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 |
EASSI Webinar
*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.
Quick links
Home
How it Works
Eligibility
Grant Details
Application Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Resources to Find Contractors
Meet the Cohort!
Questions? Watch our information webinar from 1/24/22 or contact Jack Rees:
- Call: 574-245-6050
- Email: jrees@southbendin.gov
For more information about IFF financing contact:
- Call: 317-363-0441
- Email: dsink@iff.org