ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Award Range
- Not published by the agency
- Deadline
- Varies by FOA (Multiple Per Year)
- Time Remaining
- Several funding announcements a year, each with its own close date. Check the current announcements on the program page.
- CFDA Number
- 81.135
The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Energy (DOE). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application before the close date in the current funding announcement.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
US universities, national labs, large and small businesses, nonprofits, state and local governments, and consortia. Foreign entities may participate as subrecipients only. All projects must be performed in the United States.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Energy programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit before the close date in the current funding announcement; late applications are usually rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects |
| Funding Agency | Department of Energy (DOE) |
| CFDA Number | 81.135 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | Not published |
| Deadline | Varies by FOA (Multiple Per Year) |
| Category | Energy |
| Matching Required | Yes, and it is set in each funding opportunity. In ARPA-E's standard rules (stated in DE-FOA-0003303): under a Cooperative Agreement or Grant, the Prime Recipient must provide at least 20% of the Total Project Cost as cost share. A domestic educational institution or domestic nonprofit applying as a Standalone Applicant is required to provide at least 5%. Small businesses may provide 0% cost share for the first 12 months of the project; if the project continues, at least 10% of the Total Project Cost will be required. An other transaction agreement normally requires a minimum cost share of 50% |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Energy grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects program?
US universities, national labs, large and small businesses, nonprofits, state and local governments, and consortia. Foreign entities may participate as subrecipients only. All projects must be performed in the United States. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects?
The current deadline is varies by foa (multiple per year). Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does ARPA-E Energy Innovation Projects require matching funds?
Yes, and it is set in each funding opportunity. In ARPA-E's standard rules (stated in DE-FOA-0003303): under a Cooperative Agreement or Grant, the Prime Recipient must provide at least 20% of the Total Project Cost as cost share. A domestic educational institution or domestic nonprofit applying as a Standalone Applicant is required to provide at least 5%. Small businesses may provide 0% cost share for the first 12 months of the project; if the project continues, at least 10% of the Total Project Cost will be required. An other transaction agreement normally requires a minimum cost share of 50%. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.