City Program + CDFIs = $3.6M in Sustainability Investments

EASSI Relaunch Brings New Opportunities for South Bend Organizations to Save Energy and Invest in Their Future

This week, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and program partners gathered at LangLab to celebrate the launch of the newest cohort of South Bend's Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI). The event highlighted the program's impact to date and invited a new group of organizations to begin their journey toward lower energy costs, improved facilities, and long-term sustainability.

EASSI is a partnership between the City of South Bend, CDFI Friendly South Bend, and IFF. Since launching in 2022, the program has provided technical assistance, energy assessments, grant funding opportunities, and access to flexible financing for organizations seeking to complete energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The results have been significant. Through its first several years, EASSI has supported more than 30 energy efficiency projects and 13 solar installations, generating over $3.6 million in combined public and private investment throughout the community. These projects have helped local organizations upgrade HVAC systems, improve lighting, install solar panels, weatherize facilities, and reduce utility costs, allowing them to redirect resources toward their missions and services.

At the launch event, attendees heard from program partners and past participants who shared how EASSI has helped strengthen their organizations. By reducing energy expenses and improving facility performance, participants have been able to invest more dollars back into serving residents, clients, students, and neighborhoods.

EASSI in the News!

Great story here on the impact of the program (requires subscription): LINK

CDFI Friendly South Bend plays a key role in helping organizations move projects from concept to completion. Through EASSI, participants receive guidance on project financing and can access capital needed to implement improvements that may otherwise be out of reach. Whether through grants, loans, or a combination of funding sources, the program helps organizations make investments that create long-term savings and operational stability.

Applications for the 2026 EASSI cohort are now open. Eligible nonprofits, schools, churches, libraries, medical facilities, grocery stores, and businesses located within South Bend city limits are encouraged to explore the program and learn how energy improvements can support their mission while reducing operating costs.

As the program enters its next chapter, EASSI continues to demonstrate that energy efficiency is more than an environmental initiative… it is an economic development strategy that helps organizations save money, strengthen facilities, and invest more resources into the communities they serve.