The Chocolate Church Arts Center received funding from Grants to Green to weatherize the Annex building, which includes the art gallery, green rooms, administrative offices and Curtis Room.

The Chocolate Church presents concerts, plays and dance performances in the re-purposed 1847 church and the abutting Annex building located at 804 Washington Street in Bath.

“This financial support is imperative toward improving the facility to better serve our audiences,” said Jennifer DeChant, executive director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center.

According to DeChant, the furnace heating the main stage was replaced in 2014 after receiving a grant from the Quimby Family Foundation.

“This improvement has already created greater efficiency and significant savings on fuel costs. It is still a large and drafty building but now we are able to make sure that audiences are more comfortable while enjoying a show,” says DeChant.

During the previous performance season September 2014- June 2015, the Chocolate Church Arts Center entertained 5,000 audience members.

“We have been a focal point of cultural arts in the region since 1977 and these facility improvements will help ensure that we continue in that service,” DeChant said.

Grants to Green Maine provides environmentally focused knowledge and funding to strengthen nonprofits located in historic buildings in downtown areas in Maine.