Renew America's Nonprofits Grant Program

Renew America's Nonprofits Grant Program is sponsored by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) (via U.S. Department of Energy). MARC was selected to implement this grant program to support projects that reduce energy use and costs in buildings owned and operated by nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City region. The program aims to fund energy efficiency building upgrades for nonprofits.

Renew America's Nonprofits Grant Program | MARC Strengthening support for the gift of longevity and aging in place Developing quality early learning programs for all children Building a competitive regional economy with plentiful housing Creating a healthy environment with clean air and water Improving health outcomes through nutrition and mental and physical health supports Helping cities and counties work more efficiently and effectively Coordinating effective emergency services and a reliable 911 system across boundaries Working toward a safe and balanced transportation system Renew America's Nonprofits Grant Program The U.S. Department of Energy, through the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, selected MARC as one of nine recipients of a Renew America’s Nonprofits grant to implement energy efficiency building upgrades for nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City region in late 2023.

The grant was officially awarded in summer 2024. The grant provides funds to support projects that reduce energy use and costs in buildings owned and operated by nonprofits. In addition to the federal funds, four local foundations have provided an additional $1.

5 million to meet federal match requirements and provide additional funds to support the program. The four foundations are Hall Family Foundation, Marion and Henry Bloch Charitable Foundation, Sunderland Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. MARC Community Services Corporation Grantee and project management.

Support selection of nonprofits to be assisted through formation and convening of the community advisory board, support outreach to area nonprofits that might qualify and review grant applications. Metropolitan Energy Center Support selection of nonprofit buildings to be assisted, including use of their Energy Star tool for evaluating energy costs.

Custom Engineering and Entegrity Energy Partners - Support the selection process, conduct energy audits, and provide technical assistance to selected nonprofit organizations as needed with preparation of bid documents and bidding process for construction. These firms will assist in measuring energy savings. United Way of Greater Kansas City - Assist with outreach to nonprofit organizations.

Eligible organizations The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) outlined specific eligibility criteria. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with documentation from the IRS. Eligible nonprofits must own the buildings to receive funds for energy conservation improvements and be able to provide documentation to MARC and DOE.

The name of the building owner must match the IRS nonprofit name. The nonprofit organization must provide support and services to disadvantaged people and communities within or from the building proposed for energy efficiency upgrades. Program service area The service area is limited to MARC’s nine-county region (Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri, and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte in Kansas).

There is a preference for buildings that are located in or provide services to disadvantaged people living in areas. Eligible projects and activities Eligible energy conservation improvements may include, but are not limited to: HVAC system replacement or upgrades to high performing units Energy system controls to regulate energy use within the building.

Window and door replacement All proposed project activities and equipment funded from the SCEP – Renew America’s Nonprofits Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0003066 must be among those listed in the National Environmental Policy (NEPA) determination letter . (while solar is listed as eligible by DOE, it is NOT eligible through this grant program.) Other Improvements may be considered.

The energy conservation measures will be determined by the building owner and through energy audits that confirm any improvements made will help achieve an annual energy savings of at least 15%. Renewable energy improvements such as solar are not eligible. The program will not support projects that require ground disturbance, and all buildings must meet any applicable national historic preservation requirements.

The Community Advisory Board may identify additional selection criteria to assist in identifying the non-profit organizations with the greatest need and potential to benefit from energy improvements. Selected Nonprofit Buildings A Community Advisory Board (CAB) is composed of representatives from the community, private funders, local governments and technical organizations.

The CAB met a number of times in fall 2024, and January and April 2025 to review 62 eligible applications and select the following priority non-profit buildings for financial support to complete energy conservation improvements.

Nonprofit Buildings Selected for Energy Conservation Improvements Cross Lines Cooperative Outreach Vernon Mutlipurpose Center Center for Developmentally Disabled Community Services League Guadalupe Center - Van Brunt Independence Boulevard Church St.

Marks Lutheran Church Sam Rodgers Health Center Hope Faith Homeless Assistance Campus Kansas City Public Library - Waldo Backup Nonprofit Buildings, if funds allow Foundation for Delta Economic and Empowerment Please contact MARC for additional information about this program.

This program is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State and Community Energy Program (SCEP) under the Renew America’s Nonprofits Program and 2022 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Energy Improvements at Nonprofits Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Award Number DE-SE-0001001.