The Community Foundation of Marquette County is currently seeking applications for a newly established fund supporting clean energy initiatives in Marquette County. The Range Bank Clean Energy Fund was recently established to assist nonprofits with projects and programs that lead to reductions in energy consumption and/or increase utilization of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
In 2018, with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Council of Michigan Foundations’ program Community Foundations for Clean Energy, the Community Foundation embarked on a multi-year project around solar energy. Working in partnership with the Superior Watershed Partnership and Michigan Energy Options, the team created educational materials, developed three demonstration sites that illustrate energy efficiency and renewable energy practices in Marquette County, and convened an energy awareness community event.
The team identified two households in Marquette County, installing a solar array for one Ishpeming family and assisting the other household with purchasing solar energy from the solar farm operated by the Marquette Board of Light and Power. To demonstrate the potential cost savings and efficiencies of renewable energy for the business community, the partnership also installed solar panels on the Range Bank McClellan branch building in Marquette.
As cost savings began to be realized at the McClellan branch building, Range Bank established the Range Bank Clean Energy Fund through the Community Foundation to encourage non-profits to invest in energy saving projects. The work of this initiative, through the Range Bank Clean Energy Fund, will continue to impact residents and organizations in Marquette County.
Applications for the Range Bank Clean Energy Fund can include requests for physical improvements such as LED lighting and signage, building insulation, solar equipment, battery storage and station charging. Grant requests to support clean energy programs that center on community engagement and education are also welcome. Applicants must be qualified nonprofit organizations serving Marquette County. Grant requests can be up to $5,000. Applications are due by Friday, July 16 at 5pm. To apply, please visit www.cfofmc.org and click on “Initiatives”.
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