Churches & NonProfits Invited To ENERGY FORUM For NONPROFITS

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law last summer contains some very good news for religious and nonprofit organizations. For the first time in history, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations’ buildings can qualify to tap into the $158 billion allotted nationwide for clean energy investments. All churches and nonprofits in Montgomery County qualify to take advantage of opportunities that can reduce energy costs upwards of 35%.

To help Montgomery County groups start the learning process about what such funds are and how to receive them, the LWVMC Climate Team and the St. John’s Episcopal Church Creation Care committee are hosting an Energy Forum for Nonprofits on Saturday, April 15 from 9-10 am in Whitlock Hall, 212 S. Green Street, Crawfordsville. We encourage you to sign up and bring a team of 2-4 people to represent your church or nonprofit organization. Please RSVP by Friday, April 14 to: Helen Hudson ([email protected]) or Kimarie Green ([email protected]). You may also call: 765-362-3603.

Presenter John Smillie is a local resident, well informed about the IRA bill. In a clear, visual presentation, he will help attendees see how IRA funds can translate into energy-saving and financial benefits for our community. Over the last 18 months, Smillie has volunteered his expertise to help two local nonprofits (YSB and the Boys & Girls Club) shift to more sustainable energy.

Smillie says, “The Inflation Reduction Act provides unprecedented new opportunities for nonprofits—including houses of worship and state and local governments—to take advantage of federal tax credits for renewable energy and energy storage.”

In his presentation, our speaker will give an overview of what these new opportunities are, the process of taking a nonprofit solar, and the financial benefits of doing so. In Smillie’s words, “Taking a nonprofit solar can set up a gift that keeps on giving for 30 years, with a rate of return that rivals the stock market.”

This program will also be of interest to individuals hoping to improve their energy profile going forward. While the new credits for nonprofits are focused on renewable energy and storage (which typically means solar panels and batteries, but can include wind and geothermal heat pumps), there are a range of investments that both homeowners and nonprofits can make to reduce their energy costs and their environmental impact. Smillie will discuss these as well, touching on the tax credits that will be available to homeowners (though not available to nonprofits).

Please encourage your organizations and place of worship to take advantage of this opportunity. To reserve your place and let us know you are coming, please email Helen Hudson ([email protected]) or Kimarie Green ([email protected]). You may also call: 765-362-3603.