Offer an Impact Loan

Seeds for the Sol is Seeking ...

Mission-aligned lenders to expand a proven revolving capital model that accelerates clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades for income-qualified households across Oregon. 

The Bridge Fund helps solve a major challenge in energy efficiency programs: delayed contractor reimbursements that limit participation in income-qualified projects. By providing upfront payments to approved contractors and replenishing funds through Energy Trust of Oregon reimbursements, the same capital can be reused multiple times each year. 

With average projects costing about $10,000 and reimbursement cycles averaging 8–12 weeks, loan dollars can circulate up to four times annually. A $25,000 loan, for example, can help support approximately $100,000 in completed upgrades each year while continuing to recycle impact over time.

The Bridge Fund has already grown from $85,000 to $250,000 in revolving capital while increasing completed upgrades, Home Energy Assessments, and contractor participation. The model is designed to minimize risk: 
  • Funds are used only for approved projects 
  • Payments go directly to vetted contractors 
  • Reimbursements replenish the fund continuously from Energy Trust of Oregon and Oregon’s Department of Energy incentives
  • Capital is fully segregated from other organizational programs 
  • Primary exposure is reimbursement timing variability rather than capital loss

By providing a low-interest or mission-driven loan, lenders help create a sustainable cycle of reinvestment that strengthens local contractors, expands access to clean energy, lowers utility costs for vulnerable households, and increases the effectiveness of public incentive programs.

A loan to the Bridge Fund is more than financial support—it is catalytic capital that continues generating environmental and community benefits year after year. 

By providing a low-interest or mission-driven loan, lenders help create a sustainable cycle of reinvestment that strengthens local contractors, expands access to clean energy, lowers utility costs for vulnerable households, and increases the effectiveness of public incentive programs.

A loan to the Bridge Fund is more than financial support—it is catalytic capital that continues generating environmental and community benefits year after year. 

For more information, contact Julie Williams at