ATLANTA, GA —January 27, 2021— Southface Institute is pleased to announce 19 new nonprofit partners selected for GoodUse, a grant program which guides nonprofits through resource efficiency upgrades to reduce environmental impact and save money that can be reinvested into core programming. With these upgrades, the organizations can save energy and water, improve indoor air quality, install modernized and efficient technology, reduce carbon emissions and lower utility costs. To date, GoodUse has served 161 communities in 27 states, helped save over $16.2 million in utility costs, over 89K metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, over 131 million kWh of electricity and more than 99 million gallons of water since the program’s inception in 2008.
“Southface is honored to lead this vital program that provides exceptional opportunities to not only reduce the carbon emissions from a large sector of existing buildings, but to also amplify the ability of nonprofits to improve the health, equity and well-being of the communities they serve by freeing up funds for their core work through utility savings,” said Andrea Pinabell, President of Southface Institute. “Nonprofits are at the heart of our communities. We look forward to working with these new grantees as true partners in their pledge to sustainability and to furthering their commitment to those they serve.”
The Grantees are:
All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, Florida
Boys & Girls Club of America in Atlanta, Georgia
Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh in Newburgh, New York
Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama
Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia in Brunswick, Georgia
Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada
CARE in Atlanta, Georgia
Conserving Carolina in Hendersonville, North Carolina
Ekvn-Yefolecv in Weogufka, Alabama
Emerson UUC in Marietta, Georgia
Franklin Food Pantry in Franklin, Massachusetts
Georgia Justice Project in Atlanta, Georgia
Gateway Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Legal Services Alabama in Montgomery, Alabama
The Salvation Army Carrollton in Carrollton, Georgia
The Salvation Army of Ocala-Marion County in Ocala, Florida
Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia
Tybee Island Marine Science Center in Tybee Island, Georgia
GoodUse is especially important to the nonprofit community because organizations are focused on programs and the people they serve, often operating on a small budget, frequently occupying older buildings that waste energy, water and other resources, pulling money away from much-needed services. Nonprofit buildings contribute approximately 20% of the primary energy consumption in the United States, so the capacity for savings, both financially and environmentally, is significant.
“I’m very grateful for our relationship with Southface,” said prior GoodUse grant recipient Derrick Kinsey, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee Region in Tennessee. “We’re here to reach those kids who need us the most and guide them to become responsible citizens. Southface has offered us both financial support and education so that we can stay on mission.”
“I’ve learned more about energy efficiency than I would have ever known and am grateful for it,” Kinsey added.
GoodUse nonprofit partners receive technical assistance, education and matching grants to help them pay for the upgrades. Grant amounts are right-sized, based on the organization’s size and facility needs. Southface engineers identify areas for high-impact energy and water savings, indoor air quality, technology and safety features and assist with project implementation and ensure upgrades are delivering results. The value of the most recent 19 grants will depend on the upgrades identified during a Southface assessment.
To qualify, prospective GoodUse partners must be a 501(c)(3), and either own their building or have a long-term lease of five or more years. Candidates can apply online on a rolling basis with applications reviewed three times a year. Southface and an external review committee evaluate applicants based on organizational health, potential impact, financial capacity and need. GoodUse accepts applications from nonprofits across the United States, both new construction or renovation projects. The program is funded in partnership with The Kendeda Fund, as its cornerstone funder, and with the support of The JPB Foundation and The Bill & Melinda Nussey Foundation. For more information on the GoodUse program, visit www.Southface.org/GoodUse.
CONTACTS:
Southface Institute: Sarah Mundell 404.604.3654 smundell@southface.org
Michelle Starr 718.288.3829 mstarr@southface.org
About Southface Institute
Southface Institute, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is leading the way toward a sustainable, equitable and healthy built environment for all. Since 1978, our programs have closed the gap between environmental awareness and action by promoting scalable resource efficiency and clean energy solutions for homes, workplaces and communities. Our practice of regenerative placemaking amplifies real-world strategies to create a built environment where the synergy between ecological and human needs supports health and well-being while creating resilient, equitable and thriving communities, striving to achieve a low-carbon future.
