At California Interfaith Power & Light (CIPL), we have always believed that faith communities have a unique and powerful role to play in addressing the climate crisis. Today, as we face new challenges, our commitment to this mission remains unwavering.
We want to share some important news with you: the national office of Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) in Washington, D.C., has suspended its operations due to financial constraints. While this is a difficult moment for our broader network, we want to assure you that California Interfaith Power & Light will continue our vital work here in California.
What This Means for CIPL
CIPL is a separate 501(c)(3) organization, and while we have deeply valued our partnership with the national organization, we are financially and operationally independent. However, we will feel some impacts, as a portion of our funding was passed through the national office. Despite this, we are confident in our ability to move forward because of the incredible support we receive from our dedicated community of faith leaders, congregations, and supporters like you.
It also means we won’t have a national office to coordinate federal advocacy. California IPL will step up our efforts to ensure our Congressional representatives understand the strong faith community support for climate action. This work will be critical to defend vital climate and clean energy programs being targeted by the new Trump administration.
Our Commitment to California
California has long been a leader in climate action, and CIPL is proud to be at the forefront of mobilizing faith communities to care for Creation and advocate for climate justice. Even in the face of this transition, we remain steadfast in our mission to:
- Inspire and equip faith communities to reduce their carbon footprints through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable practices.
- Advocate for strong climate policies at the local and state levels, ensuring that California continues to lead the way in addressing the climate crisis.
- Build resilience in vulnerable communities, helping them adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat.
- Foster interfaith collaboration, bringing people of all faiths together to protect our shared home.
How You Can Help
While we are grateful for our strong base of support in California, this moment reminds us how much we rely on the generosity of our community to sustain our work. Here’s how you can help ensure that CIPL continues to thrive:
1. Make a Donation: Your financial support is more important than ever. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue our programs and advocacy efforts.
2. Spread the Word: Share our mission with your faith community, friends, and family. Follow us on social media and help amplify our message of hope and action.
3. Get Involved: Join one of our programs, attend an event, or volunteer your time. Together, we can make a difference.
A Message of Gratitude
We are deeply grateful for the support we have received over the years from our partners, donors, and faith communities. Your belief in our mission has allowed us to grow and make a meaningful impact in California. While this is a time of transition, it is also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the values that guide us: faith, hope, and action.
The climate crisis is one of the greatest moral challenges of our time, and we know that faith communities have a critical role to play in addressing it. With your support, CIPL will continue to lead the way, inspiring hope and driving change in California and beyond.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can create a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world.
With thanks and hope,
Susan Stephenson
Executive Director, CIPL