Nonprofits reduce energy costs through special program

PRESS RELEASE

January 5, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

Nonprofit Facilities Center provides training and financial support to area nonprofits

DETROIT – The Nonprofit Facilities Center (NFC), a partnership between United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Nonprofit Finance Fund, announced several innovative, energy efficient installations at area nonprofits as part of its Energy Efficiency Program. Under the terms of this program, nonprofits located in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties can apply for assistance to make their facilities more energy efficient. The program awarded more than $300,000 in grants in 2005 to area nonprofits.

“Nonprofits have always operated on limited budgets compelling them to spend their dollars judiciously,” said Diane Van Buren Jones, director, Nonprofit Facilities Center. “In today’s environment where energy costs are increasing 30 to 40 plus percent, these nonprofits are actually leading the way in our community by addressing this challenge and considering options that can be applied on a broader scale.”

As a result of the NFC Energy Efficiency Program, nine area nonprofits are currently installing one or more alternative energy systems, which include photovoltaic (solar) panels, wind turbines, and solar domestic hot water systems. These installations will use the power of our natural resources – the sun and wind – to provide energy savings 365 days a year. The organizations include Cass Community Social Services, Common Ground Sanctuary, Crossroads for Youth, HAVEN, Holy Cross Children’s Services, JARC, Lighthouse of Oakland County, Mariner’s Inn and Vista Maria.

The Nonprofit Facilities Center is currently working with three additional nonprofits to identify ways to further upgrade their facilities or to build brand new structures focused on energy efficiency. Support provided by the Center includes consultation, energy audits, planning, and financial assistance.

“We like to say that an alternative energy system – because of the ongoing cost savings and environmental benefits – is a gift that keeps on giving,” said Jones.

The next orientation session for nonprofits interested in energy efficiency programs offered through NFC will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at United Way. To register for this free session or for more information call 313-226-9420.

About the Nonprofit Facilities Center
The Nonprofit Facilities Center is a unique partnership program of United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) in Detroit and the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), headquartered in New York City. It was established in 2001 to provide specific facilities-related support to metro Detroit-area nonprofits to help them better plan, manage and finance their facilities projects. The Center offers workshops, one-on-one consultations, planning grants, green building consultation, capital grants and capital loans to eligible organizations on an ongoing basis. The support provided by the Nonprofit Facilities Center encourages healthy and sound organizational growth, thereby enabling assisted organizations to provide greater impact in the community. Further information is available at 313-226-9420, www.nonprofitfinancefund.org, or www.uwsem.org.

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