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DENVER – A new program offered by Energy Outreach Colorado to
help non-profit facilities such as homeless shelters reduce energy costs
and protect the environment recently received national recognition
through the National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN), a Washington, D.C.-based
organization comprised of 250 organizations involved with raising and
distributing money for energy assistance.
Energy Outreach Colorado accepted the Victorine Q. Adams award for its
Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program at the NFFN annual conference held
in Nashville, TN, last week. The award, which commemorates the founder
of one of the nation’s first fuel funds (Baltimore Fuel Fund),
recognizes an innovation or new program that has made a positive impact
on the low-income community.
The Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) provides qualifying
non-profit facilities in Denver with free energy audits and efficiency
upgrades through an innovative collaboration between Energy Outreach
Colorado and the City and County of Denver.
“This innovative program is an excellent example of how community
organizations such as fuel funds can collaborate to better serve the
needs of the low-income population while reducing the impact of energy
on the environment,” said George Coling, executive director of NFFN.
The concept was first piloted last year with funding from Xcel Energy
Foundation, Denver Foundation, Daniels Fund and Mile High United Way;
and energy audit services from the Governor’s Energy Office. Plans are
to expand the program statewide once funding is secured.
To date, six nonprofit organizations throughout the metro area have been
served through NEEP. Urban Peak, an organization that serves homeless
youth and a recipient of NEEP, has already seen a 25 percent reduction
in it energy usage since receiving insulation in its attic and walls.
“High energy costs in Colorado are unaffordable not only for low-income
families, but also for facilities that support families in crisis –
shelters, safe houses and transitional housing facilities,” said Skip
Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. “When we help
these facilities reduce energy costs, they can allocate more of their
operating funds directly to serving their clients.”
Organizations that may qualify for NEEP funds can call 303-226-5057 for
more information.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help income-limited
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed more than
$78 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency
upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy
Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions
and foundation grants. It was named 2006 Outstanding Foundation by
National Philanthropy Day in Colorado, has received top ratings from
Charity Navigator for five consecutive years and is a member of the
Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can
be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO
80203-1612. |
