Community Education Grant supports equitable access to and awareness of energy efficiency programs

BOSTON (October 22, 2024) – The Sponsors of Mass Save are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the fourth round of the Mass Save Community Education Grant, an initiative that serves to increase access to and awareness of energy efficiency programs through educational and culturally relevant opportunities for residents in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs). This continued effort by the Sponsors aims to equitably reduce carbon footprints across communities and help the commonwealth reach its net zero goals. 

For one year, all grant applicants must participate in an annual program progress evaluation and carry out a number of activities, which include collaborating with participating Mass Save Sponsors and creating initiatives to help engage residents in energy efficiency education and programs. While the application is open to all organizations that meet eligibility requirements, priority will be given to EJCs with a particular focus on renters, landlords, English isolated customers, K–12 student organizations and income-eligible individuals.

Selected grant recipients may receive:

• Funding that can range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year depending on project proposals (awarded in two cycles) to support project costs
• Mass Save branded collateral to assist in marketing efforts of the grantee
• Assistance planning local events
• Pre-recorded training sessions by content experts on energy efficiency offerings and best practices
• Access to a utility company account manager to maximize energy efficiency opportunities in municipal buildings

“Engaging residents in energy efficiency education and increasing their awareness of the resources available to them is an important step towards helping the state reach its climate goals,” said Kate Peters, Director, Energy Efficiency at Eversource. “The Community Education Grant is a great opportunity for organizations in the community to make a difference by increasing access to energy efficiency programs. We hope our residents will feel empowered to get involved in reducing their own carbon footprints.”

Since 2022, the Mass Save Community Education Grant has delivered more than $1M in funding statewide to 48 recipients. A critical component of the upcoming 2025–2027 Three-Year Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan, the Sponsors will continue to provide this funding opportunity twice a year for community-based organizations, helping to bring energy efficiency awareness and education to residents in EJCs.

To apply for the grant, visit the online application on MassSave.com. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the informational session on November 6, 2024 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. To register for the webinar, please reach out to Kaira Fox at [email protected].

About Mass Save:

Mass Save^® is a collaborative of Massachusetts’ electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency service providers including Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid, and Unitil. We empower residents, businesses, and communities to make energy efficient upgrades by offering a wide range of services, rebates, incentives, trainings, and information.

We ask that Mass Save is referred to as “the Sponsors of Mass Save,” or “the Mass Save Sponsors,” to reflect the participation of all utility and energy efficiency service providers within the collaborative.

For more information, please visit our website.