Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions | FACS (c3)
Organization Description
Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) organizes the power of Virginia’s faith communities and people of good will to advance local solutions to the urgent moral challenge of climate change. We began as a discussion group in a Unitarian church basement a decade ago. Today, we have some 3,000 supporters in five regional hubs, a small staff, influence with elected officials throughout Northern Virginia and the state capitol of Richmond, and a proud record of accomplishments. FACS is a trusted partner with local governments, state and local organizations, and over 225 faith communities in the region.
2026 Programs
This summer, we launched the Urban Heat Island Mapping Project and recruited 80+ citizen scientist volunteers. When George Mason University completes data analysis, we’ll advocate for local governments to address heat in low-income areas. Our second major program is to advocate for solar parking lot canopies. Earlier this year, our state-level advocacy was key to the passage of two laws: one requires our utility to assess and plan for Battery Electric Storage Systems; another is a national model for Data Center Transparency. We also host an annual Sustainability Champions Awards, a Climate Crisis Forum, and nurture congregational green teams.
Budget Size: Small: Previous year budget $20,000 - $1M
States Engaged: VA
Geographic Coverage by Congressional District:
VA-01, VA-02, VA-03, VA-04, VA-05, VA-06, VA-07, VA-08, VA-09, VA-10, VA-11 Geographic Density Focus: Urban - Large city or suburb of large city (>100k)
Core Constituencies: Multi-racial (including white), Faith-based, Other Governing Entities
Leadership Diversity: Queer-led; Volunteer-led; Women-led; Other
Staff and Volunteer Balance: Volunteer boosted - <50% of the programmatic activities are executed by volunteers
Top Priority Issues: Clean Energy, Climate change, Environment
Lead Contact:
Scott Peterson, Board Chair, he/him, scott.the.peterson@gmail.com
Last Updated: August 24, 2026

