University YMCA

UPDATED GOAL: With funds that have been mailed in we are only $5,619 short of our initial goal of $22,000!!! Campaign ends January 31st please share and donate.

More than 50 years ago, students at the University of Illinois came together to start Students for Environmental ConcernS (SECS). Based at the University YMCA, SECS has been the leading force for environmental activism at the University of Illinois over the past five decades engaging thousands of students in making our campus, community and world more sustainable. 

In light of that legacy, we are kicking off a GoFundMe campaign to bring solar energy to the historic 82 year old University YMCA building located in the heart of campus.  A detailed analysis by our Sustainability Committee determined that a 25.7 kW solar array on our roof will offset about 16% of our energy use.  By installing this solar array, the Y will be investing in clean energy technologies, demonstrating on-campus leadership for smart, environmentally beneficial technologies, and offsetting annual emissions equivalent to:

    ·   Planting 12,600 trees
    ·   Driving 48,800 less miles per year
    ·   Taking 107 cars off the road.

To help cover the costs of this mini-power plant at the Y, we will be applying for the Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and the Illinois Solar for All program. We are also exploring opportunities to take advantage of the solar Federal Tax Credit to reduce the project cost even further. Despite all of these funding opportunities, the project will still cost the University YMCA approximately $22,000 to purchase and install the photovoltaic (PV) system.

We are excited to announce that former Y staff member Becca Guyette, and her husband Joe, have joined with former SECS member Jim Young in pledging to match all donations over $100 up to $11,000 or half the cost of this project.

But we need your help to make this dream come true!!!

Please consider joining us in standing by our commitment to protecting the environment, while helping current and future students learn about renewable energy technologies to become environmentally conscious leaders that promote clean, healthy communities.

The mission of the University Y  is to develop campus and community leaders committed to social justice, environmental protection, interfaith cooperation and global engagement by fostering dialogue, reflection and action.

• Stand in support for funding the sciences
• Stand in support of DEI in the sciences
• Oppose the federal cuts to scientific institutions
• Oppose censorship and political interference
• Bridge the gap between the community and science