CORENA is an Australian donor funded non-profit organisation which provides funding for projects which reduce carbon emissions.
CORENA provides interest-free loans to not-for-profit community organisations and social enterprises anywhere in Australia. Loan repayments are based on energy savings so the organisiation is never out of pocket.
Eligible project types include:
- Rooftop solar systems
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Replacing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives
- Replacing petrol/diesel vehicles with electric vehicles
- A combination of the above
To date CORENA has provided over $892,000 in loans and applications are always open for new projects. We provide free technical expertise and advice on project details. Contact Sarah, our Head of Operations, for more information, or see the Apply for a project page.
Case studies
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Examples of completed CORENA projects
- 7 kW solar installation
- $12,000 interest-free loan
- Electricity savings of $3,636 (10,068 kWh) per year
- 6.59 kW solar installation, hot water timer, replacing inefficient lighting with energy efficient LEDs,
- $14,986 interest-free loan
- Electricity savings of $3,044 (12,260 kWh) per year
- Loan was repaid from savings in 5 years
- 100 kW solar installation.
- $70,000 interest-fee loan
- Electricity savings of $16,124 (124,000 kWh) per year
- Will ‘pay for itself’ in approximately 4 years
Testimonials
Ravenshoe Community Centre, QLD
“We would like to thank CORENA for the opportunity to have an interest free loan to purchase our solar system. As an NGO this has made it easy and affordable and has made our running costs go down for the Community Centre.”
Moss Vale Community Garden, NSW
“With regular visits to our community garden from workshop attendees, open day participants, farmers’ market customers and school groups, we take every opportunity to show off our 3.7kW Quick Win solar energy system made possible by CORENA’s no-interest loan. Such a luxury to have a fridge, electric urn, lights, power tools and electric mower & whipper snipper powered by the sun after ten years without power on-site. Thank you to all the team at CORENA for making this possible. It’s good to feel a part of the movement towards climate action.”
Frequently asked questions
Where does your funding come from?
CORENA is a donor-funded organisation. Donations from everyday Australians across the country help fund our project work to reduce carbon emissions.
As loans are repaid, they are returned to our revolving fund where they are used for future projects. A $100 donation to our first project in 2013 has been reused multiple times for subsequent projects – achieving $390 worth of project funding to reduce emissions.
How long has CORENA been in operation?
CORENA has been operating since 2013. Since its formation, CORENA has lent almost $900,000 in zero interest loans to 44 organisations. For more information please visit our completed projects page or 2020-21 annual report.
What type of organisations does CORENA offer loans to?
CORENA funds climate projects at community organisations, non-profits and social enterprises who complete work which benefits the community. Previous projects include but are not limited to schools, community halls, disability support services, community gardens, sporting clubs and childcare centres. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us.
How does CORENA assess applications?
We encourage applicants to contact CORENA before completing an expression of interest on our website. Following an application, we will review the organisation’s energy usage to determine the best technology for your project, and the carbon reduction benefits of the project. CORENA will work with an organisation to determine the best funding and repayment schedule based on expected energy savings.
Does CORENA provide partial or full funding to projects?
One of CORENA’s fundamental values is to fund projects which would otherwise not happen. Therefore CORENA can provide full funding for projects, or can alternatively fund part of a project if partial funding is already available from another source.
Can CORENA help with technical advice?
Yes, CORENA has volunteer and staff members with technical expertise to help your organisation with impartial technical advice.
What information and resources can CORENA provide for use in your electorate?
CORENA can supply social media assets and web brochures, or even organise a webinar for your local community organisations. Please contact us to request resources on solar, electric vehicles, replacing gas with electric appliances, or energy efficiency projects.