By Eric Walker and Patrick Scriven
A bold resolution was passed at the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Annual Conference in 2023: achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This commitment spans ministries, facilities, and operations, placing equity and justice at the center. Local churches were also encouraged to improve energy efficiency by 50% by 2030.
A Creation Care & Justice Task Force was formed to bring this vision to life. Early efforts revealed that funding was the most significant barrier for churches aiming to improve energy efficiency. A two-part strategy was developed to tackle this: install solar panels with batteries and convert gas furnaces to heat pumps.
Launching the Heat Pump Fund
In the spring of 2024, the PNW Heat Pump Fund was created to finance church heat pump conversions. With the support of its executive director Julia Frisbie, Faith Foundation NW became the fund’s host and successfully secured $519,000 from the Washington State Department of Commerce for residential heat pump rebates. These rebates are aimed at parsonages, as the funding criteria limited eligibility to household conversions. Although this was just the beginning, it showcased the potential of targeted funding to drive meaningful change.
Efforts to fund heat pump conversions for church buildings were more challenging. Despite limited options in 2024, a significant opportunity emerged: the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant (CCG). Although securing the $10 million minimum grant required building coalitions and meeting stringent criteria, this effort emphasized long-term planning and collaboration.
Building Coalitions for Climate Action
The CCG grant’s focus on disadvantaged communities led Eric Walker, representing the task force, and Frisbie to identify two areas: Yakima and South Seattle/South King County. Churches in these areas partnered with community-based organizations (CBOs) already working on health, housing, and environmental resilience. For example:
- In Yakima, Wesley UMC collaborated with organizations like Yakima Neighborhood Health Services and Justice Housing.
- In South Seattle/South King County, churches, including Blaine Memorial, Riverton Park and Federal Way UMCs, partnered with groups such as the Low Income Housing Institute and Asian Counseling and Referral Service.
Together, these coalitions developed diverse project proposals, including tree planting, solar installations, electric vehicles, and resilience hub preparations. Although one proposal was submitted and the other didn’t reach completion, the process underscored the value of collaboration and preparedness.
Lessons Learned in Grant Seeking
The journey toward funding climate action revealed key insights:
- Relationships Matter: Strong partnerships between churches and CBOs are crucial. Existing connections made it easier to identify community needs and build cohesive proposals.
- Deadlines Drive Progress: A clear submission date keeps the momentum alive. However, adequate preparation time is essential.
- Dedicated Leadership is Key: Successful projects require “wranglers” to coordinate efforts, host meetings, and keep teams focused on goals.
- Flexibility Wins Grants: Proposals must align with funders’ priorities, even if it means sacrificing some original ideas.
- Competitiveness Counts: A determined, focused approach—supported by a thorough understanding of scoring criteria—makes a difference.
- Apply Early: Open application periods often favor early submissions, as competition is less intense.
Ministry Beyond Walls
This effort went beyond addressing climate change. It strengthened relationships between United Methodist churches and their communities, inspiring trust and demonstrating how faith-driven action can benefit vulnerable populations. By engaging deeply with local needs, churches became vital partners in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
The work also aligned perfectly with the recently adopted PNW priorities, integrating creation care, climate action, and collaboration. Whether or not grants were won, the initiative highlighted how trying something new can lead to growth, innovation, and ministry that truly matters.
