MADISON, WI – The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $220,000 in grants and solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations. Sixteen nonprofits will install approximately 1,000 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to nearly $2 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin.
The following organizations have been offered Spring 2023 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:
Centro Hispano of Dane County – community service, Madison
Community Partners Campus, Inc. – community service, Wausau
Coulee Region Humane Society – animal shelter, Onalaska
Edgerton Retirement Apartments – affordable housing, Madison
Gilda’s Club Madison – community service, Madison
God is Faithful Temporary Shelter – community service, Janesville
MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary – community service, Milwaukee
Movin’ Out, Inc. – affordable housing, Madison
Racine Habitat for Humanity – affordable housing
Stepping Stones of Dunn County – community service, Menomonie
Sugar Creek Valley Bible Camp Association – religious, Ferryville
Temple Beth El – religious, Madison
Village of Cassville – municipality, Cassville
WAFER Food Pantry – meal distribution, La Crosse
Wisconsin Rapids Family Center, Inc. – community service, Wisconsin Rapids
*One organization has asked to remain anonymous at this time.
The nonprofit grant recipients from the Spring 2023 round represent a diverse range of organizations, each making a profound impact in their respective communities. Community Partners Campus will utilize their grant to install a 142-kilowatt solar array, allowing them to keep their rent below market value for their nonprofit partners. Racine Habitat for Humanity plans to install a 6.75-kilowatt solar array on two of their affordable homes, further alleviating the financial burden for occupants. These installations exemplify the transformative impact of solar energy on reducing expenses and fostering sustainable living.
“We are excited to be partnering with Solar for Good and pursuing an installation that will offset 100% of our rising electrical costs,” said Lannia Stenz, Executive Director/CEO of Gilda’s Club Madison. “Gilda’s Club is a nonprofit that provides cancer support programs to patients and families at no cost, but that doesn’t mean what we do is free. Lowering this expense matters because reduced overhead means more time, dollars, and effort going to cancer support. This grant will help us take the first step toward making our solar dreams a reality!”
Centro Hispano, the leading organization serving the Latinx population in Dane County, will implement a 67.5-kilowatt solar array, bolstering its commitment to sustainable practices. “Centro is thrilled to be the recipient of Solar for Good funding,” said Karen Menendez Coller, Executive Director of Centro Hispano. “As a community, LatinX families are committed to a more sustainable Madison and Dane County. Solar for Good funds will allow us to create a more efficient home for Centro, while representing an educational tool for generations to come.”
The Solar for Good program is in its 12th round of grant funding. Since the program’s inception in 2017, it has awarded grants to over 185 organizations to go solar, leading to over $12.2 million of clean energy investments in Wisconsin and the eventual installation of over 8.5 megawatts of solar.
“The Family Center is installing solar to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet for future generations,” said Tricia Fancher, Executive Director of Wisconsin Rapids Family Center. “The Family Center can allocate this savings towards the needs of our clients, making a greater impact in the community by providing shelter and supportive services to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.”
With the assistance of the Solar for Good grants, these 16 installations will exemplify the transformative impact of solar energy on reducing operational expenses and fostering sustainable living. This program is committed to expanding its reach and supporting organizations transitioning to renewable energy, driving environmental and economic advancement for Wisconsin’s nonprofits and the communities they serve.
