Now more than ever nonprofit organizations are having to find creative ways to free up available dollars. A local, cross-sector program is leading the way in advocating for utility upgrades as a viable option to save on bills, while saving the environment.

Partners for Green Places recently awarded $161,379 in matching funds to 10 local environmental and human service agencies to implement water and energy efficiency upgrades at their facilities. Upgrades will help conserve natural resources while freeing up funds that nonprofits can redirect to their important missions.

• Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast
• Forty Carrots Family Center
• Girls Inc. of Sarasota County
• The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
• Mothers Helping Mothers
• Project 180
• Save Our Seabirds
• Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida
• WSLR+Fogartyville

“On top of the financial savings, these collective actions help advance energy efficiency and create a more sustainable community,” Lee Hayes Byron, Director for Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. “Our hope is to inspire businesses, residents, and nonprofits in Florida to also take action through sustainable measures.”

All participating organizations received audits to identify areas of opportunity in their energy and water usage and utility cost savings. Improvements include: LED lighting and occupancy sensors; energy efficient A/C systems; programmable thermostats; solar window film; smart power strips; metered faucets, water tanks and heaters; and reflective roof shingles.

In addition to the efficiency projects that the nonprofits will take on, six of the nonprofits also signed up for FPL SolarTogether. These nonprofits will reduce their impact on the environment by lowering their energy and water consumption, while also sourcing part of their energy from a clean, renewable source.

Last year Children First, Harvest House and Historic Spanish Point were selected as the first three pilot organizations for the Partners for Green Places program. They began with $75,000 in funding for their efficiency upgrades. Harvest House reports already saving $600 a month on utility bills.

Partners for Green Places was founded through a cross-sector partnership including Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the City of Sarasota, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, DreamLarge, Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability, and William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. The founding partners are inviting other organizations to get involved

To learn more visit www.partnersforgreenplaces.com