Energy Advantage and Community Programs

Energy Advantage & Community Programs

NFC's Energy Advantage Program is partnering with various other community programs to expand our offerings! We are excited to work with IMPACT and their LIHEAP program to offer Energy Advantage for homeowners in need. NFC is also offerring Energy Advantage as an add-on for Matthew 25's Transform Week recipients!

For more information, see below!

 

IMPACT/LIHEAP & Energy Advantage

NFC encourages IMPACT contacts and participants in LIHEAP or the Weatherization Assitance Program to consider the Energy Advantage Program! Applicants can use NFC's Energy Advantage program to receive a deferred loan to renovate their home and improve their home's energy efficiency! Efficient homes lower energy costs and reduce energy bills!

What is the Energy Advantage Defferred Loan?

The Energy Advantage Deffered Loan is a $10,000 loan with 0% interest (0% APR) with no monthly payments. The NFC deferred loan does not have to be repaid until the home is sold, is no longer your primary residence, 30 years have passed, or in some instances, when the home is refinanced. There are no payments or interest, and you do not need to credit qualify. You will need to meet the household income limits which are similar to the LIHEAP program.

Applicants utilize these funds to complete projects to increase their home's efficiency. Previous borrowers have utilized the program for home improvements including:

  • Installing Energy Star Windows and Doors
  • Installing a new High-Efficiency HVAC
  • Installing a Heat Pump
  • Sealing Air-Ducts
  • Insulating Homes
  • Home Weatherization
  • And more!

 

The Energy Advantage program is funded by local governments. Currently, the Energy Advantage program is available in the NFC lending areas (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights). 

How to Qualify:

Applicants qualify for the program by meeting our household income limits, similar to the LIHEAP program. Our current household income limits follow the 2025 HUD Annual Income Limits located here. Energy Advantage/LIHEAP program applicants must be at or below 65% of the Median Income Limit in Polk County (per the number of person(s) in their household). Applicants do not need to credit qualify. Applicants must also live in and own the property they are renovating. 

Unsure if you meet these qualifications? Let us know and we can discuss this further with you!

Is this program right for you? Call us and find out!

If you are a LIHEAP/Weatherization Assistance Program Applicant interested in utilizing the Energy Advantage Program, contact Loan Originator Bridgett Robinson to learn more about Energy Advantage and discuss if it's right for you and your needs!

For More Information:

Bridgett Robinson NMLS# 2244064

Community Outreach & Loan Originator

515-273-1372

brobinson@neighborhoodfinance.org

 

Matthew 25's Transform Week & Energy Advantage

NFC is excited to partner with Matthew 25 to offer Energy Advantage as an additional resource for all Transform Week Applicants! 

This opportunity is limited to Cedar Rapids Transform Week recipients and is a great opportunity to add additional scope of work items outside of Matthew 25's Transform Week. Utilizing the Energy Advantage Defferred Loan, applicants can add work otherwise not covered under Transform Week including, but not limited to:

  • Replacing an HVAC, Furance, or AC
  • Installing a Heat Pump
  • Installing Energy Star Windows
  • And more!

 

With the Energy Advantage Program, you may be able receive $10,000 through a 0% interest (0.136% APR) deferred loan* for qualifying energy improvements. Decrease your energy footprint and cut costs with sustainable home upgrades!

 

*What is a Deferred Loan?

An NFC deferred loan does not have to be repaid until the home is sold, is no longer your primary residence, 30 years have passed, or in some cases, when the home is refinanced. There are no payments or interest. Our Cedar Rapids Loan Originator, Bryce Dake, can provide you with more details on the Energy Advantage Program and combining it with Matthew 25's Transform Week!


Income Qualifications

Applicants qualify for the program by meeting our household income limits. Our current household income limits follow the 2025 HUD Annual Income Limits located here. Energy Advantage Program applicants seeking an Energy Advantage Loan without another NFC loan product must be at or below 65% of the Median Income Limit in Cedar Rapids (per the number of person(s) in their household). If you are uncertain if you meet these qualifications, let us know and we can discuss this further with you!

 

To Apply:

Contact NFC and let us know you're a Matthew 25 Transform Week participant and we can direct you to our application!

 

For More Information:

Bryce Dake NMLS#1897289

Loan Originator

319-777-7128

bdake@neighborhoodfinance.org