Availability of REACH Funds Announced

The Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance, announced the availability of funds under the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) Option Program for 2006. Applications for the REACH funds are due on or before July 14, 2006 .  

It will continue to be a competitive grant program for state, tribal and territorial LIHEAP grantees to provide innovative projects to help low-income households reduce their energy vulnerability, which includes heating and cooling costs. This year the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is interested in receiving proposals that address the health and safety risks of vulnerable households who lack adequate heating and cooling in their homes. Vulnerable households include those with young children, persons with disabilities or frail/elderly individuals. HHS will add five extra points in the final evaluation for proposals meeting this need.  

Applications must follow requirements of the LIHEAP statute, Section 2607B and Action Transmittal 06-03.

A total of $6,738,187 is available for grants under the REACH AT, including supplemental grants for energy conservation education activities. OCS plans to award up to six grants under Priority Area 1.0 for REACH projects of $500,000 to $1 million each. For Priority 2.0 applicants, OCS plans to award four to six grants for projects of $50,000 to $150,000.  

Examples of previous REACH grants, including evaluations, are available at: http://www.ncat.org/liheap/clntself.htm

Page Last Updated: July 9, 2008