Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest
Helping Nonprofits Improve Their Buildings and Invest More in Their Mission
The Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest helps Pennsylvania nonprofits make meaningful energy and building improvements that can reduce operating costs, improve comfort and building performance and allow more resources to support their missions.
Through the program, selected organizations receive a professional energy assessment, and one nonprofit is awarded funding toward recommended improvements to its facility. The award amount and program requirements are established for each contest cycle.
Current Energy Makeover
4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest
The 4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest is currently underway. This year’s selected recipient is Community Bike Works, located in Allentown. Community Bike Works will receive $100,000 toward recommended energy and building improvements identified through the assessment process.
Regenerative Energy Initiative’s team has conducted a comprehensive energy assessment to identify opportunities to improve the building performance, reduce operating costs and increase energy efficiency.
See more and follow along: Community Bike Works named winner of the 4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest.
What an Energy Makeover Can Do
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Reduce Energy and Operating Costs
Identify improvements that can lower energy use and ongoing facility expenses.
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Improve Comfort and Building Performance
Address heating, cooling, ventilation, weatherization and other building needs.
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Modernize Aging Systems
Replace or improve outdated equipment and building systems with more efficient alternatives.
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Create Healthier, More Functional Spaces
Support improvements that can enhance comfort and the day-to-day use of nonprofit facilities.
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Strengthen the Mission
Help nonprofits reduce facility-related expenses so more resources can be directed toward programs and services.
How the Program Works
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01 Apply
Eligible nonprofits submit an application during an open contest period.
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02 Site Visit
Selected applicants receive an energy assessment conducted by Regenerative Energy Initiative’s team.
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03 Finalists
Finalists are selected for further evaluation based on the assessment findings and program criteria.
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04 Recipient Selected
One nonprofit is selected to receive facility energy and building improvements totaling the award amount.
Energy Makeover Success Stories
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Family Promise of Carbon County
Family Promise of Carbon County received energy and building improvements designed to increase efficiency, improve comfort and reduce ongoing facility costs. The makeover helps the organization direct more of its resources toward supporting families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
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New Bethany Ministries
New Bethany Ministries received a range of energy and building improvements across its facilities, including LED lighting, heat pumps, weatherization measures, low-flow water fixtures and resident energy education.
Improvements were designed to reduce energy and water use, improve comfort and help lower ongoing facility costs. -
Lehigh County Humane Society
Lehigh County Humane Society was selected as a previous Nonprofit Energy Makeover recipient, receiving improvements designed to improve energy performance and support the organization’s facility needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements are established for each contest cycle and may vary. Previous program requirements have included:
- Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Ownership of the building
- Building at least 15 years old
- Location within the applicable utility service territory
- Submission of a recent electric utility bill
Current eligibility requirements will be provided when applications open for each Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no application fee or upfront costs to this program. The selected nonprofit receives facility upgrades and improvements totaling the value of the award. The award amount is determined for each contest cycle.
What types of improvements can be included?
Improvements are based on the needs of the selected facility and findings from the energy assessment. Previous projects have included HVAC systems, lighting, weatherization, windows and doors, ventilation, water-saving measures, hot water systems and energy-efficient appliances.
How are organizations selected?
Applications are reviewed based on the requirements and selection criteria established for each contest cycle. Selected organizations may receive an on-site energy assessment before finalists and the eventual recipient are chosen.
When will applications open again?
The 4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest is currently underway. Future application opportunities will be announced by Regenerative Energy Initiative.
Stay Informed About Future Energy Makeovers
Eligibility requirements and application details are established for each program cycle. Information about future opportunities will be posted here as it becomes available.