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In May 2026, Sustainable Westchester and Nonprofit Westchester co-hosted a webinar for nonprofit organizations to highlight how community partners can connect their employees, clients, and organizations with programs that help them save energy, reduce costs, and explore job opportunities. The session drew in a range of influential Westchester nonprofits, who were interested in engaging with Sustainable Westchester’s programs to enhance the support they offer to local communities.

The webinar introduced three key areas in which nonprofits can partner with Sustainable Westchester:

  • Client- and Employee-Focused Programming: Attendees learned about programs that help residents save energy and reduce costs – including EnergySmart Homes, which provides free advising and guidance on energy upgrades, incentives, and assistance programs; Residential Solarize and Community Solar, which help households access solar savings; and GridRewards, which provides cash for homeowners and renters who reduce energy use during periods of high demand.

  • Workforce Development: Attendees also heard about how Sustainable Westchester can connect community members with no-cost training, industry certifications, and job placement opportunities in the growing clean energy sector. Through hands-on training in heat pump installation and home performance, participants gain skills for careers in HVAC, building science, energy efficiency, and healthy housing principles. Since launching in February, several participants have completed their training courses and moved into clean energy jobs, with many more enrolled in current and upcoming cohorts.

  • Energy and Cost Savings for Nonprofits: Sustainable Westchester can also support businesses and nonprofits with projects for their own facilities. Examples include Demand Response – Smart Energy Management, which provides financial incentives for nonprofits that reduce energy use at times of peak demand; advisory support for energy-related upgrades, including solar and EV (electric vehicle) charging; and a guide that highlights funding resources nonprofits can utilize to lower upfront costs for their energy projects.

The Q&A session focused on how nonprofits can expand access to these opportunities within their communities. Participants shared how these programs could address challenges faced by the clients they serve  – including difficulties paying utility bills, high costs for energy improvements, outdated heating and cooling systems, and limited awareness of available support programs.

Several organizations expressed interest in future collaboration opportunities, including partnerships to bring clean energy resources and workforce opportunities to broader community networks.

This webinar reinforces the important role nonprofits play in connecting residents with clean energy solutions. By partnering with Sustainable Westchester, organizations can help their communities access energy savings, career pathways, and resources that support a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The webinar is available to watch back on Sustainable Westchester’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mJBnFP9D4g

Nonprofits interested in learning more about Sustainable Westchester’s support options can contact us to get in touch with a team member.

Want to set up a similar presentation for your network? Email us at hello@sustainablewestchester.org to discuss further.