01
Capital Raising Campaigns
Capital-raising campaigns are a method by which organizations can secure additional funds to support specific projects. The duration of these campaigns can vary significantly depending on the fundraising goal, target donor audience, and market conditions. Still, generally it takes anywhere from a few months to a few years. They are a great option for energy upgrades that have high capital costs, such as installing solar panels. There is a wide range of guides with step-by-step instructions for conducting a capital raising campaign as a nonprofit.
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02
Grants and Financial Incentives
With government funding available, funding need not be a barrier to implementing energy upgrades. Various financial incentives, such as tax credits, grants, and rebates, exist to make clean energy upgrades affordable for nonprofits. Below is a list of incentives from various sources, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), rebate programs, and grant applications.
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Understanding IRA Tax Credits
List of Tax Credits Available Through the IRA
Rebates Available for ENERGY STAR Products by Zip Code
DSIRE Database of NC Renewable and Energy Efficiency Incentives
U.S. DOE Grants for Nonprofits
Energy Related Grants (Requires Subscription)
North Carolina Grantwatch
US EPA Grants
03
Green Banks and the Remaining Cost
Green banks are specialized, non-depository financial institutions that focus on funding clean energy projects and initiatives using public and private capital. They operate with a mission to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by providing various financial products and services tailored to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and often enable projects that would otherwise be impossible due to financial barriers. They also serve as a source of knowledge and guidance throughout the process. The North Carolina Clean Energy Fund (NCCEF) is North Carolina’s green bank and will be immensely helpful as you work to finance your clean energy upgrade. You can visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) description for more general information on green banks.
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` The National Governors Association provides an extensive description of some of the various financial products green banks offer. They generally include loans, co-investment, credit enhancements, green bonds, warehousing, and securitization. Additionally, ask your utility or green bank if a zero-down loan option is available, as this is one of the most financially attractive options for large installations like solar panels. These financing toolkits may also help determine what financial options and resources are best suited to your project listed to the right.
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North Carolina Clean Energy Fund
EPA's Description of Green Banks
National Governors Association Description of Green Bank Offerings
EPA's Clean Energy Financing Toolkit
DOE's Better Buildings Initiative Financing Navigator