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How does this grant work?

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  1. Submit an application when the grant cycle is open.

  2. If your application is approved, RAQC will issue a Purchase Order (PO) for your project.

  3. Purchase your equipment only after you receive the PO. Purchases made before the PO are not eligible.

  4. Recycle your old generator and provide proof of recycling.

  5. RAQC reimburses the partner vendor for the grant-funded portion after your match is paid and all documents are submitted.

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Follow our step-by-step application guide below for even more detail. 

Step 1: Confirm you and your project are eligible

Before you start the application, make sure that:

  • Your business is registered in Colorado and in Good Standing

  • You operate a food truck or mobile business in at least one of the eligible counties ( Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, or Weld County).

  • You have a generator you can recycle

    • or, you are opening a new truck with no generator and understand that you may receive up to 70% instead of 80%

  • You are able to work with an RAQC Trusted Partner Vendor (for equipment and installation)

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Step 2: Choose your equipment and get a quote

Work with a vendor from the RAQC Trusted Partner Network, such as:

  • Joule Case

  • Trek Systems

  • Participating Ace Hardware locations

  • VanLife Customs

With your chosen partner, decide what you need (battery system, wiring, installation, etc.) and request an itemized quote or invoice that includes:

  • Equipment description and costs

  • Installation costs

  • Any other required components

You will upload this quote with your application.

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Step 3: Get your SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (SAM ID)

All applicants must have a SAMID, also know as a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

  • Registration is required for this program.

  • If you don’t have a SAM ID yet, begin this step early – it can take time.

  • You’ll enter your SAM ID in the application.

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Step 4: Gather your required documents

Before starting the online application, collect:

  • Contact and business information (legal business name, mailing address, etc.)

  • Itemized quote or invoice for the equipment and installation

  • Colorado Certificate of Good Standing

  • SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (SAM ID)

Optional but helpful to have ready:

  • Generator information (e.g., wattage and fuel type) for emissions tracking​

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Step 5: Review the sample application

Before you submit, it’s helpful to review the sample application (if provided on the website) so you know what questions to expect and can avoid missing anything.

  • Use the sample as a checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared.

  • Remember: incomplete applications (for example, missing SAM ID, generator details, or required documents) cannot be awarded.

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Step 6: Complete and submit your application

When you’re ready:

  1. Go to the online application form.

  2. Enter your contact and business details.

  3. Upload your quote/invoice, Certificate of Good Standing, and any other required documents.

  4. Enter your SAM ID and generator information (if applicable).

  5. Review your answers carefully, then submit.

RAQC may contact you if any clarification or additional documentation is needed before finalizing awards.

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Step 7: Application review and award decisions

  • Applications are reviewed and scored using standardized criteria.

  • A minimum score is required to qualify for funding.

  • The RAQC may:

    • Approve your application and issue an award,

    • Offer a reduced award, or

    • Decline your application if it does not meet eligibility, completeness, or scoring requirements.

All awards are subject to available funding, and each grant round runs on a calendar-year basis.

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Step 8: If awarded, review your Purchase Order (PO)

If your project is approved:

  • RAQC will issue a Purchase Order (PO) that shows your approved award amount (up to 80% or 70% of costs, depending on your project, with a maximum of $20,000).

  • Do not purchase any equipment before the PO date. Costs incurred before PO issuance will not be reimbursed.

You will have two months from the date on the PO to complete your purchase. If you do not purchase within that timeframe, your PO may be canceled.

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Step 9: Purchase equipment through your Trusted Partner Vendor

Once you have your PO:

  1. Work with your trusted partner vendor/installer to finalize the order.

  2. Pay your required match (20–30%) and any ineligible costs (such as taxes or delivery fees).

  3. The vendor will provide and install the equipment.

RAQC will reimburse the partner vendor/installer directly after all required documents are submitted.

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Step 10: Recycle your generator and keep proof

For projects receiving the 80/20 grant:

  • You must recycle one gas, propane, or diesel generator per truck.

  • Obtain proof of recycling, either:

    • A receipt from the recycler, or

    • A completed RAQC Recycling Affidavit

You will need this documentation to complete your project and for your vendor to receive reimbursement.

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Step 11: After installation – reporting requirements

After your equipment is installed and your project is complete:

  • Awardees may be required to submit simple annual reports for up to five years.

  • Reports typically include:

    • How often do you use the battery system

    • Equipment condition and operational status

    • Generator details for emissions tracking

Reports are due on December 31 each year.
Failure to report may make you ineligible for future awards.

 

Need Help?

If you have questions at any point in the process, from eligibility to documentation to working with a vendor, please reach out: Lisa Strachan – lstrachan@raqc.org

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We’re here to help make the transition to clean, quiet power as smooth as possible for your business.

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