Planet Detroit’s Post

Earth Day is coming up, and I couldn't think of a better time to highlight one of my favorite orgs working to make earth a little better: Footprint Project. As an advisor to Footprint I've had the privilege to share in the growth of the org and see their successes as they work to decarbonize disaster response. Last year I saw it in response to the fires in Maui and the tornadoes in Mississippi. Today, 10 hubs on Maui are still running their operations off of solar microgrids and exploring new models of recovery that give deeper meaning to the phrase “build back greener.” Communities in climate crisis deserve access to clean energy in their most vulnerable moments. We know that more climate related disasters are coming and we need to be prepared to break negative feedback loops of responding to disasters with fossil fuel generation where we can. Footprint's model also envisions a better world for all communities, especially those who are often left behind in disaster response. Disaster response is inherently an equity and justice issue. As you think about your or your institution's commitments to supporting growing organizations, either donations or in-kind (Footprint accepts renewable energy tech donations!), please consider them this year! https://lnkd.in/eKimRNHh

Learn more and register for the webinar happening April 25. Click below!

This is noteworthy and a terrific step for getting the technical advice and expertise cities need to access in federal funding. Bloomberg Philanthropies has established a three-year initiative to help 25 U.S. cities access more than $400 billion in federal funds to build greener, more energy efficient communities. a prime example of how the private sector can step up to bridge gaps that are stopping infrastructure repair, replacement and new development. The US needs more programs like this or a better federal government grant distribution program.

How do we make a bigger impact? By supporting organizations’ success. Through the improvement of operational, programmatic, and financial capacities, nonprofit organizations can enhance their ability to manage funding, track data, build a skilled workforce, and ultimately make a greater impact on addressing climate change. Strategic Program 10: Community-Based Organization (CBO) Capacity Building Program (SP 10) was unanimously approved by Portland City Council today, Thursday, June 20. SP 10 will offer a multi-year cohort program for CBOs that includes training, technical assistance, consultation, operational funding, staff support, and more. The program equips organizations with resources and support to help them fulfill their mission and enable us to achieve ours. With 16 strategic programs and over $180 million in Community Responsive Grants in the Climate Investment Plan, we’re moving toward a more climate-resilient Portland. Learn more about SP 10: https://lnkd.in/gCucTQA2 Follow our progress. Bookmark: https://lnkd.in/gD-SVESn Read more PCEF stories: https://lnkd.in/gw3UpGUe

You’re probably aware that the federal government is investing close to $4 trillion in infrastructure, environmental and clean energy projects in cities and states across America. So how can funders like you help overcome the barriers between federal dollars and the places that need them most – and ensure communities make the most of these once-in-a-generation, transformational commitments? Join us Feb. 12 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. ET for Now What: Leveraging Federal Funds & Building Community Capacity for Climate Justice, the first in a series of quarterly calls focused on accessing and leveraging federal funds for climate and environmental justice. Presented by the Health and Environmental Funders Network (HEFN), Neighborhood Funders Group and The Funders Network this session will build upon the Thriving Communities regional convenings we hosted in the fall in partnership with Communities First. The convenings brought place-based and national funders together with federal agencies and community groups in the South, Northeast and Midwest regions. A panel of federal officials and philanthropic leaders will offer insight into what foundations are doing to mobilize around this opportunity. We’ll also get an update on the 2024 plans and goals of the federal Thriving Communities Network, which was created to help Cabinet agencies coordinate strategy, collaborate across initiatives, and target deployment of place-based technical assistance and capacity-building resources to urban, rural and Tribal communities experiencing a history of economic distress and systemic disinvestment. Join us to learn: What actions funders have taken since the regional convenings, including supporting place-based capacity-building efforts for frontline climate communities. Ways to ensure communities most impacted by environmental injustice and other inequities are able to access resources for transformative climate and infrastructure investment. How place-based foundations can support efforts to build community capacity and align resources for community-driven priorities. Register here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/esvfRmCn Registration is open to funders only. If you have any questions about registering for this event, kindly contact Hazel Paguaga at [email protected].

