Solar panels installed on roof of Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas. Photo provided by David Wiebe.
ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Church USA) — Mennonite Church USA’s (MC USA) Climate Justice Ministry will begin receiving applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, starting April 1, 2024. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in forms of renewable energy. The term, “net zero energy,” describes buildings or communities that generate enough energy to meet their own needs.
The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in installing solar panels, car charging stations or other forms of renewable energy. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund is provided by the generosity of Russell De Young, Newport News, Virginia, in memory of his wife, Pam De Young. Since 2016 when the fund was created and administered through Mennonite Creation Care Network, 19 congregations have received support for solar installations or electric car charging stations.
“Renewable energy projects like those supported by the Net Zero Energy Fund are one way that churches can express love for God’s creation and love for our neighbors who are suffering the effects of climate change,” said Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, MC USA’s climate justice coordinator. “Churches can set a powerful example for their members and neighbors by making climate justice – and renewable energy, in particular – a priority,” she added.
Solar panels (roof top view) Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas. Photo provided by David Wiebe.
MC USA congregations who craft and execute an ongoing plan that will move them toward net zero energy are eligible to apply for the grant. The grants are for hardware purchases related to solar panels, car charging stations or other renewable energy projects. Most solar grants are $5,000, but congregations may request up to $10,000. Grants for car charging stations are limited to $1,800.
The 2023 recipients of the grant are:
- Laurelville Retreat Center with Scottdale Mennonite Church, Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, $1,800 for an electric car charging station
- First Mennonite Church, Newton, Kansas, $5,000 for a roof-mounted solar array
- Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas, $5,000 for a roof-mounted solar array
“Hesston Mennonite Church is deeply appreciative of the funds that we received from The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund. Not only did this grant help us to finance our 128kw solar energy system, it was also instrumental in helping us to communicate the value of our zero-energy solution,” said David Wiebe, finance chair for Hesston Mennonite Church. “Since we completed our solar system in 2023, multiple families in our congregation have decided to install solar on their home. Thanks to the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund for helping us realize our clean energy goal,” he added.
To apply for the grant, contact Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, MC USA Climate Justice Coordinator, to request the appropriate forms. Send your inquiry to climatejustice@MennoniteUSA.org. Applications may be submitted between April 1 and June 15 each year. Applicants are asked to show that their request is part of a larger creation care plan that includes energy conservation, engages many members and is a public witness to the community.
Mennonite Church USA’s Climate Justice Ministry works to find new ways to care for God’s creation that address the injustices of climate change and its impact on the world’s most vulnerable. Consider donating to support the work of climate justice here by donating online or mailing a check, payable to MC USA and noting Climate Justice or Net Zero Fund in the memo line, and mail to: MC USA 718 N. Main Street, Newton, KS 67114.
By Christle Hain
Mennonite Church USA is an Anabaptist Christian denomination, founded in 2002 by the merger of the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church. Members of this historic peace church seek to follow Jesus by rejecting violence and resisting injustice. MC USA’s Renewed Commitments state the following shared commitments among its diverse body of believers: to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit. Mennoniteusa.org