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Lansing, Mich. — Michigan Saves today announced it is a subgrantee in the Justice Climate Fund’s application to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a national-scale grant program to combat climate change and support disadvantaged communities. Michigan Saves plans to leverage awarded funds to create and expand financing products and accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions.
“We are thrilled to be included on the Justice Climate Fund’s application to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and we look forward to collaborating toward a shared vision of addressing climate change and creating equitable access to a clean energy transition,” said Chanell Scott Contreras, president and CEO of Michigan Saves. “The fund presents a significant opportunity to continue offering green energy in communities across Michigan.”
The Justice Climate Fund works to empower people to access technologies and strategies that lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and create jobs. Through innovative projects, strategic and diverse partnerships and community engagement, the organization works to create a more sustainable and equitable future for communities across the nation, particularly communities of color who are most impacted by climate change.
Under the GGRF’s National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, it sought $12.21 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively. In addition to Michigan Saves, the application includes organizations that represent community lenders, climate equity leaders, and those working to accelerate community readiness for emission-reduction projects. Upon filing, the Justice Climate Fund received more than 1,000 letters of support from various individuals and organizations.
Michigan Saves plans to use awarded funds to help Michiganders, particularly those in low-income and under-resourced communities. Examples of these efforts include:
- Expanding existing programs, such as Ability to Pay (formerly the Detroit Loan Fund), across the state of Michigan.
- Supporting affordable multifamily housing by implementing solar, energy efficiency and EV chargers.
- Helping disadvantaged communities go solar through a loan product for nonprofits, houses of worship and municipal entities, allowing them to easily access the solar investment tax credit.
The Justice Climate Fund application is one of several applications in which Michigan Saves is named as a subgrantee. The final award amount is expected to be announced in March 2024. For more information about Michigan Saves, visit MichiganSaves.org.
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About Michigan Saves
Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, is dedicated to making clean energy improvements easier for all Michigan consumers. Through affordable financing and other incentives, Michigan Saves connects borrowers to a network of skilled contractors for energy-efficiency, geothermal and solar installation projects. Michigan Saves believes an equitable transition to a carbon-free Michigan where everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy and climate-resilient solutions is possible. Through consistent outreach, quality workmanship and affordable funding, Michigan Saves promotes accessible, equitable, and just investments in energy efficiency and clean energy to support healthy and thriving communities. For more information, visit www.MichiganSaves.org and follow us on Facebook @michigansaves, X @MichiganSaves and LinkedIn @michigan-saves.
