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Local Energy Alliance Program Inc

EIN 27-1155142 · Charlottesvle, VA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak25 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

LEAP was born out of a growing concern for environmental sustainability and the desire to reduce energy costs for local residents and businesses. Our vision is to create a more energy-efficient and resilient community, reducing our carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for all. LEAP's primary goal is to empower individuals and organizations to make smart energy choices that benefit both the environment and their wallets. We offer a wide range of services, from home energy assessments to solar installations, helping our community reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Income
$3.3 million
Spending
$3.5 million
Spent on programs
81%
Reserves
0.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 76%
Employees
28
Volunteers
23
Highest pay
$93,621, co-executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 25 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    2 of 20

    It owes 78% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 45% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $659,043 spent. Energy Efficiency Programs: LEAP provides residential energy assessments, consulting, and improvement services to both market-rate and income-qualified clients. Services include consultations and comprehensive assessments, direct install measures, market rate improvements, and community outreach and energy education in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. LEAP also operates an Energy Resource Hub that connects residents with energy information, referrals, and available incentives. Certain outreach and service activities are supported by local grant funding. All services are delivered in accordance with applicable program guidelines, and related documentation and reporting are maintained to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
  2. $150,329 spent. Solarize Campaign: Solarize Virginia is a community-based outreach initiative that simplifies and makes solar more affordable for homeowners. Through partnerships with local governments and vetted solar installers, the program provides residents with trusted information, free solar assessments, and discounted solar pricing. LEAP manages outreach, education, and customer support throughout the process, helping participants navigate decisions and move confidently toward solar adoption. Funding for Solarize Virginia comes from fees paid by participating installers for completed installations. These funds are reinvested directly into the program's operations to support outreach, homeowner education, and personalized guidance, ensuring residents are well informed and confident throughout the process. This model allows LEAP to continually improve and expand the program's reach.
  3. $1.6 million spent. Low-Income Weatherization Program: LEAP implements low-income weatherization and home performance services on behalf of multiple utility, nonprofit, and local government funding partners. Through programs including Dominion Virginia Power's IAQHIP and EnergyShare Programs and Albemarle County's Assisted Home Performance program, LEAP provides energy assessments and energy-saving improvements at no cost to qualifying households, including low-income, elderly, and disabled residents, in both single-family and multi-family housing. Services may include direct-install measures, air sealing, insulation upgrades, duct sealing, HVAC improvements, attic insulation, and other energy-saving and health-and-safety measures. LEAP staff perform assessments and certain installations, and subcontract specialized services such as insulation and HVAC work in accordance with program and procurement requirements. Income eligibility, scope of work, project completion, and invoicing are documented and maintained in accordance with utility and local funding requirements. LEAP's service area includes the greater Charlottesville and Northern Virginia regions and surrounding communities.
  4. $439,755 spent. All other programs

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2010.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.