Homeowners in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana will soon have an easier way to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects thanks to a new partnership.
Indiana Energy Independence Fund news release:
Fort Wayne Credit Unions Partner with Indiana Energy Independence Fund to Launch Residential Clean Energy Financing
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 4, 2025) – Homeowners in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana will soon have an easier way to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects thanks to a new partnership between two local credit unions and the Indiana Energy Independence Fund (IEIF).
The collaboration brings the Smart-E residential clean energy lending product to Indiana for the first time, launching initially in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana with plans for statewide expansion.
“I’m encouraged that Fort Wayne could host the launch of a lending product designed to make energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy sources more accessible. Our community works each day to help individuals and families grow and succeed, and this program provides unique opportunities for us to be good stewards of the environment and find potential savings for homeowners,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker.MidWest America Federal Credit Union and Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union will be the first financial institutions in Indiana to offer Smart-E loans, which provide credit unions with a streamlined, ready-to-use clean energy financing product that allows them to offer low-interest loans to homeowners for projects such as solar panel installations, heat pumps, weatherization and other energy-saving improvements.
“At MidWest America we believe in helping more people, and this product does exactly that,” said Shad Edwards, Chief Lending Officer of MidWest America Federal Credit Union. “By making financing for home energy improvements more affordable and accessible, we’re helping families lower utility costs, increase comfort, and invest in their homes. It’s a win for our members, our community, and our shared future.”
“At Urban Beginnings, we believe that access to fair and innovative financial tools is the foundation of community stability and growth,” said Diane Starks, CEO of Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union. “This lending product will give more families in Fort Wayne the chance to make smart, money-saving energy improvements—building wealth, cutting costs and improving quality of life for years to come.”
The Indiana Energy Independence Fund, the state’s nonprofit green bank, led the effort to establish Smart-E in Indiana by recruiting and vetting lenders and contractors, facilitating credit enhancements to lower interest rates, expand program eligibility, and support program implementation.
“This launch brings us one step closer to ensuring that every Hoosier, including low- and moderate-income residents—whether they live in a big city or a small town—can benefit from reliable, affordable energy,” said Alex Crowley, Executive Director of the Indiana Energy Independence Fund. “By teaming up with community-focused lenders in Northeast Indiana, we’re making it easier for Hoosiers to invest in projects that reduce costs, improve comfort and strengthen Indiana’s energy future.”
The Indiana partnership was brought together with support from a number of philanthropic partners across the state and region.
Initially launching in Fort Wayne, this initiative is designed to scale across Indiana, helping all Hoosiers access affordable clean energy financing while supporting local economic development.
Indiana Energy Independence Fund
The Indiana Energy Independence Fund (IEIF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making clean energy and health and safety improvements available to all Hoosiers. As a nonprofit green bank, IEIF supports Indiana’s affordable and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to homeowners and organizations and growing jobs. Projects include energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to homes, affordable housing, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and faith communities in Indiana’s urban and rural communities. For more information visit EnergyIndependenceFund.org and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.MidWest America Federal Credit Union
MidWest America is committed to helping communities thrive in all areas of life by providing competitive, quality services that open the door to new opportunities. With nearly $950 million in assets, MidWest America serves more than 51,000 members, offering a range of financial products and services including savings and checking accounts, mortgages, and consumer and business lending solutions. Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. Visit https://www.mwafcu.org to learn more.Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union
UBCFCU was started to be the most sought-after urban institution in the Fort Wayne area. Urban Beginnings Choice FCU mission is to provide access to products and services at competitive rates, while increasing financial literacy and personal stability for their members. UBCFCU is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) built on the core values of spirituality, leadership, accountability, and innovation, to expand economic opportunities in low-income communities providing access to financial products and services for residents and businesses. Visit https://www.ubcfcu.org to learn more.
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