Caring Light - a Partnership between Eco DioChicago and Episcopal Charities
EC is honored to partner with diocesan Task Force, Eco DioChicago, by serving as fiscal agent for "Caring Light", a grassroots education effort funded by a state grant from the Illinois Solar for All program. In addition to serving as fiscal agent, EC will support the campaign financially through the Catalyst Project Fund. This partnership represents a shared commitment to environmental justice, otherwise known as Creation Care, in service of those on the margins and as those charged with stewardship of God's good creation. Through this work, parishes across the diocese will receive support to help them access the benefits of clean energy.
The Holy Spirit is calling us to action in cities, towns, and rural communities across our region. With your help, we are doing more to better align our work as we seek to serve and sustain our communities and congregations in the Diocese of Chicago. Staying informed is essential to this mission. We encourage you to engage with diocesan and EC communications, participate in gatherings, and share your insights and experiences. By remaining connected and aware of the evolving needs and opportunities within our congregations, we can respond faithfully and effectively to God's call. Together, we are building a more vibrant, resilient, and Spirit-led church.
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.