FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (540) 798-6683, dan@appvoices.org
NORTON, Va. — This October, Appalachian Voices announced a new funding opportunity to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills for community-serving organizations in Southwest Virginia. Grants of up to $15,000 will be provided to organizations in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise counties, and in Norton, Virginia for air sealing, LED lighting, insulation and high-efficiency electrical equipment. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 31 at solarfinancefund.org/swva-building-upgrade.
Community facilities are crucial resources for rural communities throughout the year. The Southwest Virginia Building Upgrade Program, known as Building UP, will serve nonprofits, small businesses and municipalities that provide healthcare, food access, meeting spaces and other services available to community members.
“This program is a way for local community-based organizations to reduce their regular operating costs,” says Austin Counts, Appalachian Voices’ Solar and Electrification Projects Manager. “More energy-efficient facilities throughout the region not only reduce costs for their owners, but also create more sustainable and resilient services for community members. After upgrading the facilities, we hope to continue working with those organizations to identify other ways to reduce energy costs.”
Community members can learn more at the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund website or by contacting Austin Counts at austin@appvoices.org or (276) 591-2175.
The program is made possible in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Upgrade Prize, awarded in 2023, and the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund.
ABOUT
Appalachian Voices: Appalachian Voices is a leading nonprofit advocate for a healthy environment and just economy in the Appalachian region, and a driving force in America’s shift from fossil fuels to a clean energy future.
Appalachian Solar Finance Fund: The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund is a regional financial and technical assistance program designed to catalyze renewable, efficient, and resilient energy projects in Central Appalachian communities. Appalachian Voices houses the program and serves as its fiscal sponsor