Green Your Church Renovations/Repairs/Upgrades with Federal Funds

Green churches to receive federal funds savannahnow.com Since I didn't make it to church today, I am tithing my time in finding green renovation resources for a local church. Creation care has yet to hit the radar of many black churches. I'm not sure of why that is, when so many African Americans are impacted by a polluted environment, toxic personal care products, poor overly processed, salty, fatty diets and consequently, suffer from poor health. Blacks can really benefit from green job opportunities, but are often clueless and can definitely experience reductions in utility costs if we would take advantage of energy saving devices and weatherization programs available for low income families. The church could be very influential in leading the effort on greening and cleaning our communities and our planet (Gen 2:15). I could go on, but I won't. I will share some of the resources that I found in my research for churches interested in moving in this direction as they renovate older historic buildings or build new sanctuaries.

1) Nccecojustice.org - two great green church building resource documents online
2) Interfaithpowerandlight.org - More resources - referenced in the article above
3) American Baptist Church Extension Corp - 800-222-3872 x2480 (haven't vetted this number yet)
4) EnergyStar.gov - look for congregation services
5) Speak with local sustainability groups and representatives from your state's energy department
6) Ask your local electricity supplier if energy audits can be conducted for free for churches

God bless you and your search for Eden!

Executive Order Firmly Commits Federal Agencies to Sustainability | GreenBiz.com

Executive Order Firmly Commits Federal Agencies to Sustainability GreenBiz.com When you see these kinds of headlines, you should be putting on your green business brim and thinking about how to get some of that government green in your wallet! Anytime you read about a government agency or a non-profit being awarded stimulus money, you should know that there is an opportunity for you to profit. The great news for our planet, our people and our pocketbooks is that there are unprecedented amounts of funding being allocated to environmental initiatives. This week in Black And Into Green, I will write about the process of becoming a government contractor, it's not easy, but necessary to leverage these unique and exciting opportunities. I attended a fantastic presentation last week sponsored by a law firm that specializes in government work and was able to obtain some great information that I can't wait to share with you! Just in time too, because the next round of federal budgeting is only a few months away.

Shared via AddThis

Find a Stimulus Funded Project Near You

This website is a privately owned version of www.recovery.gov. First heard about it on NPR. It tracks American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act dollars across the country, click on your state, then your county to see how stimulus funds are being allocated in your area. You can also register to receive email updates of future funding heading your way and comment on existing projects and grants. Great tool for non-profits, contractors and suppliers.

Green Stimulus Dollars

GreenBiz reports that the big winners in the American Recovery Act's support of a green economy will be clean energy businesses/investments (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, smart grid), green building and energy efficiency. Highlights from this article:

• $94 billion in green funding
• Rules are complicated to access and understand
• Funding available in the form of tax credits, federal rebates and loan guarantees
• More changes coming in the next year to program structures and the stimulus bill

My advice, stay in communications with your state and federal legislators to keep abreast of opportunities and raise their awareness of your organization. Check out www.recovery.org for a map of where stimulus dollars are being spent today.