Northern California Land Trust Helps Non Profits Go Green

The green bug has recently hit the non-profit world.  Solar panel installations are popping up on the roofs of organziations that range from a small Berkeley theater to more visable organizations, like San Francisco's Project Open Hand.  The integration of solar energy into a non-profit's literal, physical structure provides three hugely beneficial opportunities and enables an organization to: 1) participate in the ever-growing movement to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, 2) lower the costs of energy bills and help loosen already tight budgets, and 3) appeal to an entirely new donor constituency who may not be interested in the main mission (of arts, education, health, etc) but support the organization's commitment to energy independence.  However, the cost of both the panels and the installation (or more likely the projected fundraising effort needed to finance the project) can be a daunting deterrent.

The Main Obstacle:

The tax credits and solar incentive programs, which make "going solar" an economically, if not morally, fit decision for for-profit businesses, are not available to non-profits.  Often, the charge of raising at least $200,000 to outfit one's building with solar panels is equal to a large portion of the annual budget, and thus, not a feasible plan.

A Viable Solution:

In 2006, The Northern California Land Trust formed the Nonprofit Solar Alliance which consists of affordable housing developments and community organizations.  Through the collective force of multiple organizations, the NSA pools together power and prowess to obtain the right to previously unavailable federal tax credits, making solar power and participation in energy sustainability a reality for smaller organizations.

Involvement:

Much of the success of the NSA relies on both donations from businesses, corporations and individual donors and participation from fellow non-profit businesses.   If this movement inspires you, explore the ways you can contribute at the Northern California Land Trust website: www.nclt.org