Applications for 2024 are Closed.
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- How It Works
- Eligibility
- Grant Details
- Application Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Resources to Find Contractors
- Past Cohorts
The Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) provides energy assessments, grants, and low-interest loans to community organizations to complete energy efficiency and solar projects.
Results From Years 1 and 2:
- 27 energy assessments conducted
- 9 solar projects (696 KW of installed solar capacity)
- Over 20 energy efficiency projects (HVAC, boilers, LEDs, weatherization, electrification)
- More than $1.9 million in combined pulbic and private investment in energy efficiency and solar
- ~$570,000 in matching grants for EASSI nonprofits
- ~$1.2 million in private investments
- Roughly for every $1 invested through EASSI grants, it has generated ~$2 in energy efficiency and solar investments
Map of Current and Past EASSI Projects
How It Works
The Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) provides energy assessments, grants, and low-interest loans to community organizations to complete energy efficiency and solar projects.
In 2024, EASSI is accepting businesses AND non-profits, including organizations that have previously received an EASSI grant.
Businesses have two options for participation:
- Apply for a solar matching grant (no on-site energy assessment), which will require submitting a quote(s) in the EASSI application, OR
- Join the traditional EASSI program, described below:
Program Process
1. Apply for EASSI. Complete the online application form. (PDF of questions found in the application)
2. Meet with the City. The City, CDFI FSB, and IFF will reach out to you to discuss your intake form. They will approve, defer, or deny your organization’s submission. If approved, you sign a letter of commitment. It indicates your intention to complete an energy efficiency and/or solar project.
3. Get a free energy assessment. IFF conducts the assessment, and the City fully subsidizes it.
4. Choose efficiency projects. The City and IFF review the energy assessment with you. They provide guidance for selecting efficiency projects to pursue.
5. Select contractors. The City references some resources to help you find contractors. You make the contractor selection. The City helps you manage the project through completion and track impact.
6. Apply for loans and/or grants. If lending capital is needed, IFF finances low-interest loans. The City provides grants. Apply for both through 1 application. These funds will help cover your project costs.*
*Your organization is not obligated to seek lending. You can receive a grant without applying for a loan. The minimum loan amount IFF will finance is $5,000. Grants range from $1,500 to $30,000 per organization. For more grant details, please visit this link.
Energy Project Examples
- Solar panel installation
- HVAC replacement
- EnergyStar appliance upgrades (refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.)
- Lighting upgrades
- Water heater upgrade
- Air/duct sealing
- Insulation/weatherization
- Window replacement
Anticipated Timelines
| EASSI 2024 COHORT | |
| February 26 | Application deadline for new and returning organizations |
| March 11 | Orientation for new organizations |
| Week of March 11 | Energy Assessments conducted on-site |
| April/May | Collect quotes, apply for grant and/or loans, & confirm financing for projects |
| June + onward | EASSI midpoint meeting. Quote deadline, building efficiency improvements & follow-up visit |
| November 18 | Grant Deadline |
| November/December | EASSI Showcase |
*Returning non-profit organizations will be evaluated based on the submission of their proposed project(s) and quotes. Returning organizations will not receive another energy assessment.
**For-profit entities will not be able to receive lending support from our non-profit partner, IFF, but can use traditional lending sources if needed in addition to the grant. CDFI Friendly South Bend can assist participants in exploring financial options.
Eligibility
Efficiency projects must occur within South Bend city limits to qualify for EASSI.
The following types of organizations are eligible:
- nonprofits
- schools
- nonprofit early childhood education centers
- public libraries
- medical facilities
- grocery stores
- churches/houses of worship*
- businesses**
Nonprofit organizations must be registered and active with the Indiana Secretary of State and/or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
Organizations that operate in a residence will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Potential impacts from EASSI participation must be distinguishable and measurable from residential activities.
Due to funding constraints, there is no guarantee that all eligible organizations that apply will be able to participate in the EASSI program or in their preferred cohort.
*Churches and other faith-based nonprofits are eligible for the City of South Bend-funded energy audit and grant so long as those organizations are considered to be tax-exempt, are located within South Bend city limits, and have a qualifying project. Please reach out to us to learn more about IFF’s restrictions around lending to churches and faith-based nonprofits. Participants in the EASSI program shall not discriminate against any person in connections with its participation in the program, nor will it use any portion of the award amount to advance or facilitate its religious activities or the religious activities of any other organization.
**A business use must be present on the property. Business use is for commercial purposes (not residential). Property taxes must be current. The property must not be listed for sale.
Grant Details
Below is a summary of EASSI grant offerings for eligible projects. The total maximum incentive a participating organization can receive is $30,000. The total maximum incentive for any gas project(s) is $5,000. Organizations can combine grant options.
