GROUNDSWELL Selected by Citi Foundation’s
Community Progress Makers Fund
to Accelerate Economic Opportunity in DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
$500,000 Investment in core operating support will enable Groundswell to reduce energy bills for working families in D.C. through community solar
April 26, 2018, Washington D.C. -- The Citi Foundation announced that D.C.-based community solar nonprofit Groundswell was selected as the recipient of a $500,000 grant as part of the 2018 Community Progress Makers Fund. The Fund is a $20 million, two-year initiative by the Citi Foundation to support high-impact community organizations that are driving economic opportunities in our communities by bringing together residents, nonprofits, businesses, and municipal agencies. Groundswell joins a group of 40 change agents who are playing a key role in coordinating the efforts of multiple partners toward common goals and working in new ways to address urban challenges in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington D.C.
Groundswell builds community power through community solar projects that reduce energy bills for low-income households; create local training and job opportunities; and connect families to complementary energy efficiency programs with local partners. Through the Community Progress Makers Fund grant, Groundswell will expand its impact in the District of Columbia by connecting solar power with economic opportunity for more of the city’s neighborhoods by working with congregations, local nonprofits, and commercial building owners who are focused on social good. Groundswell’s Share PowerTM community solar model enables market-rate customers to purchase electricity from a local solar project at about the same rate they pay the utility for conventional energy, which in turn enables Groundswell to share solar with low-income, or “Empowered” households in the community community at no cost.
“We launched this program in 2015 as our version of ‘venture philanthropy’ – a chance to invest in the vision and mission of these organizations who are helping positively transform their communities,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “We’re pleased with the results from our inaugural Community Progress Makers and are looking forward to implementing the lessons we’ve learned with this next, impressive group of community leaders as they scale, innovate and drive impact.”
“Groundswell’s Share Power community solar program connects value to values, enables neighbors to help neighbors, and puts private capital to work towards the greater good,” said Groundswell CEO Michelle Moore. “The District of Columbia is Groundswell’s hometown, and here – like everywhere in America – our neighbors in need pay the biggest energy bills because their homes and appliances are older and less efficient. “Groundswell’s Share Power community solar program invests in our neighbors and our neighborhoods, delivering solar savings to households who need the financial relief while driving job and training opportunities through project construction and management. We are thrilled and grateful that the Citi Foundation has recognized Groundswell as a 2018 Community Progress Maker that is bringing high-impact economic opportunity to D.C. communities, and we can’t wait to work with
and learn from the other great local organizations that have been selected as Community Progress Makers.”
About Groundswell
Groundswell builds community power. We develop community solar projects and subscriber management programs that connect solar power with economic empowerment for local communities. We believe that clean energy is a necessity, not a luxury; we’re all in this together; and we can’t afford to leave our neighbors in need behind. True to our green jobs roots, Groundswell incorporates workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities into our work through collaborative partnerships. Complementing our community solar programs, we offer additional clean power savings with energy efficiency through partnerships.
About the Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.
Contact :
Taryn Tuss
(202) 421-7171