Billions of federal dollars available for non-profits to go green!
Houses of worship and other nonprofits have a moral obligation to reduce their carbon footprint and advocate for climate justice, especially for marginalized communities. With federal funding available to support these efforts, it is crucial to leverage these resources effectively.
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Did you know that billions of dollars in tax credits and grants are available from the U.S. government to help houses of worship and other non-profits become more energy efficient? Thanks to recent legislation, you can now access substantial financial support to transition to clean energy.
This opportunity primarily stems from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), but also includes funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
Previously, only commercial businesses and tax-paying corporations could benefit from tax credits. Now, tax-exempt organizations, including non-profits, can receive a payment equivalent to the full value of clean energy tax credits, even if they don’t owe taxes.
Federal officials are eager to spread the word. In a recent webinar for religious leaders, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized, “Scripture teaches us to take care of the garden of the world and to love thy neighbor as thyself.” She highlighted how congregations across America are embracing these values by leading the charge towards a clean energy future.
The Biden administration offers an “unprecedented suite of tools” to help organizations reduce their carbon footprints and lead in climate action within their communities.
The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) in the Department of Energy is at the forefront of managing these initiatives. They oversee $16 billion in formula grants, competitive grant awards, consumer rebate grants, and technical assistance, working closely with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations.
For non-profits investing in tax-credit-eligible solar systems, battery storage, and EV chargers, there’s a substantial financial benefit. According to SCEP, an investment of $600,000 in these technologies may qualify you for a $200,000 cash payment from the IRS.
Don’t miss this chance to enhance your organization’s energy efficiency and financial health while making a positive impact on the environment. Explore how your non-profit can benefit from these generous incentives today!
In addition to investment tax credits, non-profits are now eligible for a range of other financial incentives, including production tax credits, bonus credits, and credits for clean commercial vehicles and EV chargers. For detailed information on the rules and regulations associated with the Inflation Reduction Act, please consult the IRS, as we are unable to provide tax advice.
The Department of Energy (DOE) offers several competitive grant programs designed to foster collaboration and drive progress in energy solutions and energy justice.
Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your organization’s energy efficiency and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future!
The Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to advancing not only energy efficiency but also energy and climate justice. These new investments are designed to deliver tangible benefits to communities, particularly those historically underserved by federal climate and energy technology funding.
One notable initiative is the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize, a competition aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in underserved communities. An early winner, Imani Green Works in Chicago, exemplifies this effort. According to the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), this project represents a partnership among the faith community, local government, and business sectors. It focuses on creating a minority-owned and managed company to provide clean energy workforce development programs for historically disenfranchised residents in Chicago’s Pullman and Washington Heights neighborhoods, while also hosting community workshops to encourage grassroots innovation in climate-smart projects.
The Secretary of Energy encourages faith organizations to not only enhance their own energy efficiency but also to extend their impact into their communities, helping congregants save thousands of dollars on energy costs through appliance upgrades and other measures.
It is encouraging to see the federal government valuing the role of faith organizations and fostering collaboration among local governments, churches, and nonprofits. This approach not only empowers communities but also drives meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.
Harness Federal Support for Solar Energy and Climate Action!
In her address, Secretary Granholm shared, “My hope, my prayer, is that you keep the faith that our future might still be bright and turn that faith into action.” She emphasized treating this action as a moral mandate—not just for your own benefit but for your neighbors, for perfect strangers, and for all of humanity.
Now is the time for churches and other houses of worship to mobilize and fully leverage these federal programs. Faith communities have a moral responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint and promote climate justice, especially for marginalized communities. With federal funding available to support these efforts, it is crucial to seize this opportunity.
Addressing the climate crisis requires collective action that benefits everyone, including those with fewer resources. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.