Application Form: FY26 Maryland Ground Source Heat Pump Advantage Pilot Program

FY26 Maryland Ground Source Heat Pump Advantage Pilot Program
Program Purpose: The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) presents the Fiscal Year 2026 Maryland Ground Source Heat Pump Advantage Pilot Program (“MD GAP” or “Program”). The adoption of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) aligns closely with MEA’s mission and represents a promising pathway to help meet clean energy and heat goals under Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. By leveraging the consistent temperature of the ground to provide highly efficient heating and cooling, GSHPs reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate peak demand events, and enhance grid stability. For residents with these systems in their homes, GSHPs offer lower operating and maintenance costs, longer equipment lifespans, and greater insulation from fluctuations in utility energy prices. The Program aims to lower the upfront cost barriers associated with GSHP installation and support market transformation with an emphasis on affordable housing within qualifying low-to-moderate income (LMI) and Overburdened census tracts.

Program Description: The Program incentivizes the installation of GSHP systems at scale in residential new construction developments. MEA will provide a $12,000 per GSHP installation incentive to residential builders, developers, housing authorities, or other business entities that install GSHP systems in qualifying new construction residential developments. This Program is a pilot initiative; continuation or expansion beyond FY26 is not guaranteed and will be contingent on available funding, program performance, and other factors.

Type of Grant Program: Competitive

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026, 3PM EST

Anticipated Funding: A total of $2,000,000 is anticipated to be available for the Program in FY26. The final funding amount may vary based on the number and quality of applications received and MEA’s available resources. MEA anticipates funding between one and three proposals, with a focus on GSHP deployments at scale.

Eligible Applicants:

The following types of entities are eligible to receive funding:
- Residential new construction builders and developers
- Housing authorities and equivalent government agencies
- Business entities and nonprofit organizations partnering with an eligible builder, developer, housing authority or equivalent government agency (e.g., geothermal system designers/installers, community land trusts, construction consultants, etc.)
Please Note: All applications must be submitted in full to be eligible for consideration. Incomplete submissions will not advance to the next stage of the review process. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Ryan Trauley at geothermal.mea@maryland.gov

Please click "Next" to proceed with the Jotform application.

Organization Information
Organization Name (must match W9)*
Organization Type

Residential new construction builder or developerHousing Authority or equivalent government agencyBusiness entity or nonprofit organizations partnering with an eligible builder, developer, housing authority or equivalent government agency
Provide a brief description of your organization
This description should between 4-6 sentences. More detailed organization background information should be provided in the required Narrative application document.
Alternative Organization Name or DBA Name (if applicable)
Organization Address (must match W9) *

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Contact Information
Authorized Signatory

A member of your organization with the authority to commit the organization to execute the grant’s requirements (e.g., Chair of the Board, Chief Financial Officer, General Manager, etc.). This individual should have sufficient authority to identify, authorize, and provide the necessary resources to perform the activities listed in the FOA.
Authorized Signatory Full Name *

First NameLast Name
Authorized Signatory Job Title*
Authorized Signatory Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Authorized Signatory Email*
example@example.com
Primary Point of Contact

The member of your organization who would be responsible for overseeing day-to-day grant management responsibilities and activities.
Is the Authorized Signatory also the Primary Point of Contact?*

YesNo
Primary Point of Contact Full Name (if different from Authorized Signatory)

First NameLast Name
Primary Point of Contact Job Title (if different from Authorized Signatory)
Primary Point of Contact Phone Number (if different from Authorized Signatory)
Please enter a valid phone number.
Primary Point of Contact Email (if different from Authorized Signatory)
example@example.com
Additional Contact

An additional contact who would be included on grant correspondence.
Additional Contact Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Additional Contact Job Title*
Additional Contact Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Additional Contact Email*
example@example.com

Project Overview
Grant Award Request ($)*
Please enter the dollar amount of funding being requested (include "$" before provided number).
How many GSHP installations are proposed as part of this project?*
Provide a brief overview of the proposed project*
This overview should be between 4-6 sentences. A comprehensive project overview should be provided in the required Narrative application document.
List any organizations you are partnering with as part of this proposal
Has your organization applied for an MEA grant in the past?*

YesNo
Has your organization been awarded an MEA grant in the past?*

YesNo
How did you hear about this grant opportunity?*

Required Application Documents
Narrative*

The Narrative should provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed project that addresses each of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements and Competitive Evaluation Criteria. The Narrative should be no more than 15 pages long.
Cancelof
Budget*

The application must include a separate Budget attachment, Excel or a PDF of an Excel or other spreadsheet, that details the budget items listed in Competitive Evaluation Criteria.
Cancelof
IRS Form W-9 *

All applicants must provide a U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-9 for the applicant organization. The applicant organization name and address provided on the IRS Form W-9 must match the applicant organization name and address provided in the Application Form submitted through the online application portal. An IRS Form W-9 can be requested from the IRS.
Cancelof
Evidence of Good Standing with the State of Maryland*

All applicants must provide evidence that the applicant is in good standing with the State of Maryland. Acceptable documentation includes a PDF of the organization’s result from Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Business Entity Search that indicates Good Standing, or a Certificate of Status from SDAT that indicates Good Standing. Instructions on how to obtain a Certificate of Good Status are available on SDAT’s website.
Cancelof
Letters of Support (Optional)

An applicant may provide letters of support from project partners, such as local businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, faith-based institutions, or government agencies.
Cancelof
Should be Empty:

FY26 Maryland Ground Source Heat Pump Advantage Pilot Program

Organization Information

Contact Information

Authorized Signatory

Primary Point of Contact

Additional Contact

Project Overview

Required Application Documents