Nevada Clean Energy Fund Awarded Grant to Expand State’s Access to Federal Clean Energy Funds
RENO, Nev. – The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) today was awarded a $550,000 philanthropic grant from Invest in Our Future, supporting NCEF’s work to access and implement federal clean energy funds for the benefit of Nevada’s communities. NCEF—a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization—provides financing and technical assistance to communities in Nevada, empowering them to harness clean energy opportunities to reduce their energy costs, create quality jobs, and live in a healthier environment and climate. With recent federal legislation expected to mobilize over $1 trillion in public and private investment for clean energy, NCEF is ensuring Nevadans benefit from this historic moment.
The operating grant will help NCEF build its capacity to implement a $156 million Solar for All federal award from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while also continuing to implement and expand its other clean energy programs. EPA announced the Solar for All awards last month on Earth Day.
“In a state that has a history of struggling to access federal funds, this grant from Invest in Our Future is a game-changer,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of NCEF. “The grant will enable us to continue providing benefits to Nevada’s communities through our existing programs while we build our capacity to launch new, impactful Solar for All programs.”
Invest in Our Future is a philanthropic effort to connect communities nationwide to unprecedented federal climate and clean energy investments in order to build an equitable and inclusive clean energy economy. With national partners such as the MacArthur Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, the Packard Foundation, and Breakthrough Energy, Invest in Our Future is making catalytic philanthropic grants across the country into high potential, locally-led initiatives like NCEF.
“Unlocking federal funds for underserved communities is one of Invest in Our Future’s top priorities. That’s why we’re proud to support the Nevada Clean Energy Fund as they add to their track record of delivering real benefits for Nevadans—particularly in lower-income and Tribal communities—through Solar for All implementation,” said Leah Fisher of Invest in Our Future.
NCEF’s Solar for All award is the latest and largest addition to NCEF’s growing track record of securing federal funding to support clean energy initiatives in the Nevada. Earlier this year, NCEF secured a $7.7 million federal grant for Nevada’s school districts to deploy 25 electric school buses. NCEF is also partnering with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy to administer two programs: $1 million for an Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund for small and medium-sized disadvantaged businesses, and $1.8 million from the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program to help residents and local governments make cost-saving energy upgrades. Together, these initiatives will create jobs, lower utility bills, improve air quality, and help Nevadans better manage the impacts of extreme heat.
About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund
The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by Nevada legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank. NCEF implements programs for diverse Nevada stakeholders, including affordable housing, Tribes, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and rural communities. Clean energy measures include building electrification and efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, and others.
About Invest in Our Future
Invest in Our Future supports philanthropic organizations to mobilize funds to ensure that unprecedented federal clean energy investments strengthen communities across the country, reduce pollution and transform our economy.