Interfaith Power & Light

Interfaith Power & Light serves people of all major faith traditions through educational and inspirational programs that encourage personal and collective action to reduce carbon emissions by adopting energy conservation measures and switching to use more renewable energy. From greening their facilities to preaching environmental-themed sermons and advocating for policy change, faith communities are increasingly taking more action and starting to play a significant role in the climate movement. Interfaith’s message of caring for the planet is conveyed and heard in the context of religious beliefs, ethics, and morality, rather than politics, science, or environmentalism. With over two-thirds of Americans reporting a connection to a religious community, Interfaith’s approach is relevant to a large cross-section of the country. By emphasizing a moral case for national climate action, Interfaith helps broaden the base of support for climate policies that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. This award supports the organization’s general operations.

Interfaith Power and Light’s (IPL) strength lies in its ability to reach people through their values. Its message of caring for the planet is heard in the context of religious beliefs, ethics, and morality, rather than politics, science, or environmentalism. IPL serves people of all major faith traditions through educational and inspirational programs that encourage personal and collective action to reduce carbon emissions through energy stewardship, sustainable food and lands, and public policy advocacy. IPL’s network of 18,000 congregations reaches nearly seven million people of faith. With over 60 percent of Americans reporting a connection to a congregation, IPL’s work is relevant in a large cross-section of the country. Support from the MacArthur Foundation is enabling IPL to build its capacity at both the national and state level.