Clinton Community Hall is stepping boldly into climate leadership with a plan that is both highly practical and symbolically powerful. With roots dating back to 1907, this community fixture is now looking to its future — and to the planet’s — by launching an ambitious energy transition initiative called “Electrify the Hall.” The plan is straightforward: eliminate propane use at the Hall by replacing all fossil-fuel-based systems with electric alternatives, including a new induction stove, electric water heater, heat pump HVAC, and — eventually — solar panels with battery backup.
Though this is their first formal foray into climate-focused work, the Hall’s leadership is clear-eyed and committed. They have already completed the stove replacement and installation of the heat pumps. The board, led by Mike Gerhardt, has demonstrated strong project management skills in the past with other capital improvements and is building out a phased fundraising strategy to take on the bigger-ticket items like solar and battery storage.
What makes this effort especially aligned with the goals of the Whidbey Climate Fund is its deep local visibility and replicability. The Hall sits right on the main road to and from the Clinton ferry terminal — a high-traffic, high-visibility spot — and they plan to use their roadside signage, social media, newsletters, and local press to broadcast their transition and promote clean energy adoption community-wide. Partnerships with Kicking Gas, Sustainable Connections, and PSE bolster the technical credibility of the work.
Importantly, the board sees this project not just as a building upgrade, but as a way to strengthen community resilience —positioning the Hall as a power-secure gathering hub during future outages. If successful, the project will serve as a model for other legacy institutions across the island looking to decarbonize.
This grant from the Whidbey Climate Fund supports a hyper-local, shovel-ready project that is already inspiring systems-level thinking. It is a catalytic investment in community infrastructure, visibility, and emissions reduction — exactly the kind of tangible action the fund was designed to enable.
Support Whidbey Climate Fund Grants
The Whidbey Climate Fund supports local projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, restore ecosystems, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change—right here on Whidbey Island. This fund recognizes that addressing the climate crisis requires bold action at the local level. By investing in community-driven efforts—such as energy efficiency, sustainable land use, climate education, and preparedness—we strengthen our island’s ecological and economic well-being.
Through partnership with Whidbey Climate ACTION, this fund invites residents, nonprofits, and community groups to shape a livable future for generations to come. Donors who support the Whidbey Climate Fund are helping to ensure Whidbey remains a vibrant, sustainable place to live.
Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.