The Story of Our Impact
In early 2023, Calvert Impact, Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), and Self-Help came together as the Climate United coalition to submit a proposal to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for funding.
Our vision was clear: we will leverage our decades of experience to unleash American innovation and build a stronger, more resilient clean energy economy that lowers energy costs, creates jobs, and improves public health for every American.
In April 2024, EPA awarded $6.97 billion to the Climate United coalition. Since then, Climate United and our coalition of experienced organizations have made great strides towards transforming this once-in-a generation opportunity into real impact — healthier communities and a stronger economy.
Climate United's First Major Investments
$31.8 Million Groundbreaking Solar Project Financing in Arkansas
October 2024
With this pre-development loan, Arkansas-based solar developer Scenic Hill Solar is beginning pre-construction on 18 project sites that will deliver 66 megawatts of clean, affordable energy to the entire University of Arkansas System.
When complete, the project will:
Reduce energy costs by over $120 million over the next 25 years, directly benefitting more than 70,000 students and 17,000 employees;
Employ hundreds of electricians, civil contractors, and construction workers;
And deliver $120 million in direct economic benefits to Arkansans across the state.
$250 Million Electric Truck Financing Program
October 2024
Climate United is investing $250 million in the manufacturing of up to 500 battery electric trucks – the largest single order in U.S. history – to provide affordable, accessible leasing options to small trucking businesses.
Generating demand for heavy-duty electric vehicles will reduce manufacturing costs over time and create good jobs for American workers, all while reducing pollution that disproportionately harms port communities. The program was launched at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with the intent to expand nationally.
Climate United NEXT Grant Program
November 2024
Climate United NEXT is a pre-development grant program to help underserved and low-income communities deploy the next generation of clean energy projects. Climate United will provide up to $30 million in grant funding for technical assistance and planning support for community-led projects that increase energy independence, reduce pollution, and save money.
Grants of up to $300,000 will be awarded across multiple rounds. The first round is dedicated to supporting clean energy projects in Native communities.
$10.8 million Pre-development Loan for Solar Projects on Tribal Lands
January 2025
Climate United Fund closed a $10.8 million pre-development loan for three utility-scale solar projects on Tribal lands in eastern Oregon and Idaho. Once complete, the projects combined will provide up to 885 MW of renewable, affordable energy while helping tribes monetize their land resources, delivering benefits to tribal communities. Climate United’s financing will cover interconnection and transmission deposits, land leases, community outreach, and planning costs.
The Climate United Coalition's First Multifamily Housing Deal
February 2025
CPC Climate Capital recently closed its first loan: $1.5 million for high-performance building upgrades at Belmont Dairy, an 85-unit affordable multifamily building in Portland, Oregon. These upgrades will support local jobs and preserve long-term affordability in a historic, mixed-use building.
CPC Climate Capital filled financial gaps to enable Belmont Dairy to not only retrofit facilities but also to maintain affordability over the long haul. The building’s affordability covenant – which was set to expire next year – has now been extended for 99 years, keeping approximately 79% of units affordable for decades to come.
The upgrades at Belmont Dairy are expected to support roughly $1.8 million in local workforce contracts, paying prevailing wages for the installation of solar panels, heat pumps, water conservation improvements, and more. Once completed, providers estimate an annual carbon emission reduction of 122.1 tons.
And there’s more to come.
CPC Climate Capital is underwriting a pipeline of projects for their national multi-family housing strategy and is hard at work in multiple states to increase access to healthy, energy-efficient homes.
Self-Help Climate Capital has released two initial RFPs for lending products supporting green housing and passenger electric vehicles, marking the beginning of a national program to reduce pollution and save money for hard-working American families.
Across the coalition, we are actively pursuing investment opportunities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to transform communities across America.
