BATH — The Chocolate Church Arts Center has received funding from Grants to Green to weatherize its Annex building.

The funding is in addition to previous financial support for improvements of the main stage resulting in greater sustainability and energy efficiency.

The Chocolate Church presents concerts, plays and dance performances in the repurposed 1847 church and the abutting Annex building at 804 Washington St.

According to Executive Director Jennifer DeChant, the furnace heating the main stage was replaced in 2014 after receiving a grant from the Quimby Family Foundation. “This improvement has already created greater efficiency and significant savings on fuel costs. It is still a large and drafty building but now we are able to make sure that audiences are more comfortable while enjoying a show,” said DeChant.

The Grants to Green program grant will provide weatherization of the Annex building that includes the art gallery, green rooms, administrative offices and Curtis Room. Members of the ad hoc Building Action Committee, comprised of building experts and advisers, created the project list for improved efficiencies outlined in the grant proposal. By lowering fuel costs, savings will direct valuable resources to programming and operation.

“We have been a focal point of cultural arts in the region since 1977 and these facility improvements will help ensure that we continue in that service. Receiving both of these grants is also a part of the strategy ultimately leading to a capital campaign addressing the overall structure and while continuing to showcase the best in regional, national and international talent for generations to come,” said DeChant.

Grants to Green Maine provides environmentally focused knowledge and funding to strengthen nonprofits located in historic buildings in downtowns in Maine. It is a partnership between the Maine Development Foundations’ Maine Downtown Center, Efficiency Maine and the Maine Community Foundation.

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