Like a lot of people, Joe DeFors retired to Leelanau County some years ago, to be near its rolling green hills and big blue water — connections to the environment.
“If we can’t sell the concept of clean, renewable energy to help protect our environment up here, then we’re in big trouble,” he said.
He’s now president of the board for the nonprofit group Leelanau Energy, which hoping to advance projects that promote energy efficiency, or lead people to build clean energy systems, like wind and solar projects.
They’re calling it the “Energize Leelanau Challenge,” and right now, have $40,000 to give away in a series of grants.
DeFors says adequately addressing climate change will take a lot more money and effort, but small grants like this can get people thinking differently about the future.
“We’re not going to move the needle hugely here,” he said, “but if we can provide some extra credit and incentivize creativity for ways to reduce utility bills, at least we feel like we’re doing our part toward a solution.”
And the group has a track record. It’s behind the solar array at the Northport Creek Golf Course … and a wind project at a nearby wastewater treatment plant.
DeFors says Leelanau Energy is looking for projects that impact the greatest number of people, provide a lasting benefit to the community and are based on an achievable plan.
Extra consideration is given to projects that have some funding behind them already, or that benefit low-income households or communities.
Funding for the grants comes from the group’s own money, along with Cherry Republic, the Rotary Charities and the Leelanau Township Community Foundation.
