CFI grants provide funding to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure in communities and along designated transportation corridors. These grants support the development of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging or alternative fueling infrastructure, assistance for operating costs, and the implementation of traffic control devices. CFI projects must address environmental justice. (See below for an alternative opportunity on this grant.) Download the grant summary here.
Bootcamp Structure
Courses
Peer Learning Sessions (Webinars): Interactive sessions featuring Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the policy and grant approach, followed by smaller sessions for peer discussions
Coaching Sessions: Smaller sessions that continue to build on specific application questions identified in the peer learning session
Office Hours (Consultant Meetings): Support in the form of designated time slots with our SMEs and your team to address specific questions about your grant application
Support
Navigator Team: Our Navigator team is available to help answer the following kinds of questions:
- Bootcamp timelines
- Bootcamp schedules
- Participation expectations
Our Navigator for this grant is Jan Mangana. She can be reached at [email protected].
Prepare for Success
Download the full outline of the bootcamp schedule, goals, and key steps to ensure you are ready to attend the following courses and successfully prepare and submit your grant application.
Modules and Resources
Module 1
Orientation and Grant Overview:
Cities will be introduced to the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program and the federal grant process. Cities will also receive an overview of the bootcamp content and structure.
Module 2
Charging and Fueling Round 1
Cities will identify trends from the FY2023 CFI program, particularly the priorities and successful projects. Cities will also begin designing potential project ideas.
Module 3
Managing Partnerships
Cities will understand how to approach other cities and potential partners to emphasize a regional approach to their project idea. Cities will also discuss site planning necessary for EV infrastructure.
Module 4
Engaging the Community
Cities will learn about how to effectively engage with their communities and devise an asset map to build a community narrative.
Module 5
Incorporating Data
Cities will gain familiarity with data collection tools and analysis methods for understanding barriers to equity in their community. Cities will dissect the NOFO (either the FY24 or FY23 version depending on the NOFO release date) and utilize data to cover required topics.
Additional Resources
Module 6
Building a Narrative
Cities will develop the story of their city through the information gained from previous modules. Cities will draft a sample narrative that can provide readers with a deep insight of the community and the importance of the EV project.
Module 7
Funding Cycle and Budgeting
Cities will understand the CFI program funding cycle, analyze the funding formula and matching requirements, and develop a draft project budget.
Module 8
Planning for Grant Applications & Capacity Building
Cities will identify best practices for developing a compelling grant narrative and how to demonstrate capability of carrying out the project in a competent manner and in compliance with all applicable laws. Cities understand the next steps in positioning themselves competitively for grant application opportunities.
