Microfunding the Greening of America

November 8, 2010

New Generation Energy, a Boston-based non-profit that promotes renewable energy projects around the U.S. has launched a Web site to help other non-profits solicit micro-funding for local green energy projects. The company says it hopes the Web site will accelerate development of green energy community projects around the country

The new Green Energy Project Microfunding Web site offers individuals an opportunity to learn about and help fund non-profit green projects around the country.

New Generation Energy describes the project as "similar to other microfinance sites, but support is in the form of a donation rather than a loan, and emphasis is placed on project metrics such as energy savings and green house gas emissions reduction."

Any non-profit based in the U.S. is eligible to list its green projects on the Web site, provided the projects also are located in the U.S.

Presently, the site has listings for several projects in the Boston area. One seeks $11,188 to fund a lighting upgrade to an inner-city family shelter that is estimated to slash the shelter's energy costs and eliminate more than a half million pounds of CO2 emissions. Another group, a task force on domestic violence, recently received $622 to upgrade to more energy efficient lighting at a separate shelter.

New Generation Energy also offers funding for solar projects undertaken by small businesses, at rates as low as 2% and terms of up to 10 years.

Check out the Green Energy Project Microfunding Web page for additional details.

There are 78 ATMs for every 100,000 adults in the developed world; in developing countries just 23 ATMs are deployed per 100,000 adults 

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