The Jewish Solar Challenge announced the opening of its 2025 grant application cycle on Sept. 1. All Jewish nonprofits that own their buildings, including synagogues, Jewish schools and Jewish camps, are eligible for matching grants up to $50,000 for the installation of solar panels. Applications are due by Sept. 22, and JSC will announce winners in late November.
The Jewish Solar Challenge plans to award over $300,000, bringing the total amount awarded for solar panels to over $1 million since the organization launched in 2022. Organizations with existing quotes for solar — those ready to start installation immediately — receive priority.
“Jewish nonprofits interested in going solar should act now — before federal solar incentives sunset,” said Mitchell Schwartz, founder of the Jewish Solar Challenge. “We’re here to help make sure that recent policy changes don’t slow down the transition to clean energy for our community so we can create a better future for generations to come.”
Veteran communications executive and environmentalist Mitchell Schwartz founded the Jewish Solar Challenge three years ago with the dream of putting solar panels on the rooftops of every Jewish organization in North America. So far, the Jewish Solar Challenge has awarded matching grants to 14 organizations across the U.S. and to one Jewish community in Tikvah, Uganda. The Jewish Solar Challenge has supported over $2 million in solar projects so far.
Winners of the JSC grant are required to demonstrate a broader commitment to sustainability, extending beyond the installation of solar panels.
“It is our responsibility to respect and care for our planet,” said Limor Zimskind, immediate past president of Temple Emanu El, a 2024 grantee. “While the upfront cost of solar can be prohibitive for many nonprofits, the Jewish Solar Challenge grant made it possible for us to take this important step toward sustainability, and is saving us money on our electric bill in the long run.”
Qualified applicants will move on to the final round of the grant process. Before final applications are due, experts at JSC will work directly with the organizations to curate specific initiatives aimed at making their community more sustainable. Second-round applications are due Oct 31. Interested Jewish organizations can apply at jewishsolarchallenge.com.
News item from the Jewish Solar Challenge
