Emissions Reduction Grant

The harm caused by Green House Gases (GHG) to the atmosphere requires a rapid move toward more sustainable energy types and uses. The purpose of this grant is to inspire congregations to lead their communities toward reducing both direct and indirect emissions of GHGs. 

How the grant is funded?

In 2022, with Joint Council’s approval, MC Canada started a Creation Care Fund with an initial amount of $100,000 from the MC Canada Church Building Fund. This fund is used to pay for the Emissions Reductions Grants. It is overseen by the Sustainability Leadership Group.

Money for the Creation Care Fund comes from a combination of a self-imposed carbon levy on MC Canada’s staff and volunteer travel, and by donations to the fundCongregations receiving an Emissions Reduction Grant are encouraged to “pay it forward” if their emission reduction plan results in future cost savings for the congregation. Consider giving to the Creation Care Fund.

Donate

ERG Details

In 2023 this grant will pay out grants totaling $20,000. This amount could increase to $25, 000 in subsequent years if donations to the fund increase.    

Each applicant/congregation may request a grant to cover up to 50% of the cost of a proposed project, to a maximum of $6000. 

Congregations must wait a minimum of two years after receiving a grant before they can apply for an additional grant. 

Mennonite Church Canada congregations willing to craft and execute an ongoing plan that will reduce the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions produced by their congregations operations. 

The grants are for hardware purchases and installation costs related to reducing GHG emissions. Your proposal may include coverage of an Energy Audit. 

Some suggestions for projects include the following, starting with lower-cost/high-impact improvements:

  •  More efficient lighting, building sealing actions and improving insulation/ventilation

  • Switching from gas to electrical or high-efficiency appliances (Fridges, water heaters, ovens -- Energy Star appliances strongly recommended)

  • More efficient heating and cooling systems, like a geothermal or air-source heat pump

  • Replacing windows and doors

  • Solar panel installation/ alternative energy

Congregations are asked to engage in a Virtual Green Audit or formal Energy Audit to help them identify efficiency improvements as there may be other ways of reducing their GHG emissions as wellThe effectiveness of various improvements depends on the climate and energy sources of each regionAn informed auditor may help you consider these specifics as you plan.

  • September 30, 2023: Application deadline for 2024 Emissions Reduction Grant  
  • November 4, 2023: Notification of Successful Applicants  
  • February 15, 2024: Earliest date to pay out grants for approved projects/congregations. Funds to be distributed as reimbursement after receipts have been submitted. Funding could be provided in advance if required/requested. 

How to Apply  

Preparing to apply for your Emissions Reduction Grant will take some time. You have until September 30 to complete the six steps below ending with completing and submitting the application; start now to make sure you have time to complete all the steps. 

You may want to look at the application form to ensure you are prepared to complete it in one session after you’ve completed Steps 1-5.  

Preview application

It’s always nice to have a human contact in these processes – Sandy Plett (Climate Action Coordinator for MC Canada) is ready to connect! splett@mennonitechurch.ca 

As you begin this process, you are invited to send Sandy a note to let her know that you are investigating the possibility of applying for this grant. This doesn’t obligate you to complete the application, but will help you get connected if you have questions at any point in the process.  

Also, if you need assistance at any point in this process, please reach out to Sandy and she’ll help you or gladly connect you with someone who can!  

This is an opportunity to think broadly about how creation care is part of your mission and to set goals for the future. We require this form because most congregations find it a helpful exercise, not because your selection depends on your achievements.  

Print and work through the form in as much depth as you find useful without belaboring it. Ideally, this will be a group process, not just the grant writer’s opinions. Hopefully, a green team or leadership group is prepared to act on your evaluation.     

In the application form, you will be asked to refer to your learnings from this exercise. 

The Greener Congregation Stewardship Score Sheet 

We encourage all people involved in the grant application to view the webinar.

View Webinar

In many cases, the conversation and decisions around which are the best or most effective upgrades can be confusing or difficult. Stephen’s expertise will help you wade through the possibilities to help you tailor a plan that’s right for your congregation at this time.

This Virtual Green Audit through Faith & the Common Good will cost $100 per hour and would likely take 1 hour to 90 minutes. This information/consultation will be useful for all congregations participating in the grant or not.

To learn more and to book your Virtual Green Audit, contact Stephen directly at 705-930-1011 or email scollette@faithcommongood.org.

OR if your congregation feels equipped to make these decisions with in-house expertise, please include in your application a description of the expertise you have relied on to make your project decisions.

If after completing steps 2 and 3 you still feel that you would like a full and complete energy audit of your building to guide your decision-making, we suggest choosing from the following 2 options.

  1. Complete a formal energy audit through a local agency

                 a. British Columbia:

                    i. Licensed Energy Advisors |chbabc.org 

                    ii. Home Energy Audit BC | Canada Energy Audit | Home Energy Evaluation canadaenergyauditbc.com 

                 b. Alberta Energy Auditor List:

                    i. https://www.aeea.ca/energy-auditor-list

                 c. Manitoba Energy Audits:

                    i. https://www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/ 

                 d. Saskatchewan:

                    i. https://environmentalsociety.ca/programs/energy-conservation-for-non-profits/

                 e. Eastern Canada:

                    i. https://www.canadaenergyaudit.ca/

      2. OR complete a DIY Energy Audit using resources provided by Faith and the Common Good or similar resources:  

                a. The Energy Star Action workbook

                b. DIY Walkthrough Audit

                c. If you need some assistance in getting started with the DIY process, please contact Sandy Plett (splett@mennonitechurch.ca) who will connect you with someone who can help! 

 

Connect with your regional Mennonite Church Climate/Creation Care Working Group or regional church office and let them know about your intention to apply for this grant.  Ask to be part of any ongoing communication from this group: 

Congratulations, you’re nearly there! 

Before you begin completing this application form, check that the following have been completed and that you have these documents at your side (you will need them to complete the form in one sitting):  

  • Step 1: Complete The Greener Congregations Scoresheet
  • Step 2: Join the Energy Efficient Faith Buildings Webinar on June 14, 7pm (CDT) 
  • Step 3: Engage in a Virtual Green Audit conversation with Stephen Collette to discuss your building and property specifically.
  • Step 4: (Optional!) Engage in an Energy Audit of the building/property in question
  • Step 5: Connect 

If the answer is YES – you’re ready to complete the application!

Proceed to complete the application form.

NOTE: Contact Sandy Plett (splett@mennonitechurch.ca) for additional information or to receive the forms in another format. 

BEGIN APPLICATION

Additional Resources: 

  • Greening Sacred Spaces:  

  • God’s Green Church: 

    • This resource provides step-by-step ideas, resources, and links for congregations to take creation care action across the activities of church life. Created by senior environmental studies students at The King’s University in Edmonton, it is tailored to Canadian Mennonite congregations, providing both short-term and long-term options, and linking to other Mennonite, faith-based, and Canadian environmental initiatives and resources. https://www.commonword.ca/ResourceView/82/24826