Grants for Clean Technology Guidebook
What can clean tech grants NOT be used for?

Executive Summary

• It’s usually free to apply for grants, but there are limitations when it comes to spending the money. Make sure you understand the parameters of the program you’re applying to.
• Including ineligible expenses in your project proposal is a bad look, and could hurt your chances of getting funded. 
• If you’re unsure about any aspect of the eligibility criteria, contact the program for clarification.

A smart grant strategy can help you unlock the potential of your clean tech business. What business owner wouldn’t want access to free money? In most cases, it won’t cost you anything to apply for a grant, but there will be some rules associated with the funding. Funders have mandates that influence who they award grants to, and how they expect the money to be spent. Make sure you understand the parameters of the program you’re applying to, so that you don’t end up listing ineligible expenses in your applications or claims reports. Here are some common ineligible expenses for different types of grants:

What do Hiring grants not cover?

1. Vacation pay
2. Bonuses
3. Contractors (employees not on payroll)

What do Training grants not cover?

1. Tuition
2. Costs that are also covered by scholarships
3. Apprenticeships
4. Practicums
5. Coaching

What do Market Expansion and R&D grants not cover?

1. Ongoing operational expenses (utilities, warehousing, rent)
2. Costs associated with writing or developing the grant proposals (and/or a business plan)
3. Staff costs not directly related to the project
4. Costs associated with the maintenance, construction, or acquisition of properties

As always, the information provided in this guide is a baseline, and not a replacement for reading the instructions provided to you by the program. Every program has its own rules, and understanding them is key to maximizing your success.