Nonprofits exist to strengthen communities, not to generate profit. Yet despite our impact, most of us are small organizations facing big expenses—especially for energy, waste hauling, and other essential services. Large for-profit companies have the leverage to negotiate better prices. Nonprofits usually don’t. And too often, we end up overpaying simply because we lack the bargaining power to secure fair contracts.
Through countless listening sessions, Greater Cleveland Congregations heard the same story again and again: nonprofits and houses of worship were struggling to navigate complex service contracts and paying far more than they should. So we did what we do best—we organized.
In 2021, 28 institutions joined together to negotiate new electric supply contracts, securing rates at least 20% lower than what they paid individually. Nearly two dozen organizations saw 30–50% savings on waste hauling bids. That success made one thing clear: when we pool our purchasing power, we win.
From that effort, Greater Cleveland Congregations partnered with Cleveland Owns and the Community Purchasing Alliance to create PowerUp Purchasing Co-op—a cooperative built to give nonprofits the collective economic strength they’ve always deserved.
In 2024, PowerUp formally joined the national Community Purchasing Alliance (CPA) network, expanding our ability to help institutions save money while advancing sustainability, equity, and justice.
Since launching, PowerUp has helped more than 55 Ohio nonprofits sign 100+ contracts for energy, facilities management, copiers, insurance, and accounting services—saving our members hundreds of thousands of dollars that can now go directly back into community impact.
PowerUp exists to build shared power, unlock savings, and free organizations to focus on their missions. When nonprofits work together, we gain the leverage to secure fair prices and better services—something no single institution can do alone.
If you’re a nonprofit or house of worship looking to stretch your resources and strengthen your mission, PowerUp can help—whether or not you’re currently under contract.
