Nonprofit Partners

Established in 1954, ASES is a non-profit that advocates for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy by sharing information, events, and resources to cultivate community and power progress. American Solar Energy Society integrates the perspectives of science, industry, policy, and citizens. They believe knowledge and community are a powerful combination for change. Their members look to them to sustain the culture required to achieve a 100% renewable energy future.

Blue Rock Station is an Ohio-based LLC whose purpose is to share skill-building and daily farm life with visitors, interns and people seeking to learn more about a simpler way of life. Founded in 2003, Blue Rock Station is an experiment in green living. They try to live lightly on the land, sharing it with visitors, interns, critters, and everything else that lives on the land.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is a nationwide network of local chambers from every state in the nation. They help local chambers of commerce and their member companies navigate and prosper in the clean energy space. Founded by local chamber executives, CICE’s Advisory Council is comprised of chamber CEOs and senior staff.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. Their nonpartisan approach to climate education is designed to create a broad, sustainable foundation for climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations.

Clean Power for America is leading a nationwide movement to support the smarter, fairer energy policies needed to unleash the promise of renewable energy. A project of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Clean Power for America is an alliance of Americans working together to get their message heard loud and clear by elected leaders: The time is now for a cleaner, more affordable energy future.

At the Climate Reality Project, they believe that equity, fairness, and the fully voiced engagement of frontline communities most impacted by climate change are essential components of any enduring climate solution and that to solve the climate crisis, they must pursue a just transition to a clean energy economy that nurtures healthy and sustainable communities and ecosystems. Their mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every level of society.

Generation 180 is reframing the narrative around energy and equipping people to take effective, meaningful action in their homes and communities. The convergence of macro trends across the power, commercial, finance, and political sectors, as well as the arrival of rooftop solar power and electric vehicles to the mass market, have made it possible for our generation to fundamentally change our direction. Generation 180 believes we can now dramatically accelerate the arrival of a 100% clean energy future.

Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability (GAINS), founded in 2012, is a community organization focused on educating business professionals and consumers on sustainability for the community. By building greater awareness and demand, they strive for the implementation of sustainable policies and practices which stimulate the economy and create jobs in the region.

Green Umbrella is the regional sustainability alliance of Greater Cincinnati, with over 200 member organizations and over 200 individual members passionate about enhancing the environmental health and vitality of the region. They facilitate collaboration among non-profits, businesses, educational institutions, and governmental entities to meet the environmental, social, and economic needs of today while preserving the ability of future generations to thrive.

Northern Ohioans for Wind (NOW) is a grassroots organization that gives a voice to those who support renewable wind energy development in Northern Ohio. NOW was created to work proactively to educate residents on and promote the real and significant benefits that the wind industry will bring to Northern Ohio – including school funding, landowner payments, county and township payments as well as money for improved roads and infrastructure.

The Ohio Craft Brewers Association was founded as a not-for-profit organization in 2008 to unify the Ohio brewing community, market Ohio manufactured beers throughout the state and beyond, and monitor and promote a strong beer industry in Ohio. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association also organizes state-wide events that showcase the rich brewing industry and stellar beers being produced in Ohio.

The Ohio Energy Project (OEP) is the state affiliate of the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED). They partner with NEED to provide Ohio educators with excellent curriculums, resources, and programs. They bring the latest in the energy field to teachers and students in a way that makes everyone take notice by working with utilities, the State of Ohio, nonprofit organizations, energy organizations, universities, manufacturers, and others.

The Ohio Environmental Council works for pragmatic solutions to keep Ohio clean and beautiful, and our communities safe. They fight for clean air and water, clean energy, and protected public lands. They hold polluters accountable in court while working with communities and companies that want to invest in a clean, more sustainable direction. For nearly 50 years, OEC has led many of the major environmental policy wins in Ohio.

Power A Clean Future Ohio is building momentum now for a clean, prosperous future by equipping local leaders for community-driven carbon reductions in Ohio. They are an expansive, diverse coalition engaging with cities and local governments across the state of Ohio to build a clean future for our communities. Power A Clean Future Ohio is empowering local leaders with tools and resources to create carbon reduction plans and implement them in ways that are achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical.

