Honnold Foundation, Sunrun launch solar grant fund for environmental justice communities

Honnold Foundation, a solar energy access nonprofit founded in 2012 by prominent rock climber Alex Honnold and Sunrun, a leading provider of residential solar, battery storage and energy services have joined forces to launch a new grant program. The Community Fund will fund solar for community-based nonprofits with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leadership in the most polluted regions in the United States. ​The Honnold Foundation builds on the success of a recent funding round supporting global solar energy access initiatives, and will be responsible for administering the fund, and selecting and supporting grantees. ​Sunrun is donating solar equipment and making a monetary contribution ​for use in Community Fund solar power installations.

The Community Fund’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions in pollution-impacted communities, and reduce the utility bills of nonprofits providing essential services to their neighbors. The Honnold Foundation is seeking nonprofit organizations providing a wide range of community services, including shelters, food banks and arts or education centers to deploy its grants. To qualify, organizations must be BIPOC-led, have 501c3 status, and operate with an annual budget under $1.5M. The Honnold Foundation will engage in a rigorous review process to ensure partner organizations are enriching the communities they serve. Also, to ensure these systems will build equity for its intended recipients, the Honnold Foundation will prioritize organizations that own their buildings or have longer-term leases and clear intentions to stay in the space.

In addition to the Community Fund, Sunrun is partnering with the Honnold Foundation on solar panel donations to a series of installations for nonprofit organizations in West Virginia. Together with Solar Holler, the groups will be funding a 122.2-kW solar system for Coalfield Development’s West Edge community facility, which supports a comprehensive solar job training program for former coal miners.

“Installing solar for nonprofits enables them to do more of the impactful work that they’re already doing, and it’s better for the environment,” said Alex Honnold, Founder of the Honnold Foundation. “We’re honored to be partnering with Sunrun to double the impact of the Community Fund, and help these nonprofits switch to renewables.”

“We are inspired by Alex Honnold’s long-standing commitment to solar energy and we look forward to our work with the Honnold Foundation on pushing this country towards a more equitable future,” said Lynn Jurich, CEO of Sunrun. “Sunrun’s mission is to create a planet run by the sun and this is only possible when we include everyone.”

The fund is welcoming applicants from, but not limited to, the following metropolitan areas: Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, D.C, Baltimore, Maryland, New York City, New York, Newark, New Jersey, Houston, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Shreveport – Bossier City, Louisiana, Detroit, Michigan. Organizations can apply to the fund ​here​.

News item from Sunrun

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/09/honnold-foundation-sunrun-solar-grant-fund-environmental-justice-communities/