FAQS | REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: BIO-BASED & LOW-CARBON BUILDING PROJECTS

The Clean Fight will soon be investing $750k in grant funding to support projects in New York State integrating bio-based and low-carbon materials, as part of our new program focused on accelerating the adoption of these materials in buildings across the state.

Designing or renovating a building in New York State that could integrate bio-based or low-carbon materials? We're seeking your input. This is your chance to shape the projects we support and our program design – whether you are broadly considering using these materials, or have already identified specific products to deploy.

Please note: We have also released a separate Request for Information for material producers. Those FAQs can be found here.

Explore Frequently Asked Questions regarding our Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) below.

Is this an application for program participation or grant funding? Can we submit more than one project? Can we submit projects that are not located in New York State? What stage should the project be in? If this project has already received grant funding from other entities, can we still apply? Is The Clean Fight grant funding guaranteed for all projects that are accepted into the program? How much grant funding will be available through the program? What is the process and timeline for program participation beyond the RFEI? What is the program timing? If we are a manufacturer of a bio-based product, can we also submit projects to the RFEI? What are the benefits of program participation? Our project is under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA); can we still submit a project idea? Will my responses be kept confidential?

Is this an application for program participation or grant funding?

No, this is not an application for program participation or grant funding. This form is a RFEI that will inform our program design. We expect to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) in Fall 2026 for program participation. Grant applications will be available for program participants in 2027.

Can we submit more than one project?

Yes, please submit as many projects as you would like. Click the “Submit Another Project” button at the end of the form to submit additional project ideas.

Can we submit projects that are not located in New York State?

No. Only projects that are located within New York State are eligible for this program.

What stage should the project be in?

The project can be at any stage where materials are still being considered.

If this project has already received grant funding from other entities, can we still apply?

Yes. Further information about this will be included in the RFP that will be released later this fall.

Is The Clean Fight grant funding guaranteed for all projects that are accepted into the program?

No, grant funding from The Clean Fight is not guaranteed. All projects will be eligible for grant funding. There will be a separate funding application made available to program participants in 2027.

How much grant funding will be available through the program?

The program will provide $750,000 divided among several projects. Our past programs have awarded projects between $25,000 and $150,000.

What is the process and timeline for program participation beyond the RFEI?

The Clean Fight anticipates releasing a RFP this fall that will solicit more detailed information about the projects. Project selection will likely happen in Q4 2026, with the program launching in 2027. Timing may change.

What is the program timing?

The program will likely launch in 2027. Program participants will likely be able to apply for grant funding in mid 2027. Timing may change.

If we are a manufacturer of a bio-based product, can we also submit projects to the RFEI?

Yes. Please fill out the RFEI to share about projects considering bio-based materials that you’re aware of in New York State. Please also fill out the separate Request for Information (RFI) for material producers to tell us more about your bio-based solution.

What are the benefits of program participation?

We will be releasing more information on program benefits with the RFP. Past programs from The Clean Fight have provided non-dilutive grant funding, technical assistance, and business development opportunities to participating companies. You can learn more about The Clean Fight’s past programs at www.thecleanfight.com.

Our project is under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA); can we still submit a project idea?

Yes, please provide as much information as you can under your NDA, and indicate that an NDA is in place. Any information shared via this form will be kept confidential by The Clean Fight and its funders. That said, please do not disclose any proprietary or other information that you are not comfortable sharing. Mark any confidential materials (e.g. presentations or pitch decks) shared as "confidential."

Will my responses be kept confidential?

Any information shared via this form will be kept confidential by The Clean Fight and its funders. That said, please do not disclose any proprietary or other information that you are not comfortable sharing. Mark any confidential materials (e.g. presentations or pitch decks) shared as "confidential."