Communities show increasing interest in investing in clean power projects. In some cases, an existing or a new electric power cooperative is organized as the vehicle for such an undertaking. Indian tribes, religious institutions, universities and other academic institutions, and military installations also are undertaking direct investment in clean power projects or committing to purchase clean power or renewable energy certificates (RECs) from third party project developers. In each case, the group often has little or no prior experience with clean power or in developing a project, or the needs of a private developer in entering into a power or REC purchase and sale agreement. As with projects sponsored by public sector entities, securing needed financing can be a key obstacle. Some institutions and facilities are interesting in financing clean power investments undertaken by cooperatives. In addition, private sector financing and ownership structures originally developed to assist developers with limited financial strength are being adapted as hybrid ownership structures to enable cooperatives and other community entities to mobilize private sector capital in support of their projects. Such facilities and structures can be difficult to identify and access successfully.

Birch Tree Capital can assist cooperative and other community-based entities interested in promoting or undertaking clean power projects in several respects:

• Advise on current financing market conditions.
• Craft appropriate financing structures and plans.
• Identify suitable financing sources for investment projects sponsored by cooperatives or other community entities.
• Apply for selected financing support programs.
• Arrange private sector equity capital willing to enter into hybrid ownership/financing structures.
• Coordinate third party lender/investor due diligence.
• Negotiate financing term sheets and full financing documentation.