In April, EPUD opened its annual GREEN Grant program and invited schools and non-profit organizations to apply for the $40,000 prize. This year, three qualifying applications were received, and the competition began! Subscribers of the utility’s renewable energy program, GREEN, were asked to cast their votes to decide which organization would take the prize.
The Winning Project
FOOD For Lane County (FFLC) emerged as the 2025 GREEN grant winner! The organization will use the $40,000 to install an 8.85 KW solar electric system at its new youth farm in Eugene.
Jen Anonia, Gardens Program Manager for FOOD For Lane County said, “We are thrilled to receive the GREEN Grant and extend our thanks to all of the GREEN subscribers!”
“We look forward to having a solar array to significantly reduce our electrical expenses,” Anonia continued. “We love that we’ll be able to tell all who come to our farm that our operations are powered by the sun and the many hands that help us grow food for the food bank.”
The Organization
Established in 1984, FFLC is a non-profit food bank dedicated to reducing hunger by engaging the community to create access to food. For 30 years, community members at the youth farm have learned gardening skills, and put those skills to work by helping to grow produce for the organization. Once installed, the solar array will offset energy costs and create opportunities for FFLC staff to demonstrate how to become more energy resilient in addition to more food self-sufficient.
The GREEN Grant
The GREEN Grant is offered through EPUD's GREEN program and is entirely funded by subscribers who support renewable energy. The grant is awarded to local non-profit organizations to fund new renewable energy projects. Past winners have included Creswell Food Pantry, Pleasant Hill School District, Mid Lane Cares, The Love Project Food Pantry, Center for Rural Livelihoods, and Kesey Farm.
Apply for the 2026 Grant! Applying is Easy!
All it takes is a completed application, and a quote for a $40,000 solar array. These two steps can result in years of clean energy savings! Other types of renewable energy projects are also eligible. View our GREEN Grant webpage for details, and encourage your favorite non-profit to apply next spring!