Learning From Neighbors: How Our Nevada Partnership Strengthens Utah Homes
In our recent blog, we shared the exciting launch of SustainEnergyFinance’s new Homes Program, helping Utah families access affordable, practical financing for home improvements—from energy efficiency upgrades to solar power and resilience projects.
The next challenge is clear: how do we scale this program quickly to reach as many homeowners as possible, while ensuring each project is successful and well-supported? Funding for these types of programs is limited, so it’s critical that every dollar is used efficiently to create maximum impact. That’s where collaboration and shared expertise come in.
We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), a leader in implementing similar programs in Nevada where they have closed over $1 million in loans through a network of over 50 contractors. Their team brings years of experience guiding homeowners through every step of the loan process, helping contractors navigate project requirements, and creating systems for smooth, efficient program operations. With their support, we were able to close our first loan in Moab—a solar project for a local family—providing a seamless experience for both the homeowner and their contractor, while giving our team valuable insights as we establish our own local processes.
“This partnership shows what is possible when mission-driven lenders share knowledge, systems, and experience with the common goal of moving capital efficiently and effectively. SEF has the local leadership and community relationships to make this program work on the ground in Utah, and we are proud to support their team as they scale this program.” – Kirsten Stasio, CEO of Nevada Clean Energy Fund.
Our partnership illustrates an innovative model for resource and knowledge sharing across the community lending ecosystem. Rather than starting from scratch, we can leverage NCEF’s proven approaches while applying our deep understanding of Utah’s communities, contractors, and regulatory environment. This combination of national expertise and local presence helps us scale faster, use funding more efficiently, and maximize impact for the families we serve.
These types of partnerships are more than just practical—they’re a template for the future of community lending. As the ecosystem of lenders grows, we can multiply our collective impact by sharing lessons, supporting each other, and combining resources to reach more homeowners with effective, equitable programs.
“Partnering with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund is an exciting step forward in our shared mission to expand energy lending across the Intermountain West. Working together allows us to pool resources, learn from one another, and drive meaningful progress in catalytic finance,” says Shawna Cuan, CEO of SustainEnergyFinance.
By working together across state lines, sharing expertise, and staying grounded in local communities, SEF and NCEF are demonstrating a model for scalable, impactful, and efficient climate lending—building a stronger future for Utah families and the community lending ecosystem nationwide.
About SustainEnergyFinance
SustainEnergyFinance (SEF) is a nonprofit green bank headquartered in Utah, dedicated to creating equitable access to clean energy and resilient housing finance. SEF works with public, private, and philanthropic partners to catalyze projects that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.
Learn more about our work and upcoming projects at sustainenergyfinance.org
About Nevada Clean Energy Fund
The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization that provides financial and technical resources to Nevadans to accelerate clean energy growth in the state, reduce energy costs, create jobs, and meaningfully address climate change. NCEF works with communities, local businesses, schools, governments, Tribes, utilities, contractors, lenders, and others to increase access to clean energy opportunities such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and energy storage.
Learn more at https://nevadacef.org/