We often talk about global reach and international impact, but I believe true global change starts with local innovations and community engagement. As a global company, we've seen firsthand how small, local actions can ripple out to create widespread impact. That's why we're so passionate about Spearhead Project Earth. Our Burlington Island cleanup educates volunteers about environmental impact while they actively improve the shoreline. Participants gain hands-on experience in conservation and learn about the island's rich history. The enthusiasm I see in our volunteers, from individuals to large groups, is truly inspiring. Want to make a difference? Our next few cleanups are August 29th and September 5th. If you can't make it in person, consider supporting our mission through a donation. You can learn more, volunteer, or contribute at spearheadprojectearth.org. Every action ripples outward, creating a cleaner, healthier future for our waterways and communities. #CommunityImpact #SustainabilityInAction #SpearheadProjectEarth

Are you interested in transforming vacant spaces in your community to improve the health and well-being of residents, but aren’t familiar with brownfields? If the answer is yes, this webinar is for you! Join me on February 7th from 2-3 pm EST to learn about the impact brownfield redevelopment can have on your community! I’ll cover the strategic redevelopment of brownfield sites into community assets and how this can align with your organization's work. You will learn about innovative and creative land reuse solutions, from parks to playgrounds, urban farms, and affordable housing, that tackle critical mission-driven issues like food security, climate adaptation, and anti-displacement. If your organization is interested in learning more about how brownfield revitalization can contribute to the well-being of your community, register today!

Today we're announcing that Rewiring America, Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), United Way, and Habitat for Humanity International have applied for $9.5 billion in funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund as new entity: Power Forward Communities. Power Forward Communities’ housing decarbonization program will serve the residents and owners of our country’s 124 million single-family and multifamily housing units through a strategy that will deliver more than 80 percent of financial assistance funds to low-income and disadvantaged communities. Our application is already supported by 321 partners who have pledged to decarbonize housing units across 46 states and every EPA region in partnership with Power Forward Communities over the seven year life of the program. https://lnkd.in/ebj8yAWt

Grant opportunities: 1) EPA recently announced $2 billion in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (Community Change Grants). EPN has created 6-step application guides for Track I and Track II, as well as a Partner and Assistance Survey(https://lnkd.in/gi6RbdGp).   2) EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Implementation Grants Competitions will grant $4.6 billion to implement GHG reduction programs, policies, projects, and measures. If you would like to be connected to state officials working on this process to ensure your voice is heard on state priorities, please fill out our survey ASAP! In addition, EPN has created suggested step-by-step application guides for the general and tribal/territories competitions with checklists, templates, sample applications, and additional resources. 3) FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding opportunities provide $1 billion to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments address high-level future risks to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering. Application deadline is February 29, 2024. In addition, apply now through February 29, 2024, for BRIC Direct Technical Assistance. 4) EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program will award at least $500 million to subsidize the purchase of a zero-emission or clean school busses, eligible infrastructure, and other costs, including workforce training.  Applications are due before 4 PM ET on January 31, 2024. 5) EPA recently announced their first Electric Vehicle Video Prize Challenge! You can win up to $3,000 while sharing your positive experience with electric transportation, whether it’s a car, bus, or ebike/scooter. Submissions are due January 23, 2024. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gTCz7E9T

At NBI, we advocate for a built environment that equitably delivers community benefits and climate solutions. Please make a difference on #GivingTuesday by donating to fund our work. Your donation helps transform the building industry and support communities combatting climate change. Learn more about the impact of our work this past year to advance building codes and embodied carbon, diversity in the building industry, and energy efficient product innovation. Building Codes and Embodied Carbon: Building products generate 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. NBI provided crucial technical guidance and code language to the newly passed California Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which is the first state-wide code that will reduce embodied carbon. It applies to California’s new construction and major renovations over 100,000 sq ft, and provides three ways to address building reuse, building life cycle analysis (LCA), or a prescriptive option for specific products. Diversity in the Building Industry: The buildings industry needs to become more diverse and support career success for young professionals of color. To do our part, NBI created Next Gen, which provides forty college students every year with one-on-one mentorship, networking and peer support, education on decarbonization and net zero buildings, and the opportunity to attend our national Getting to Zero Forum. Energy Efficient Product Innovation: Through our Advanced Water Heating Initiative, NBI is leading a coordinated effort to accelerate growth of a new class of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs), the 120V plug-in model. NBI worked to break down barriers keeping it from the market, including leading the first field validation of 120V HPWHs. Our research and expertise are accelerating the rollout of the technology; Plug-in HPWHs are more widely available and promise to be a critical tool in building decarbonization. #GivingTuesday #Nonprofit #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #CALGreen #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateSolutions