What is the EASSI Program

The Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) provides technical and financial assistance to nonprofits and businesses to complete energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

ENERGY PROJECT EXAMPLES

• Solar panel installation
• HVAC replacement
• Energy Star appliance upgrades (refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.) 
• Lighting upgrades
• Water heater upgrade
• Air/duct sealing
• Insulation/weatherization
• Window replacement

   

Questions? Contact Alex Bazán

Call: 574-245-6050

Email:  abazan@southbendin.gov

Eligibility

EASSI helps nonprofits and businesses that are within South Bend City limits. Projects must also occur within South Bend city limits.

Nonprofit organizations must be registered and active with the Indiana Secretary of State and/or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.

Organizations that operate in a residence will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Potential impacts from EASSI participation must be distinguishable and measurable from residential activities.

Organizations are highly recommended to have completed an energy audit or assessment within the last 10 years. If they do not, IFF and the City will advise if additional steps are needed prior to full participation in the program.

Due to funding constraints, there is no guarantee that all eligible organizations that apply will be able to participate in the EASSI program.

When can I apply?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis dependent upon available funding.

How does the Grant application and process work?

 

1. Apply for EASSI. Complete the online application form.

2. Connect with the EASSI team. The City, CDFI FSB, and IFF will reach out to you to discuss your application. They will approve, defer, or deny your organization’s submission.

3. Finalize Project Scope. Meet with the City, CDFI FSB, and IFF to finalize the scope of the project and confirm project eligibility. The City references some resources to help you find contractors. You make the contractor selection.

4. Work with CDFI FSB to access funding. Program participants will meet with CDFI FSB to access loans to implement projects.*

5. Implement the Project. The EASSI team helps you manage the project through completion.

6. Celebrate the Project and Report Project Impact. Celebrate your project and provide utility data 12-24 months post-project completion.

*Your organization is not obligated to seek lending. You can receive technical assistance without seeking support to access lending.

Application Tips

Each question will be analyzed as part of the EASSI application review process. Below are some tips when completing your application:

• Answer each question in the application form fully and honestly
• Provide examples and sufficient details to support your answer
• Show a connection between your organization’s core mission with EASSI’s mission
  • For businesses, show a connection how you are meeting a need that is not being filled in your neighborhood/community
• Organizations should demonstrate their capacity to:
  • Cooperate with The City and its partners
  • Embrace and exemplify EASSI’s mission, or commit to actions that align with EASSI’s mission

EASSI APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA

The following 7 core criteria are used to evaluate and select organizations for the EASSI: 

• Project readiness
• Alignment with EASSI’s mission
• Demonstrated need
• Potential to reduce energy consumption and emissions
• Diversity in the type of organization and its services
• Diversity in its geographic location and the residents it serves
• Location in an underserved/underinvested/high vulnerability area

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION CRITERIA FOR RETURNING ORGANIZATIONS

Returning organizations will submit project idea(s) and quotes. Projects will be approved based on the following criteria:

• Project readiness
• Alignment with EASSI’s mission
• Potential to reduce energy consumption and emissions
• First come first serve basis
• Available funding

Why

The City is making efforts to transform buildings to be as energy efficient as possible. In order to meet the City’s goals to address climate change the City will need to transition away from fossil fuels such as natural gas. As part of this transition, we are aligning our efforts for energy efficiency with a shift to the electrification of buildings.