Honnold Foundation Core Fund Grant

Call for Grant Applications -Honnold Foundation Core Fund Grant

Organisation Name:

Honnold Foundation

Application Deadline:

13 February 2025

About Organisation

The Honnold Foundation envisions a world where marginalized communities take the lead in transitioning to renewable energy. The foundation supports communities by providing the necessary resources to adapt and thrive in a sustainable manner. It believes in solar energy as a reliable and environmentally responsible solution to global energy poverty. By awarding grants to community organizations, the foundation fosters projects that are innovative, equity-driven, and capable of reshaping energy access worldwide. The Honnold Foundation prioritizes initiatives that not only advance solar energy but also contribute to social and economic equity, ensuring that underserved communities benefit directly from clean and affordable energy solutions. Their approach is rooted in sustainability, community involvement, and long-term impact, making solar energy more accessible to those who need it the most. The foundation also seeks to create a shift in the perception of renewable energy by demonstrating its feasibility and transformative potential. Through strategic funding, they empower local organizations, ensuring that communities play an active role in both implementing and maintaining solar infrastructure. The Honnold Foundation is committed to building a future where clean energy solutions are both accessible and community-driven, ultimately fostering resilience and environmental responsibility.

About the Grant

The Honnold Foundation partners with marginalized communities to expand access to solar energy in an equitable manner. Their grant program supports community-based organizations that focus on implementing solar energy projects to enhance social and economic equity while reducing environmental impact. The funding provided is unrestricted; however, the foundation prefers applicants who have a specific project or initiative in mind for the funds. The grants aim to facilitate the construction of new solar infrastructure or improve existing systems, such as grid-tied solar, solar home systems, and solar water pumps.

Funding is disbursed in two rounds: Spring and Fall. However, all selected organizations receive notification of their selection in the Spring. The foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit underserved communities by increasing their access to renewable energy and reducing reliance on pollutive energy sources such as diesel, wood, kerosene, and coal-powered utility grids. The foundation particularly supports organizations led by Indigenous and Black-majority communities, those with significant women leadership, and initiatives operating in regions highly vulnerable to climate change. By funding solar initiatives, the foundation fosters environmental sustainability, enhances economic opportunities, and empowers communities to take ownership of their energy future.

Who can Apply?

Organizations applying for the Core Grant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

The organization must be community-based or have a strong connection with the community it serves.
It must have charitable status in its country of origin or work with a fiscal sponsor. U.S. Tribes and tribally-led organizations are also encouraged to apply.
The majority of the funds should be allocated for the construction of new solar infrastructure or improvements to existing solar systems, such as grid-tied solar, solar home systems, and solar-powered water pumps.
The applicant must have a technical partner (installer) to develop or enhance the solar infrastructure.
The project must focus on increasing social and economic equity for underserved or marginalized communities.
The initiative should contribute to reducing environmental impact by replacing or minimizing dependence on fossil fuels like diesel, kerosene, and coal-based energy.
The project must focus on a single community or a small group of communities.
The community must be actively involved in the development, maintenance, and management of the funded work.

The foundation prioritizes organizations that are led by and serve Indigenous and Black-majority communities, have at least 50% women in leadership positions, or operate in areas highly affected by climate change, including island nations and regions in the Americas.

How to Apply?

The application process consists of two rounds:

Round 1: Organization and Project Summary – This determines the project’s eligibility and alignment with the foundation’s goals. If approved, the applicant will be invited to submit a full grant application.
Round 2: Full Grant Application – Applicants provide detailed information about their project, past accomplishments, and impact. Those selected will receive a grant offer, while others will receive a declination letter within four weeks.