Press Release: New Loan Program to Boost Energy Efficiency, Electrification for New Mexico Nonprofits and Small Businesses
Santa Fe, NM (July 21st, 2025, 12:00pm MT) – The New Mexico Climate Investment Center (NMCIC) today announced a new small-loan program to help nonprofits and small businesses across New Mexico finance energy efficiency and resiliency upgrades to their facilities. Beginning today, July 21st, NMCIC has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting nonprofits and small businesses of all types to apply for low-cost loans (up to $250,000 each) for projects that improve energy efficiency, electrify, or solarize facilities. Loans will be offered at friendly, below-market interest rates to make upgrades affordable. The RFP will remain open until August 31st October 31st.
This initiative aims to empower small businesses and local nonprofits to save energy, improve the comfort and safety of their facilities, and strengthen their operations for the future. “We are excited to launch a program that will help nonprofits and small businesses lower their energy bills and direct more of their resources to serving our communities,” said Beth Beloff, CEO of NMCIC. “By improving energy efficiency and investing in electrification, organizations can reinvest savings into their missions while also contributing to New Mexico’s climate goals and community resilience.” Beloff noted that with climate change driving extreme temperatures, drought, and wildfires, efficiency upgrades will especially benefit those serving vulnerable populations.
Application process: The RFP containing full program guidelines and application instructions is now posted on the website. Respondents will be asked to submit their proposals through the Small Loan RFP Submission Form online. Proposals will be evaluated on an ongoing basis following the launch of the program and after the application period closes, and loan awards are expected to be announced as they are evaluated and approved, with a successful application expected to be processed within 2-3 months of initial submission. NMCIC staff will work with approved applicants to finalize loan agreements and project plans promptly, so that upgrades can begin soon after.
For more information, interested organizations can visit the Small Loan Program page or contact NMCIC’s program office at . The official RFP document, application form, and a schedule of virtual information sessions are available on the website nmclimateinvestmentcenter.org. NMCIC encourages all eligible New Mexico nonprofits and small businesses to explore this opportunity to save money and strengthen their facilities.
“By investing in energy efficiency today, these groups will free up resources for their critical services tomorrow,” said Beloff. “It’s a win-win for the organizations and the communities they serve.”
About the New Mexico Climate Investment Center: The NMCIC is New Mexico’s first “green bank”, an investment fund created to accelerate the state’s transition to clean energy and climate resilience. Incubated in the Coalition of Sustainable Communities NM, NMCIC operates as a nonprofit “green bank” that leverages public and private capital to support projects with environmental and social benefits. Its mission is to reduce energy burdens and greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic prosperity and equity for communities across New Mexico.