$280,000 in Grants to Boost Wisconsin’s Power Initiatives
In Madison, Wisconsin, a significant step forward in renewable energy was taken as over $280,000 in cash awards and solar panel donations were granted to 18 local nonprofits. This initiative is part of the 13th round of the Solar for Good program, which aims to increase solar electricity in the state’s energy mix. The result of these awards is the addition of 1,600 kilowatts (kW) of solar power to Wisconsin’s electric grid, translating into more than $4.5 million in renewable energy investments.
The installation of solar panels is a game-changer for these diverse nonprofits, enabling them to focus on long-term financial sustainability and the continuity of their vital services. For instance, St. Vincent de Paul plans to use their grant to install a 48.1-kW solar array on their new building, a move that will allow them to reallocate funds directly back into their mission. Similarly, West CAP, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty, will use their grant to install a 29.76-kW solar array on a new low-income housing project, potentially eliminating energy costs for its residents.
Peter H. Kilde, the Executive Director of West CAP, emphasized the broader implications of this initiative. “Through our poverty-fighting programs, we aim to prepare families for a future less reliant on fossil fuels,” he said. “This funding is a dual win; it not only reduces carbon emissions to benefit our planet but also eases the energy burden for low-income families, ensuring they can afford their housing long-term. We are grateful for the support from RENEW Wisconsin and the Couillard Foundation in aiding nonprofit communities to transition to solar.”
The adoption of solar energy in the nonprofit sector is often hindered by high initial costs, despite the clear long-term benefits. The Solar for Good program addresses this challenge by providing financial assistance to help cover a portion of these costs. Lauren Cohen, the manager of the Solar for Good program, explained, “Our grant doesn’t cover the full cost of solar installation, but it puts nonprofits in a much stronger position to secure the necessary funding to complete their projects. It acts as a catalyst, opening doors to additional support for their solar initiatives.”
For St. Vincent de Paul, integrating solar power aligns seamlessly with their existing sustainability efforts. Operating seven thrift stores and a processing center, they already play a significant role in promoting environmental responsibility by diverting tons of goods from landfills each month. “Receiving the Solar for Good grant to help fund solar panels for our new building is a blessing,” said Julie Bennett, CEO and Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Madison. “It complements our ongoing ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ efforts, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability in Dane County.”
Since its launch in 2017, Solar for Good has awarded grants to over 200 Wisconsin nonprofits, leading to an impressive $16.7 million in clean energy investments throughout the state. These 18 newly awarded organizations join a growing network of nonprofits harnessing solar energy, a testament to their dedication to energy efficiency and independence. This commitment not only benefits their immediate operations but also ensures their resilience and sustainability for the future.
