Notice of Funding Availability: Empowering Nonprofits to Advance Solar Energy in Charlotte

Centralina Regional Council, in collaboration with the City of Charlotte, is calling upon qualified nonprofit organizations to play a pivotal role in the Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg program.

 

This initiative aims to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for low- to moderate-income (LMI) homeowners across the region.

 

Nonprofits interested in participating must submit their applications by Friday, November 21, at 5 p.m.

 

Detailed information regarding application procedures and program requirements is available in the full Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

 

The partnership between Centralina and the City of Charlotte is driven by several key objectives:

 

1. Enhance Community Awareness: Increase public understanding of the Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg program and the opportunities it offers for eligible LMI homeowners to install solar energy systems.

 

2. Facilitate Homeowner Engagement: Identify and connect interested residents, compiling a referral list to advance them through the application process with Centralina, Solar CrowdSource, and RENU.

 

The goal is to achieve 25 solar installations by April 30, 2026.

 

3. Conduct Targeted Outreach: Organize impactful outreach activities within specific neighborhoods to maximize program participation.

 

Through this collaboration, selected nonprofits will not only contribute to the program's success but also enhance their own capacity and understanding of solar energy systems.

 

This includes gaining insights into the solar installation process and its associated benefits.

 

Centralina plans to award up to two grants of $10,000 each to organizations that meet the following criteria:

 

- **501(c)(3) Status:** Must be a nonprofit in good standing with the State of North Carolina.

 

- **Service Area:** Operations must include the City of Charlotte.

 

- **Mission Alignment:** Focus on serving the needs of LMI individuals, households, or communities.

 

- **Outreach Experience:** Proven track record in conducting outreach initiatives within Charlotte that engage LMI populations.

 

- **Housing Program Experience:** Experience with housing programs and a keen interest in solar and alternative energy sources.

 

For further inquiries regarding this NOFA, please contact Lovetta Walton, Community Economic Development Housing Administrator, at 704-348-2702 or via email at lwalton@centralina.org.

 

By partnering with local nonprofits, Centralina and the City of Charlotte aim to bridge the gap between renewable energy opportunities and the communities that can benefit most, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents.