Chicago, IL — [November 6, 2025] — Eco DioChicago, the creation care working group of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, has been awarded $134,000 in Grassroots Education funds through Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) to launch a new solar education initiative from Eco DioChicago called Caring Light.
The Caring Light project will primarily bring grassroots solar education to environmental justice communities outside the City of Chicago, focusing on southern and western regions within the diocese, as identified by ILSFA mapping. These communities have historically faced environmental harm and limited access to renewable energy solutions.
“The Caring Light initiative is a faithful expression of our diocese’s commitment to creation care and environmental justice, and I am deeply grateful to Eco DioChicago for their leadership in securing these funds,” said Bishop Paula Clark. “Since its formation, Eco DioChicago has been a resource for our congregations, helping us live more fully into our call to be stewards of God’s creation.”
“This is about equity, education, and empowering faith communities to lead in the clean energy future,” said Ellie Simpson, co-lead of Eco DioChicago. “We named the project Caring Light because renewable energy is not only a technical solution—it’s a spiritual one that speaks to care, justice, and stewardship.”
Through this funding, Eco DioChicago will work alongside at least seven Episcopal congregations to host and offer 14 educational workshops across seven rounds of programming. The goal is to empower churches and residents in environmental justice communities with the knowledge and tools needed to access solar energy solutions—especially through programs like Illinois Solar for All.
“I am excited for this funding opportunity,” said Richard Benson, Co-lead of Eco DioChicago. “This will allow the diocese to actualize our spoken commitment to care for creation and promote environmental justice. I am excited to also encourage people and congregations to begin their journeys toward net-zero and share the knowledge and resources we have gained.
As part of receiving these funds, Eco DioChicago will receive training and outreach resources from ILSFA to ensure the workshops are accessible, accurate, and grounded in best practices.
“Grassroots Educators are trusted community partners who help income-eligible communities across Illinois learn about the incredible benefits of the Illinois Solar for All program,” said Jennifer Brown, Associate Director of the Illinois Solar for All program. “Our Grassroots Educators are trusted organizations in their communities, and their work supports local families by helping them save money on their electric bills.”
Caring Light campaign highlights include:
- 14 interactive workshops hosted in 7 Episcopal churches located in ILSFA-designated environmental justice communities
- Educational materials tailored for our contexts
- Collaborations with environmental justice leaders
Episcopal Charities serves as the fiscal sponsor for the funding received through ILSFA, providing administrative support and financial oversight that enables Eco DioChicago to focus fully on program delivery and community engagement.
“For over 60 years, Episcopal Charities has implemented its mission through its grantmaking to Non-Profit Partners and very recently to Parish Partners. Working from a brand new strategic plan, EC is not only continuing its traditional grantmaking but it is doing new things with new partners like Eco DioChicago – by providing essential, not just meaningful support. We are delighted to be a part of Caring Light.”
To learn more, express interest in hosting a workshop, or connect with a Green Team near you, email ecodiochicago@gmail.com or join our Facebook group at @EcoDioChicago.
To learn more about the ILSFA program, sign up for email updates. Individuals can also learn more about the ILSFA program on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Eco DioChicago is the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago’s creation care working group, formed in 2024 to support faith-rooted climate action and environmental justice. Guided by Diocesan Resolution F-187, the group equips parishes to form Green Teams, shares theological resources, and is helping the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and its congregations work toward Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Illinois Solar for All is a state program that makes solar more affordable for income-eligible residents, allowing more people to enjoy savings on their energy bills. Created by the State of Illinois to meet its renewable energy goals, Illinois Solar for All focuses on the people and communities who can benefit the most from the solar energy economy.
Episcopal Charities envisions an Episcopal Diocese of Chicago full of spiritually enriched communities transforming and being transformed, resulting in a more just and merciful world.
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is Christ-centered, inclusive, grounded in prayer, and dedicated to service, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago lives out its mission by “Leading with Love.” Welcoming skeptics, seekers, and believers alike, the diocese encompasses a community of approximately 30,000 baptized members, nearly 400 clergy, and 114 congregations across 21 counties in northern and central Illinois. Rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, the diocese draws strength from a rich diversity of cultural, liturgical, and theological expression. It is recognized for its focus on leadership development and congregational vitality. Its commitment to social witness and community engagement is embodied through Episcopal Charities and a range of diocesan and parish-based initiatives. The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is one of 111 domestic and international dioceses of The Episcopal Church, itself a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, comprising 42 provinces.