Nonprofit Program Connects Corporations to Green Energy Projects

Jan. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Boston, MA - New Generation Energy (NGE), a Boston-based nonprofit that promotes community clean energy, today launched the Community Green Fund (CGF), allowing socially conscious companies to sponsor individual clean energy projects located at nonprofits, schools, and charitable organizations.

NGE created the Community Green Fund as a response to corporations’ growing interest in going green and positively impacting their local communities. Chuck Lewin, Director of New Generation Energy, comments, "A number of green-minded companies have asked NGE for a simple, effective way to get involved with community-based renewable energy projects. The Community Green Fund does just that. The Corporation gains the benefit of serving as a project sponsor, while NGE brings in additional funding and sees the project through to completion."

NGE selects a charity or nonprofit organization and does a complete energy assessment, determining where the organization can save the most money while also saving energy and cutting down on their carbon footprint. NGE then determines which energy upgrades to install, including appliance upgrades, insulation and window replacements, and solar power generation.  Companies that partner with NGE then select individual projects based on the mission of the supported organization, the organization’s location, and the size of the project. NGE actively publicizes the project through press releases, news articles, and web announcements. The partnership is capped by a ribbon-cutting event when the installation goes online, celebrating a successful community clean energy project.

Projects funded through the Community Green Fund are designed to maximize social and economic benefits. After installation of major efficiency upgrades and renewable energy hardware such as solar PV (photovoltaic) or solar thermal, energy expenses for the supported organizations are reduced by 40% - 75%. This dramatically lowers their operating expenses, and helps them succeed in their mission. Unlike a one-time donation to the organization’s operating budget, a donation supporting efficiency upgrades and green energy pays dividends to the organization for decades. A $25,000 donation, for example, can create $100,000 or more in energy savings to the organization over 30 years.

With more and more potential customers factoring environmental impact into their purchasing decisions, a company’s “green” image is increasingly important to its business strategy. Companies that work with the Community Green Fund can:

•   Increase their market share among environmentally conscious consumers
•   Enhance their reputation as green businesses
•   Boost employee morale
•   Make a positive impact on a local charity
•   Attract new customers                      

For more information on NGE’s Community Green Fund, visit our website at www.newgenerationenergy.org or contact us at CGF@newgenerationenergy.org.



Additional Information on New Generation Energy:
New Generation Energy (NGE) is a Boston-based nonprofit that seeks to build sustainable and green communities by providing green investment options for individuals, businesses, and foundations in the areas of renewable energy, conservation, and the environment. NGE operates in the six states of New England, and supports energy efficiency and all types of renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal.

NGE operates a Renewable Energy Investment Note (REIN) program which raises funds from socially responsible investors, and disseminates those funds via its community lending program to low and moderate income communities as low-interest green energy project loans. In addition, NGE operates a Community Green Fund (CGF) that lets green-minded corporations support deserving charitable organizations by installing green energy projects that dramatically lower their energy costs.

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New Generation Energy (NGE) is a Boston-based non-profit that provides investment options for individuals, businesses, and foundations in the areas of renewable energy, conservation, and the environment.

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