Threats of federal funding cuts could impact local church and community

The First Presbyterian Church isn’t just a place of worship, it’s a hub for the community of Marshfield, Wisconsin. From running a robust food pantry to supporting immigration initiatives and local service organizations, this small congregation makes a big impact. But rising energy costs threatened to divert precious resources away from their mission.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)’s direct pay provision, the church moved forward with installing solar panels and a heat pump system – with the expectation that 30% of the project costs would be reimbursed through federal incentives. But now, even that reimbursement is uncertain. With political threats to the IRA looming, future projects like this are at risk. For small churches and nonprofits across Wisconsin, the IRA isn’t just a policy, it’s a lifeline.