Organizers in North and South Carolina Publish a Website to Offer Information on How to Access Inflation Reduction Act Funds
NORTH CAROLINA – (January 10, 2024) A network of organizations and volunteers from across North and South Carolina have come together to release the website energyfundsforall.org, a resource guide to help NC and SC residents access support for home and community energy projects.
The website states: “Since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed in 2022, it feels like information has come out daily telling us how to access funds. However, often these links are not widely distributed and the money is difficult to access. That’s where Energy Funds for All comes in.”
“The idea for this toolkit came from curiosity and frustration surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Jessica Finkel, interim coordinator for Thrive North Carolina and co-creator of the website. “The IRA itself isn’t easy to understand and it can be difficult to find the information you need to get funding. We created a way to find what you need to achieve your goals.”
“With the amount of funding opportunities that exist and are anticipated, the Energy Funds for All toolkit is an invaluable resource for Carolinians from different sectors and backgrounds,” said Justin Lindemann, Policy Analyst for the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center. “From workforce opportunities to energy efficiency upgrades, the toolkit doesn’t just inform users of various funding opportunities, it also gives people access to additional fact sheets, technical assistance, and training programs that North and South Carolinians can utilize to better understand incentives and amplify financial support.”
Information is organized in special sections for homeowners, renters, landlords, nonprofits, local governments, tribal governments and organizations engaged in workforce development, but many of the funding opportunities can apply to businesses as well. Website visitors can either click the section that refers to them or search for specific information. The site features handy one-pagers and helpful guides, ensuring users can make the most of the available funds.
“We want this toolkit to both provide information to folks in need and to empower them to apply for funding their tax dollars have already paid for,” said Michelle “Meech” Carter, Clean Energy Campaigns Director at the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters and co-creator of the website. “So many people in our communities struggle with high energy bills and are vulnerable to natural disasters. This toolkit provides the information people need to learn more about these funds and opportunities to get help if they don’t know where to start.”
Thanks to the following organizations and individuals who were most active in creating the website: North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation, Thrive North Carolina, South Carolina Sierra Club, North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, Appalachian Voices, Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle, Center for Progressive Reform, Vote Solar, Laura Combs, Sally Robertson, Sally Jernigan-Smith, Charlie Reed, Gary Smith, Vickie Atkinson, Bill Black, and Shakaya Cooper.
Contacts: Jessica Finkel; jessica@transformnc.org; Interim Director of Thrive North Carolina