EASSI Grant Offerings
| Options | City Grant | Grant Amount |
| G1a | 50% matching grant up to $20,000 for energy efficiency1 | $20,000 |
| G1b | 50% matching grant up to $5,000 for gas energy efficiency1 | $5,000 |
| G2 | 30% matching grant up to $30,000 for solar | $30,000 |
| G3a | 60% matching grant up to $30,000 for electrification ready projects2 | $30,000 |
| G3b | 60% matching grant up to $30,000 for electrification3 | $30,000 |
| G4 | 50% matching grant of up to $1,500 for educational displays4 | $1,500 |
| G5 | 50% matching grant of up to $1,500 for engineering studies4 | $1,500 |
| G1-5 | Total Maximum Incentive | $30,000 |
1The City is making efforts to transform buildings to be as energy efficient as possible. In order to meet the City’s goals to address climate change the City will need to transition away from fossil fuels such as natural gas. As part of this transition, we are aligning our incentives for energy efficiency with a shift to the electrification of buildings. However, we also understand that not all applications for electrification may at this moment work for buildings in our journey to a clean energy future. Therefore, we do provide an interim incentive for gas efficiency where the total maximum incentive for any gas project(s) is $5,000. For any HVAC, water heater, boiler quotes, we will require at least one electrification quote (in good faith). For packaged HVAC units such as rooftop HVAC units that utilize gas, the total maximum grant amount is $5,000.
2Electrification ready projects are defined as weatherization projects of insulation, windows, and doors. These projects are very crucial to create a building that is much more viable for electrification and will more likely result in an electrification project that is successful to reduce energy consumption, costs, and emissions. This incentive builds upon our approach to support the decarbonization of buildings, clean energy, and a cleaner grid, which is part of the City’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. Electrification ready projects also tend to be more expensive compared to other energy efficiency and decarbonization work.
3Electrification projects are defined as a conversion of a gas appliance to all-electric. For example, converting a gas stove, HVAC, or water heater to 100% electric. For new construction projects, we will need proof of previously budgeted and agreed upon project specifications that incorporated natural gas connections and an updated budget and project specifications that show proof of electrification (forgoing gas connection).
4Organizations can use grant dollars for educational displays and engineering studies for educational displays and/or engineering studies. To receive this incentive, participants must complete an EASSI eligible project.
Minimum Required Total Project Cost & Minimum Grant Amount
Please note the following minimum required total project cost and minimum grant amount:
- The minimum required total project cost is $5,000 for new organizations and $10,000 for returning organizations.
- The minimum grant amount is $2,500 for new organizations and returning organizations.
Application Tips
Each question will be analyzed as part of the EASSI application review process. Here is a link to the list of questions in the online application. Below are some tips when completing your application:
- Answer each question in the application form fully and honestly
- Provide examples and sufficient details to support your answer
- Show a connection between your organization’s core mission with EASSI’s mission
- For businesses, show a connection how you are meeting a need that is not being filled in your neighborhood/community
- Organizations should demonstrate their capacity to:
- Cooperate with The City and its partners
- Embrace and exemplify EASSI’s mission, or commit to actions that align with EASSI’s mission
EASSI Application Review Criteria
The following 5 core criteria are used to evaluate and select organizations for the EASSI:
- Alignment with program’s mission
- Demonstrated need and project readiness
- Diversity in the type of organization and its services
- Diversity in its geographic location and the residents it serves
- Location in an underserved/underinvested/high vulnerability area
Additional Application Criteria for Returning Applicants
Returning organizations will submit project idea(s) and quotes. Projects will be approved based on the following criteria:
- Project readiness
- Alignment with EASSI’s mission
- Potential to reduce energy consumption and emissions
- First come first serve basis
- Available funding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Application Questions
How many organizations will be supported by this program?
We hope to serve 5-8 organizations in 2024.
What is a letter of commitment?
A letter of commitment states your organization’s intent and commitment to complete a project with a total cost of at least $5,000 ($10,000 for returning organizations). A draft letter is included here.
Process Questions
What happens after my organization signs the letter of commitment?
IFF and the City will work with your organization to fully understand the needs of the building. We will ensure that your organization is able to undertake the project(s). IFF’s energy auditor will go through your facility and put together a report. The report will include potential energy efficiency improvement recommendations for your facility. This report will help us narrow down on the projects your organization wishes to pursue. It will also help compile a cost estimate and anticipated payback periods. The cost estimate will help us understand the amount of subsidy your organization will need and the number of additional dollars required through lending. If your organization needs lending, you may work with IFF to negotiate a lending agreement. If your organization does not have lending needs, you will move forward with selecting a contractor and pursuing the project.
What will you look at during the energy assessment?
An energy assessment reveals the potential for energy reductions in a building. You can generally expect a review of electricity and natural gas bills and energy use analysis. You will also receive low-cost or no-cost recommendations for capital improvements. The City will subsidize energy assessments for program participants. See IFF Sample Energy Assessment.
How will organizations choose what vendor to use?
The City of South Bend references resources to find contractors.
You make the decision on contractor selection. You can choose to select a contractor outside of the resources referenced by the City.
