Honnold Foundation And Sunrun Launch Innovation Fund to Scale Solar Energy Projects

Launched, the Innovation Fund will identify and fund grassroots organizations using solar energy to address social and economic disparities in frontline communities around the world.

Grantee Partners will be scalable and precedent setting, and show how solar can be an elegant, multifaceted solution to address global energy inequity.

From the Indian Himalayas to the Ecuadorian Amazon, Memphis to the Navajo Nation, Partners’ solutions may power education, access to clean water, river transportation in the Amazon, and more.

With the goal of raising at least $1 million over the next 12 months, the Honnold Foundation will be responsible for administering the fund and selecting and supporting grantees.

Sunrun is making a monetary contribution to the Innovation Fund of $50,000—as a match to other donations that will be received through fundraising efforts in December.

"Rooftop solar gives nonprofits the power to reduce their energy bills––while doing something good for the environment––so that they can continue focusing on the impactful work that they do,” said Alex Honnold, Founder of the Honnold Foundation. “We’re excited to be partnering again with Sunrun to expand our impact, help our existing grantee Partners scale, and help communities around the world switch to renewable energy."

“We are so excited to partner again with the Honnold Foundation on such an important initiative to bring energy equity to everyone,” said Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun. “Sunrun is committed to improving environmental equity and justice for all, and the Innovation Fund will help deliver the many benefits of clean, solar energy to hundreds of thousands of residents in historically disadvantaged communities.”