Empowering Nonprofits with Energy Efficiency in Indianapolis

A new program is aiming to help Marion County nonprofits become more energy efficient and save money. Thriving Nonprofits is a partnership between the IFF and the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, with 44 nonprofits applying in its inaugural year and ten selected to participate.

The chosen nonprofits receive an energy assessment from IFF, followed by a grant for up to $10,000 each to make suggested upgrades. Stephanie Goodrid Lawson, Executive Director of the McKinney Family Foundation, explained the goal is to reduce nonprofits' overall energy bill so they can have more money to fulfill their missions.

One selected nonprofit is Second Helpings in Indianapolis, which rescues food and provides job training. CEO Linda Broadfoot said they track their environmental impact closely and were excited to learn the findings of their energy assessment.

Ian Loera and Donna Sink from IFF conducted the energy assessment, using a forward-facing infrared camera to determine where heat was flowing from. They inspected appliances, lights, ducts, and heating and air conditioning units on the roof.

After the assessment, Loera puts together his findings, offering recommendations for energy savings. Nonprofits can then implement changes and receive grant money to complete repairs by the end of 2025. The goal is to save nonprofits money on their energy bills.

Goodrid Lawson emphasized that the program's purpose is to reduce the energy burden on these nonprofits, allowing them to use donor dollars responsibly. "We want to reduce that energy burden by making sure they have the most energy efficient appliances and technologies at their disposal."

The future of the program looks promising, with plans to continue in 2026, possibly with changes based on the first year's results. The ten nonprofits selected for 2025 include Aspire Higher Foundation, B-SIDE Creative Campus, and Second Helpings, among others.

Empowering nonprofits in Indianapolis with energy efficiency is crucial for reducing their environmental impact while also cutting costs. In a city where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, organizations are recognizing the value of making their operations more eco-friendly.

"The cost savings from energy-efficient upgrades can be substantial," says Tom Linney, CEO of Energy Systems Network (ESN). "By leveraging the expertise and resources of ESN, nonprofits in Indianapolis can make a positive impact on the environment while also improving their bottom line."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings account for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By implementing energy-efficient measures, nonprofits in Indianapolis can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.