COLUMBUS (May 1, 2025) - Today, Google announced six Ohio-based organizations as the inaugural recipients of its $1 million Ohio Grid Innovation Fund. Launched in partnership with the Columbus Region Green Fund and Elevate, the initiative backs practical, community-led solutions that reinforce the state’s electric grid — supporting energy efficiency, industry workforce training, and energy education. 

The recipients, chosen after consultation with a selection advisory committee, are: 

• Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD)

• IMPACT CAA 

• Lancaster-Fairfield CAA 

• Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission 

• Ohio Energy Project 

• People Working Cooperatively 

“Reliable, resilient energy infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving digital economy. As demand for data and technology continues to grow, we’re proud to support organizations that are developing cutting-edge solutions to modernize the grid,” said Kaitlin Savage, Energy Market Development Lead for Google. “Strengthening our grid goes beyond building more — it’s also about using what we have more efficiently. These awardees are leading the way by developing scalable programs that cut energy waste, lower bills, and build the workforce needed to power Ohio’s future." 

“We’re thrilled to congratulate these grant recipients,” said Zach McGuire, Executive Director of the Columbus Region Green Fund. “Ohio’s ability to attract jobs and industry depends on dependable and affordable energy and workforce to support these industries. These awards recognize the forward-thinking organizations helping reduce energy costs and create new economic opportunities. We’re proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll have across the state." 

Dr. Anne Evens, CEO of Elevate, added, "A resilient, future-ready grid is essential to powering Ohio’s families, businesses, and communities. Elevate is proud to partner in this initiative and congratulates these six recipients, as we work together to drive greater grid efficiency, reliability, and affordability. By championing homegrown innovation, we’re not just modernizing infrastructure, we’re building a stronger, more accessible energy future for every Ohioan." 

Further details on how the organizations plan to maximize these funds: 

Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) - Operating across 30 counties in Appalachian Ohio, COAD provides energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households through their Weatherization Assistance Program. COAD will leverage its Ohio Weatherization Training Center (OWTC) and partner with Kokosing Solar to implement the project and train solar installers. 

IMPACT Community Action Agency -Serving Franklin County, IMPACT Community Action’s program seeks to help residential energy customers reduce energy consumption and provide pathways to employment in the energy sector. Their initiative will provide for upgrades such as weatherization, deep retrofits, and solar panels and energy storage. It also includes a workforce development component to train community members in construction and energy fields, such as solar panel installation, with the goal of placing 50% of graduates in related jobs. 

Lancaster-Fairfield CAA (LFCAA) - LFCAA’s initiative will provide at least 14 low-to-moderate-income households with energy conservation measures like HVAC and electrical repairs or replacements, leveraging Google Grid Innovation Funds with existing programs. Additionally, LFCAA plans to partner with the Fairfield County Workforce Center to expand a pre-apprenticeship program in HVAC to include weatherization training. 

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) -With a focus on Franklin County, MORPC will use the funds to expand Central Ohio’s Safe and Energy Efficient (COSEE) Homes, expanding their existing weatherization program to serve more low-to-moderate-income households in Franklin County. The initiative will provide energy efficiency upgrades, including tankless water heaters, to at least 15 additional households annually, aiming to reduce their energy burden and increase grid resilience. 

Ohio Energy Project (OEP) - OEP’s e3 Smart Program will provide training, curriculum, and energy conservation kits for 7 educators and 420 students in grades 3—12. Students will learn about energy efficiency and related careers, and then engage in at-home activities to educate their families. The proposal culminates in a Careers in Energy event to connect students with industry professionals and spark interest in energy-related pathways. While OEP has a large footprint across the state, this funding will focus on 34 counties in South and Southeast Ohio. 

People Working Cooperatively (PWC) - PWC will focus primarily on workforce development, aiming to expand their training programs in trades like carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, and weatherization for both new and existing staff. A portion of the funding will also support the delivery of energy efficiency projects in the homes of low-income Ohio homeowners. Headquartered in Cincinnati, PWC serves Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Clermont, Preble, Greene, and Montgomery Counties, with plans to serve additional counties.