Helping Nonprofits Go Green with Microfunding

Boston-based noprofit New Generation Energy (NGE) has launched a website (http://newgenerationenergy.org/list-projects) to facilitate microfunding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects being undertaken by other nonprofits.

The Green Energy Project Microfunding site makes it simple for individuals to learn about and support specific green energy projects at organizations all across the U.S. The site is similar to other microfinance sites that allow for green investment, but support is in the form of a donation rather than a loan, and emphasis is placed on project metrics such as energy savings and green house gas emissions reduction. Any nonprofit organization may apply to be listed on the site. This includes family shelters, community centers, schools, universities, churches, and more. All projects must be located in the United States, and all applying nonprofit organizations must be US-based. "A web-based microfunding site dedicated to green energy projects has been needed for a long, long time," said NGE's Executive Director, Chuck Lewin. "Now that New Generation Energy has developed the microfunding site, nonprofits can get funding for their green energy projects, educate the public about their sustainability efforts, and illustrate real world, practical applications of green energy technology." The site has value not only as a source of funding for green energy projects, but a project posting can also serve as a 'billboard' for an organization's efforts to become greener. Using the site, organizations can include pictures, video links, quotes from staff, and other materials to promote the organization and help drive donations to support the project. New Generation Energy says its mission is to make America's communities healthier and more sustainable through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. NGE supports solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, along with many different kinds of energy efficiency. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik/flickr/Creative Commons Reprinted with permission from Sustainable Business

Post originale: http://featured.matternetwork.com/2010/11/helping-nonprofits-go-green-microfunding.cfm