD program goal is to fund as many quality projects, and to include as many program interest areas as possible
How many proposals are funded each year?
There is no predetermined number of projects that will be funded. The program is interested in choosing proposals that meet the requirements of the RFP and represent a broad selection of the program interest areas.
See the list of proposals selected in past years:
Do you fund projects that take more than one year to complete?
Yes. Multi-year projects will be considered for funding. Proposals must provide budget details by year.
What maximum percentage of project overhead do you allow?
The maximum overhead designated for these grant funds is 15 percent.
What is the origin of the funding? Does any of it come from the federal government?
The EERD program is part of the Wisconsin Focus on Energy program. Its funding is a portion of the money collected by Wisconsin utilities from their rate paying customers through designated utility bill charge. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin administers the funds through Focus on Energy programs that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and research on the environmental and economic impacts of energy use in Wisconsin. There are no federal funds involved in the EERD program.