SolarCity Introduces SunRaising, A Solar Referral Fundraising Program For Nonprofits

January 20th, 2016 by Glenn Meyers

SolarCity today announced SunRaising, a referral program that allows nonprofit organizations to raise additional funds by encouraging members to adopt solar.

California-based SolarCity will donate $200 to the nonprofit for each person who signs up for solar. Riverkeepers is one of its early participants.

Organizations can tap into this powerful money-raising option by joining the Solar Ambassador program for nonprofits, said Jon Carson, senior director of the Solar Ambassador program.

Nonprofits are encouraged to enroll in the SunRaising program. Each time a supporter of a specific SunRaising partner organization signs up, SolarCity will donate $200 to that organization. Homeowners who go solar through a SunRaising partner will also receive their system’s first month of power for free from SolarCity as a thank you for helping their local nonprofit.

According to Carson, more than 100 nonprofit organizations—including food banks, hospitals, booster clubs, community centers, schools and recreational groups—have already joined and made referrals under the SunRaising program.

SolarCity reports these referrals have led to solar energy system installations projected to offset approximately 60,000 metric tons of carbon compared to energy produced from fossil fuels. In addition, the program has helped more than 400 homeowners take the first steps towards going solar while helping to raise thousands of dollars.

SunRaising Partners

One of the first SunRaising nonprofit partners is Riverkeeper, an environmental organization dedicated to protecting the integrity of the Hudson River and its tributaries, plus watersheds providing drinking water to New York City.

“Solar is both viable and economical for most home and business owners in New York and can play a large role in protecting one of America’s greatest rivers, the Hudson,” said Paul Gallay, president of Riverkeeper. “One of the greatest threats to the Hudson is an aging nuclear power plant so, not only does SolarCity lower New Yorker’s energy bills, but when consumers opt for solar, it plays an integral part in replacing the power from this harmful plant and others like it.”

Desert Sands Educational Foundation, a Southern California nonprofit focused on strengthening public education, also became a SunRaising partner earlier this year.

Jan Diaz, a board member of Desert Sands Educational Foundation, said her organization has already generated 20 referrals through word of mouth and social media promotions. “SunRaising has been a great way to promote clean energy and receive funds to support the students of Desert Sands Unified School District.”

Infographic via SolarCity









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