Building off its most successful cycle of grant funding, the Solar for Good grant program will issue another round of grants for nonprofits in Wisconsin looking to install solar energy systems. The program will give out approximately $200,000 in funding and material donations to organizations to help reduce the upfront costs of installing solar.
RENEW Wisconsin, a Madison-based, statewide renewable energy advocacy organization, administers the Solar for Good program through funding provided by the Couillard Solar Foundation. The Foundation supplies Solar for Good grant recipients with up to 50% of the solar panels needed for their project. For grant winners selecting a monetary grant, nonprofits can receive $150 for every 1 kilowatt of solar energy they install.
“The Couillard Solar Foundation is very proud to support the Solar for Good program,” said Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Director of the Couillard Solar Foundation. “Since 2017, we’ve helped Wisconsin organizations gain solar access through grants, advocacy, and education.”
Solar for Good has awarded grants to 151 nonprofit organizations across the state for the past five years. Grants have been issued to organizations of all types and sizes, including affordable housing providers, religious organizations, veterans’ groups, and animal shelters. Organizations from Milwaukee to the Driftless region, the Fox Valley area, and even the shores of Lake Superior represent the program’s broad reach.
“We feel that by helping nonprofit organizations reduce their utility costs and reliance on fossil fuel, we’re helping them achieve their mission of service to Wisconsin communities,” continued Harrison-Jewell.
128 solar projects have been commissioned thanks to the program since 2017. Solar for Good has dispersed nearly $1.2 million in grants to nonprofits over the last five years, but that money has spurred approximately $10 million in renewable energy projects.
“For every dollar in grants issued through Solar for Good, Wisconsin communities invest nearly nine matching dollars into these projects,” stated Sam Dunaiski, Distributed Resources Director at RENEW Wisconsin. “Solar for Good demonstrates the power of community investments in renewable energy and the willingness to make these projects happen.”
The 128 solar projects now providing clean energy to Wisconsin nonprofits produce 4,367 kilowatts of renewable energy, enough to power over 800 average-sized households. When the remaining projects associated with Solar for Good grants are completed, the program will have added over 7 megawatts of renewables to Wisconsin’s distribution grid.
Added Dunaiski, “Smaller-scale solar projects, like these, demonstrate how organizations can lower their utility bills, reduce strain on our electric grid, and help reduce emissions. They’re a win-win for everyone.”
How to Apply
Organizations can learn more and apply at www.renewwisconsin.org/solarforgood/
Eligibility requires the organization to be a registered 501c3 nonprofit located in Wisconsin, in good financial standing, ready to install solar, and agree to participate in educating community members about the benefits of solar energy. All fundraising, design, and installation for the solar project must be completed within 12 months if approved for a grant.
Applications for the Fall 2022 Solar for Good cycle are due Saturday, October 1, 2022. Grant approval announcements will be made by Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
