GoodUse: Stronger Communities through Nonprofit Sustainability and Savings

Application review takes ~8 weeks. The application review process includes a third-party financial audit focused on organizational health, community reviewer feedback, and Southface project staff evaluation. We look holistically at each application with heavy considerations around mission, programming, impact, building usage, and financial health. Results from each phase are combined, reviewed, and compared before making final selections.

No, GoodUse does not retroactively fund projects prior to applying or prior to signing a grant agreement with Southface. If awarded, all projects must be approved by your assigned Southface engineer AFTER your organization has completed the Project Selection/Bidding process and before executing a GoodUse grant agreement.

Yes, there is a cost share/match component to all GoodUse grants. Please see breakdown according to location and annual operating budget on eligibility & application page.

Organizations can meet the match requirement in the following ways:

• Financial/Cash
  • • Funds provided by funders/donors or fundraising
    • Endowment or capital campaign
    • Operating budget
    • Other grants (unless otherwise specified)
• In-Kind (In-kind match can total as much as 80% upon approval by Southface)
  • • In-house labor
    • Donated or discounted labor, materials, or services by a third party (some third-party services may not apply depending on funding source)

Your organization should have an idea how you will support the match required for this grant at the time of application. Applications with this information identified are more competitive. If awarded, at least 50% of the match funding should be accessible at the time the grant agreement is executed, and 100% must be identified. 100% must be accessible by 50% project completion.

GoodUse has five main stages, each with specific timelines: Application, Preparation, Assessment, Implementation, and Final Inspection. Learn more about the process on the eligibility & application page.

GoodUse funds Southface-approved projects that exceed the code minimum. Project recommendations/requirements are dependent on building usage, square footage, building envelope, and location. Examples of common GoodUse upgrade projects include (but are not limited to):

• LED Lighting/lighting controls 
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) or WiFi thermostats
• High-efficiency HVAC system replacements or retrocommissioning & controls upgrades
• Building envelope improvements (insulation, air sealing, ENERGY STAR windows/doors)
• ENERGY STAR Appliances
• Heat pump water heaters, tankless gas water heaters
• Plumbing fixture upgrades (eligible for Mid-Atlantic states)

No, organizations work directly with their assigned Southface engineer to come up with a project plan that works best for them. Organizations can “phase” projects and take them on over multiple rounds of funding.

• We recommend as a best practice that grantees continue tracking in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM) for two years post implementation. Keeping a current ESPM is required for future eligibility.
• Consider reapplying for another grant. Organizations can reapply after 75% of an active project is complete.
• Complete Post Project Survey to share your project story.

 Please contact Erin Gallagher, GoodUse Program Manager, egallagher@southface.org.