Rural Action was founded in 1991 on the principle that locally-based, sustainable, and inclusive development is the main strategy for building resilient rural Appalachian communities. Rural Action’s mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region’s assets in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways. They focus on sectors identified as important by our members: food and agriculture, forestry, zero waste and recycling, environmental education, watershed restoration, and energy.

The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter represents more than 125,000 members and supporters. The Chapter advocates for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public transit. They proudly defend Ohio’s forests, state parks, and nature preserves. They preserve water resources by advocating for green infrastructure, factory farm regulation, and protections for Lake Erie and watersheds throughout the state. Finally, they promote Ohio’s transition to a 21st-century economy through the creation of good-paying, long-standing green jobs.

Simply Living is a community organization that celebrates and connects people to learning opportunities that promote community sustainability, environmental awareness and our local economy through educational outreach and partnerships within our community. With more than 1,200 members, Simply Living’s purpose is to educate and invite others to live responsibly and sustainably in joyful relation with the earth and with each other, rooted in principles of environmental, social and economic justice.

Solar United Neighbors is a national organization, with 13 state-wide chapters, all dedicated to representing the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. They are a community of people building a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Since 2007, SUN has helped people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

 Sustainable Cleveland is a community working to reshape Cleveland into a vibrant livable city with thriving businesses and a flourishing natural environment. Sustainable Cleveland offers information and actionable tools so you can make smart, sustainable choices at home and in your community. Their initiative engages people from all walks of life, working together to develop a thriving and resilient Cleveland region that leverages its wealth of assets to build economic, social, and environmental well-being for all.

Academic Partners

The Hanley Sustainability Institute at the University of Dayton extends sustainability efforts campus-wide and into the community. Their integrated approach prepares students to meet the growing demand for sustainability skills in the workplace. Leveraging existing programs, degrees, and courses, including Environmental Biology and Geology, master’s degree in Renewable and Clean Energy, and an undergraduate minor in Sustainability, Energy and Environment (SEE), the Institute is a leader in sustainability education.

Denison University strives to be an exemplary steward of our natural world and a leader in sustainability. They take an intentionally multi-disciplinary approach to sustainability that balances environmental, economic and social responsibility. They believe that this approach to sustainability will support the well-being of the college and the global community.

Hocking College was founded in 1968 with a focus on Environmental Studies and giving students an affordable hands-on learning experience. Their Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty and Staff share a vision that honors the Hocking College legacy of innovation and creativity; delivering relevant programs in high demand careers including transfer programs. Hocking College is a leader in regional economic development, addressing social and economic disparity to provide upward mobility to those they serve.

The Kent State University Office of Sustainability works to increase sustainability in university operations, from waste stream and recycling to reduced and green energy use, to collaborating with faculty to incorporate sustainability across the curriculum. Kent State University approaches sustainability through the lens of interconnectedness and interdependence of the social, environmental, and economic components.

The Institute for the Environment & Sustainability (IES), in the College of Arts and Science at Miami University, educates students as professionals and global citizens through interdisciplinary programs in environmental science and sustainability and provides leadership in areas of research and outreach that address environmental problems and promote a more sustainable society.

The Oberlin College Office of Environmental Sustainability (OES) educates and inspires a multidisciplinary way of thinking about the world that incorporates an ethic of environmental care, social equity, and financial responsibility. Through bold leadership, innovation, and creative collaboration, OES works with the administration to advance an environment that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient for their campus, students, community, and beyond.

The Ohio State University’s Sustainability Institute is a comprehensive land-grant research university with hundreds of faculty in sustainability, thousands of passionate students, an enduring land-grant mission, and a strong commitment to sustainability in its campus operations. They are dedicated to leveraging their research and knowledge to enable more sustainable and resilient communities in Ohio, the nation, and abroad.

Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability facilitates the implementation of the Ohio University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan by providing services and support to the campus community and ensures fulfillment of institutional commitments to environmental, social and economic well-being. Ohio University defines sustainability as the capacity to simultaneously benefit people, the planet and prosperity now and in the future.