Lynn, MA [December 30, 2024] – The Demakes Family YMCA is honored to have been selected as a recipient of $93,500 in funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Upgrades Inspiring Local Transformation (BUILT Nonprofits) program. This funding will enable us to upgrade HVAC systems, significantly improving the energy efficiency of our facility and creating a more sustainable and welcoming environment for our members and community.
The BUILT Nonprofits program, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a transformative initiative aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations through energy efficiency upgrades. This funding opportunity ensures operational savings that can be reinvested into mission-critical services that directly benefit communities like ours.
For the Demakes Family YMCA, these savings mean more resources to dedicate toward life-changing programs, from youth development and community wellness to family services and educational opportunities. The new HVAC system will not only reduce our energy consumption and lower operating costs but also enhance the comfort and accessibility of our facility for everyone who walks through our doors.
The impact of BUILT Nonprofits extends far beyond individual organizations. Across the country, the $2 million in funding awarded through this program will help nonprofits like ours implement energy-saving projects such as lighting replacements and window upgrades, demonstrating how investments in sustainability create lasting benefits for disadvantaged communities.
We are proud to be one of the 22 nonprofits selected nationwide and among the eight organizations receiving DOE funding for the first time. This opportunity represents a powerful step toward building a more sustainable future, and we are deeply grateful to the DOE and the Renew America’s Nonprofits Program for their support.
As we embark on this energy upgrade journey, this funding allows us to do so in a way that aligns with our values of sustainability and stewardship for future generations.