Funding

Financial support from the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment reaches beyond the science labs and test plots at the University of Minnesota. IREE-funded research has resulted in numerous partnerships, patents and disclosures, as well as extensive publication in international science journals. Funding for IREE is legislatively mandated from Xcel Energy’s Renewable Development Fund. See the Legislative Intent Language for details.

Search the Projects Database for information on IREE-funded projects.
Read the Funding Principles that guide IREE investment decisions.
Skim the Frequently Asked Questions on IREE Requests for Proposals.

Large Grants

IREE Large Grants help launch potentially transformative projects in emerging fields of energy and the environment. For the 2009 program, IREE awarded $4.85 million to seven projects. Large Grant pre-proposals are due Dec. 1, 2009.

Request for proposals (pdf)
Grant cover page (doc)
IREE budget form (xls)

Seed Grants

IREE Seed Grants support high-risk, high-potential projects in the initial stages of development. For the 2009 program, IREE selected 12 projects to receive more than $745,000 in funding. Seed Grant proposals are due Feb. 2, 2009.

Request for proposals (pdf)
Grant cover page (doc)
IREE budget form (xls)

Early Career Grants

IREE Early Career Grants enable faculty in the early stages of their careers to launch or accelerate innovative research programs consistent with IREE’s mission. Early Career Grant pre-proposals are due Dec. 1, 2009.

Request for proposals (pdf)
Grant cover page (doc)
IREE budget form (xls)

Matching Grants

IREE Matching Grants help leverage significant new or expanded efforts within clusters. These grants are awarded continuously throughout the fiscal year based on merit and availability of funds.

Matching grants program info (pdf)
Matching grants proposal format (pdf)
Matching grants cover page (pdf)
Matching grants cover page (doc)