Deadline: February 12, 2026
The Honnold Foundation Core Fund for Community-Led Solar Projects is now open to support community-based organisations advancing equitable access to solar energy. This funding opportunity provides flexible, unrestricted grants to help communities design, implement, and sustain locally led solar solutions that promote social equity and environmental sustainability.
The Honnold Foundation Core Fund for Community-Led Solar Projects prioritises initiatives that are rooted in community leadership, climate justice, and long-term impact.
About the Honnold Foundation Core Fund
The Honnold Foundation Core Fund is designed to support community-driven solar energy projects that address energy access gaps while strengthening local capacity. The fund focuses on empowering communities to lead their own energy transition through sustainable and socially responsible solar infrastructure.
Grants awarded under this fund are unrestricted, allowing organisations the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed for effective project delivery.
Grant Amount
Successful applicants may receive funding ranging from:
- USD $25,000 to USD $150,000 per project
The amount awarded depends on project scope, community impact, and demonstrated capacity for implementation and sustainability.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: 20 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 February 2026 (5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time)
The funding process includes two application rounds:
- Round 1: Initial project summary submission
- Round 2: Invitation-only full application for shortlisted organisations
All final awardees are notified during the spring funding cycle.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the Honnold Foundation Core Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a community-based organisation or demonstrate strong, direct community ties
- Hold charitable or non-profit status, or work with an eligible fiscal sponsor
- Propose a solar-focused project, such as:
- Community solar systems
- Solar home systems
- Grid-tied or off-grid solar installations
- Solar water pumping solutions
- Work in partnership with a qualified technical solar partner
- Serve a single community or a small group of closely connected communities
- Demonstrate meaningful community participation in project design, implementation, and maintenance
- Show clear social, economic, and environmental benefits of the project
Priority Communities and Focus Areas
The foundation places strong emphasis on projects that:
- Are led by and serve Indigenous or Black-majority communities
- Have at least 50% women representation in leadership
- Operate in climate-vulnerable regions, including:
- The Americas
- Cambodia
- Island nations facing climate change impacts
Projects that address energy access inequities while strengthening resilience in these regions are strongly encouraged.
What the Fund Supports
The Core Fund supports initiatives that aim to:
- Expand access to clean, reliable solar energy
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
- Build local technical and organisational capacity
- Strengthen community ownership and long-term sustainability
- Promote energy justice and climate resilience
Funded projects should demonstrate both immediate benefits and long-term impact for the communities they serve.
Application Process
The application process is conducted online and includes the following steps:
- Submission of a Round 1 Project Summary to assess eligibility and alignment
- Shortlisted organisations receive an invitation to submit a full grant application, including technical and financial details
Only applicants who successfully pass the initial screening are invited to the second stage.
Need Support with Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
