Feb 27 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Silver City Sun-News, N.M.



Beginning now and continuing through April 15, nonprofit organizations served by PNM can apply for grants of up to $5,000 each to help them become more energy efficient.

This year, the nonprofit PNM Fund, a division of the PNM Resources Foundation, will award $250,000 in Reduce Your Use Grants to nonprofits in its service territory to implement energy-saving measures that lower their electric bills and help the environment.

"With the demand for services supplied by so many nonprofits rising, and budgets tightening, the Reduce Your Use Grant represents a unique opportunity for a nonprofit to focus more of its money on what really matters: fulfilling its core mission," said Diane Harrison Ogawa, executive director of the PNM Resources Foundation.

Grants will be awarded for a variety of projects, including:

 --Energy-saving building upgrades.

--Energy-efficient equipment and appliances.

--Environmental education that encourages public participation and awareness.

--Projects that conserve valuable resources for public use and future generations.

In prior years, funded projects included the replacement of inefficient appliances with Energy Star-rated appliances, replacement of single-pane windows with double-pane windows, upgrades and updates to lighting systems, and installation of solar photovoltaic panels.

Information on which organizations qualify, how to apply and the application itself all are available online at www.PNM.com/foundation. Click on "PNM Reduce Your Use Grants." Applications must be submitted online by April 15. Recipients will be announced in May.

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