The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $45 million in available funding under the Renew America’s Nonprofits grant program, which will support projects to reduce energy use in buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
There are approximately 1.5 million 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the United States, including diverse organizations such as libraries, worship facilities, community centers, animal shelters, hospitals, healthcare clinics, museums, art institutions, youth sports leagues, food banks, and more.
Nonprofits historically employ the third-largest workforce in the American economy—more than 12.4 million people. These organizations also operate more than half-a-million facilities, mostly in commercial spaces where efficiency improvements can reduce energy use by up to 30%. This indicates significant potential for reducing emissions nationally.
Given that most nonprofits operate on annual budgets of less than $500,000, energy savings have the potential to build organizational and community resiliency and to increase their service capacities.
“Nonprofits promote social cohesion, public health, creativity, and innovation—all of which are essential to strong and resilient communities” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With this funding, DOE is helping nonprofits amplify their impacts. Every dollar saved is a dollar that can be reinvested in crucial community services, all while helping us achieve President Biden’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.”
Applications for competitive grants are now open, and more information on the Renew America’s Nonprofits program is available here.