About this Opportunity
Houses of Worship bind Wisconsin communities together in critical ways. They enrich lives and foster connections through hope and fellowship for their members and solace and social services for their communities. In addition, these organizations positively impact their surroundings by reducing energy waste.
For a limited time, the FOCUS ON ENERGY® Empowering Faith Communities Pilot is coming to your area to identify Houses of Worship ready to benefit from a little extra help with energy-efficient upgrades, including:
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FREE energy assessments conducted by an expert Energy Specialist. This assessment will identify the top energy-saving recommendations specific to your needs.
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A qualified list of Trade Ally contractors located in and around your community who can assist with your project upgrades.
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Step-by-step assistance from your Energy Specialist on obtaining quotes, performing upgrades, and understanding your savings potential.
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Elevated incentives of 75% of the first $20,000 in project costs and 50% of costs thereafter, up to $30,000 in total incentives.
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Information on no-cost energy-savings measures available for your membership base, along with additional services offered by Focus and Faith in Place to meet sustainability goals.
Questions?
Contact Wisconsin Outreach Director, Laura Lane at laura@faithinplace.org or by phone at (608) 215-0112.
Eligibility Requirements
The Empowering Faith-Based Communities Energy Efficiency Pilot is designed to foster participation in energy efficiency initiatives among Houses of Worship and their affiliated members in Wisconsin. Interested? Apply today!
Qualifications for participation:
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Customers must own their facility.
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Participants must have a 501(c)(3) designation (or an IRS self-declared House of Worship).
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Participants must be in operation for multiple hours, at least four days of the week.
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Participants must not have participated in the Focus on Energy nonprofit accelerator program.
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Participants must not have received more than $5,000 in funds from Focus on Energy in the last year.
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Participants must be willing to form a Faith in Place Green Team for ongoing coaching and support.
The Empowering Faith Communities Pilot is currently serving Houses of Worship and their associated nonprofit organizations in the southeastern quadrant of Wisconsin (between Madison and Milwaukee). Organizations outside the pilot area may submit an application as an expression of interest should the pilot expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not see your question on the FAQ, please email laura@faithinplace.org.
Who can participate in this opportunity?
This opportunity is open to Houses of Worship and affiliated community-based organizations in the southeast quadrant of Wisconsin (from Madison to Milwaukee). Participants must own their facilities, and buildings should be open multiple hours throughout the week (beyond worship hours.)
How do we apply for this opportunity?
Your first step in the process is to complete the interest form. It should take around 15 minutes to complete this interest form.
To complete the form, you will need the following information:
Your organization’s legal name
Name and information for a primary and secondary contact
Approximate square feet of the building
Building hours or operation for an average week
Electric Service Provider
Gas Service Provider
Where is this opportunity being offered?
The Empowering Faith Communities Pilot is currently serving Houses of Worship and their associated nonprofit organizations in the southeastern quadrant of Wisconsin (between Madison and Milwaukee). If your organization is outside that area, please submit the application as an expression of interest as the pilot service territory expands.
What is FOCUS ON ENERGY®?
Focus on Energy is a statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, helping eligible residents and businesses save energy and money while protecting the environment. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that otherwise would not be completed.
What is a Faith in Place Green Team? And why do we need to establish one to participate in this program?
A Green Team is a group of three or more people from a House of Worship who provide leadership to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities. Each Green Team at Faith in Place is connected with a coach who will provide guidance, resources and programming from Faith in Place. Learn more about Green Teams here.
Making upgrades in a House of Worship can feel like a major endeavor. When your House of Worship establishes a Green Team, Faith in Place can coach your community through the energy efficiency process, while connecting you with other communities that have undertaken similar projects.