Technical Assistance

Forward Together Wisconsin’s Technical Assistance Program supports communities and organizations across the State of Wisconsin. Our Technical Assistance can help your organization secure funding to advance energy efficiency or renewable energy implementation. These resources reduce climate impacts, save money while increasing energy resilience.

Updates

News

Solar on houses of worship:

This story highlights how faith communities have embraced the Direct Pay Clean Energy Credit. The impact of these investments extend beyond just the places of worship where solar panels and other renewable energy has been installed. These investments have inspired adoption of solar panels at worshipers’ homes as well, illustrating the ripple effects of these investments.

Solar Adoption in Milwaukee Suburbs

This story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlights the uptick in solar installation in Milwaukee area suburbs. FTW’s mission is to ensure these resources reach residents in the state that need it most. We are encouraged to see this increased adoption and are working to ensure that the same rate of solar adoption happens in Milwaukee and across the state.

Just as seen in the story above, this Journal Sentinel story highlights the ripple effect of solar adoption. People are increasingly likely to install solar when they see their neighbors doing so.

Funding:

EPA EJ Thriving Communities Grant Making Program

EPA has selected 11 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers (i.e., Grantmakers) that will receive $600 million to serve as pass-through entities nationwide through the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM) cooperative agreements. Wisconsin is in Region 5. Our region has not yet opened the grant process but is expected to announce this opportunity soon. Visit this link for more information.

Clean School Bus Program

This rebate program provides funding to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models.

Applications are due on Jan. 9, 2025, by 3 p.m. CST. Additional information on eligibility, the application process, important dates and funding prioritization is available on the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program webpage. Note that the application process requires registration with Grants.gov. Plan to start this registration process soon if you are interested in pursuing this funding.

 

For more information about FTW’s Education Coalition connect with our Education Coalition Manager Daniel Joglar daniel@forwardtogetherwi.org

US Forest Service – Community Forest Program

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) of the Forest Service offers a unique opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests that provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products.

  • Full fee title acquisition is required. Conservation easements are not eligible.

  • Community Forests can be owned by local governments, tribal governments, and qualified nonprofit entities.

  • The program pays up to 50% of the project costs and requires a 50% non-federal match.

  • Public access is required for Community Forest Program projects.

  • Lands acquired through the program are actively managed in accordance with a community forest plan to provide community benefits.

Climate United NEXT

Climate United NEXT is a pre-development grant program to help nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) accelerate early-stage clean energy projects through planning to project financing. Through grant funding for planning, technical assistance, and community engagement, communities will identify solutions that meet their unique needs and lay the groundwork for projects including solar, green buildings, and electric transportation.

You can register here for a webinar about the funding December 6th. This first round of funding is focused on supporting Native communities and the deadline for applications is due January 10th 2025. Applications are available here.

Resources:

Investigating Environmental Contamination Guide

Great Lakes Center for Children’s Environmental Health at UIC has created a guide for Communities to Investigate Environmental Contamination.

This report can help you:

  • Find out about levels of pollution in your air, water, and soil

  • Which government agencies to contact about pollutants in your environment

  • How to address your concerns with elected officials and policy makers

  • Understand health impacts of environmental exposure to pollutants

 

Nick DeMarsh, Technical Assistance Director

Nick DeMarsh is the Forward Together Wisconsin Technical Assistance Director. He is a PhD candidate in Urban Planning at UW-Madison. He has worked with community-based organizations in Milwaukee and across the state over the past two decades.  In his role with Forward Together Wisconsin, Nick is working with organizations, businesses, faith communities and government agencies to navigate federal funding opportunities to support investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.  Look for regular updates from Nick in future Technical Assistance Newsletters. Contact Nick at nick@forwardtogetherwi.org with any questions.