Request for Proposals

Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for Local Food System

Proposals Due: Friday, January 26, 2018

Download RFP and application here (Word).

Overview: Green Umbrella is pleased to announce this funding opportunity designed to financially support energy-efficient refrigeration for the local food system. This funding, generously provided by the Duke Class Benefit Fund, will simultaneously advance regional sustainability goals related to local food, food waste reduction, fresh food access, and energy-efficiency. The total amount of funding available is $75,000 and at least five (5) entities will be funded.

Background: Improved refrigeration infrastructure is needed to strengthen regional distribution of locally grown food, improve fresh food access for the 25% of local residents who are food insecure, and reduce the 40% of food that is wasted nationally. Energy-efficient refrigeration not only has environmental benefits; it also reduces operating costs within the local food system. Green Umbrella seeks opportunities like this one to serve as a steward for environmental funding. This funding advances the following Green Umbrella goals:

• Double the production and consumption of fruits and vegetables grown within our region by 2020.
• Advance a healthy, equitable and sustainable regional food system.
• Reduce waste going to landfills by 33% by 2020 as we transition to “zero waste.”
• Reduce energy consumption in the built environment by 15% by 2020.

Eligibility: Any Green Umbrella member* (non-profit, business, government entity, university or school) that:

• Is part of the local food system (i.e. farmers, food artisans, food hubs, food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, food retailers including grocery coops or corner store initiatives, restaurants that source locally, institutional kitchens including school and university cafeterias, incubator or community kitchens, community supported agriculture organizations, farmers’ markets, etc.);
• Serves Southwest Ohio counties of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and/or Warren; and
• Was a Duke Energy Ohio rate payer (customer) during 2005-2008, or has services which benefit Duke Energy Ohio rate payers (residential or commercial) who were customers during 2005-2008.

*To learn more about membership benefits or to become a Green Umbrella member, please visit www.greenumbrella.org/membership. To see if your organization is a current Green Umbrella member, please visit www.greenumbrella.org/membership-directory.

To Apply: Email your completed application to apply@greenumbrella.org by or on Friday, January 26, 2018. Notification and grant awards are expected to occur in February 2018. A brief final narrative and financial report will be due by December 17, 2018.