Is this a recurring program?
EASSI is made possible through the City of South Bend’s Office of Sustainability budget. There is no guarantee that we will have EASSI in 2024.
Financial Questions
What are the loan amounts from IFF?*
The minimum loan size is $5,000 and the maximum loan size is $6 million.
*IFF is solely responsible for loan eligibility determinations.
Can my organization receive a grant without a loan?
Yes, your organization is not obligated to apply for a loan through IFF. It is only an option available through this program. IFF is a mission-driven lender focused on nonprofits. It can be a resource to address your financing needs, especially for larger projects. No IFF lending may be needed if your project costs do not exceed $5,000 or if your organization has the means to cover the costs that are not covered by the grant. Keep in mind that the City of South Bend’s maximum grant amount from the City is $30,000. For more grant details, please visit this link. If your project cost exceeds those amounts, your organization may want to work with IFF to evaluate whether a loan is an appropriate option. Please note for-profit entities will not be able to receive lending from IFF but can use traditional lending sources if needed in addition to the grant. CDFI Friendly South Bend, can assist participants in exploring financial options.
Can my organization get financing from my local bank instead of IFF for this program?
Yes. You are not required to take a loan through IFF. If you have an existing relationship with your local bank and would prefer to use them for financing this project, please do so.
What kind of collateral will be required against the loan?
The collateral ask will depend on the kind of project undertaken by your organization. If you are looking to simply install solar panels on the building, IFF might decide to hold collateral on the equipment purchased with the loan funds. If you are looking at a remodeling or reconstruction project, then IFF might consider the building itself as the collateral. Collateral determinations will be made solely by IFF.
Is there a prepayment penalty on IFF loans?
No, there is no prepayment penalty.
What is the typical payback period for a solar panel project?
The payback period depends on the size of the solar system. Typical payback periods range between 10-15 years. However, the Inflation Reduction Act does provide solar incentives that can decrease your payback period.
Visit Go Solar in South Bend to learn more about solar basics and ways to reduce your payback period.
Resources to Find Contractors
Below are some resources to find contractors. Please note these resources are not an endorsement. EASSI grant recipients can choose to select a contractor outside of the resources referenced by the City.
I&M’S TRADE ALLY DIRECTORY
Trade allies are Indiana Michigan Power (I&M)’s valued contractors and service providers that partner with them to deliver energy efficiency products and expertise directly to you.
View I&M’s Trade Ally Directory
NIPSCO’S TRADE ALLY DIRECTORY
Trade allies are experienced energy efficiency companies (such as manufacturers, lighting distributors, contractors, engineers and retailers) who provide services to assist NIPSCO customers.
View NIPSCO’s Trade Ally Search
MACOG’S LIST OF SOLAR INSTALLERS
MACOG does not endorse or represent specific products or companies. But we have tried to make it easier for you to find active residential solar contractors.
View MACOG’S Solar Installer List
Past Cohorts
2023 Cohort
| Organization | Preliminary Projects |
| Corvilla | Energy efficient air condenser |
| Cultivate Food Rescue | Solar |
| Dismas House of Indiana | Energy efficient windows |
| Health Plus Indiana | Energy efficient windows |
| Holy Cross Parish and School | Energy efficient boiler |
| Hope Ministries | LED lighting |
| La Casa de Amistad | Energy efficient all-electric HVAC systems |
| Reins of Life | Energy efficient insulation |
| Sinai Synagogue | LED lighting |
| South Bend Maennerchor Club | TBD |
| Studebaker National Museum | Solar |
Fall Cohort 2022
| Organization | Preliminary Projects |
| AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist | Energy efficient door/entrance |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County | LED lighting |
| Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center | TBD |
| Life Treatment Centers | LED lighting |
| St. Joseph County Library | Solar |
| St. Joseph County 4H Fair | TBD |
| St. Margaret’s House | Energy efficient walk-in freezer & cooler |
| The Clubhouse of St. Joseph County | Solar & solar shades |
| The Nexus Center | LED lighting |
| Transformation Ministries | Energy efficient insulation |
| Unity Gardens | Off-grid solar and battery system |
Spring Cohort 2022
| Organization | Projects |
| Holy Cross Parish and School | LED lighting |
| La Casa de Amistad | Solar |
| Near Northwest Neighborhood | Solar, insulation, LED lighting, ENERGY STAR® appliance |
| Paramount Schools of Excellence | Solar |
| South Bend Civic Theatre | LED lighting |
| St. Adalbert Catholic School | Boiler efficiency upgrade |
| The Beacon Resource Center | Solar, efficient HVAC |
Our Partners
KUDOS: This program is modeled after the Solar & Energy Efficiency Loan Program piloted by the City of Bloomington, IFF, and CDFI Friendly Bloomington in 2021. Thanks to our partner, Lauren Clemens, Assistant Director of Sustainability at the City of Bloomington, for advising the City of South Bend’s Office of Sustainability in launching this program.