An innovative solar and conservation pilot project to be funded by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County could become a money-saving, green-energy model for other youth-serving organizations in the region and beyond. The $444,890 project is one of eight grants totaling over $1.1 million recently approved by the Barancik Foundation’s Board of Directors, bringing the total to $9.8 million in 2017. The Barancik Foundation will test the concept of outfitting a youth-serving nonprofit agency with solar panels while also delivering conservation education to the organization. The pilot with Girls Inc. is designed to provide the nonprofit with immediate financial savings on its energy bills and positively impact the more than 300 girls it serves with new environmental education opportunities.Two other environment grants awarded by the foundation will promote science education for youth in Chicago, the Barancik’s summer home.

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation