To our Honnold Foundation community:
As we emerge from the fog of election week, for many of us, the path ahead toward a brighter, more equitable future feels more uncertain than ever. The truth is, we were already living through unprecedented existential threats. Before the election, our collective goal – making this world a brighter, more equitable place – was facing acute challenges across the globe. In spite of this, we maintain our longstanding commitment to our partners and pledge to carry on the Honnold Foundation’s essential work.
As the US reinstates an administration that’s vowed to ignore science, political forces will conspire to extract even more from our natural world, drilling for oil when they should be building renewable energy capacity. Marginalized communities will continue to disproportionately face environmental degradation, energy inequity, climate disasters, and the destruction of the places they call home.
We think of philanthropy’s role as the system that should serve those left out of policy and market-based solutions – an essential tool that fills gaps. Right now, those cracks are at risk of becoming canyons.
HF’s investments in advancing community self-determination through renewable energy will be needed more than ever in the coming years. We are already using solar power to build social power alongside visionary grassroots leaders and communities, and we’ll continue to help our partners strengthen local economies, combat climate change, and work toward a more sustainable future.
At the Honnold Foundation, we know that climate action and community action are intertwined. Visionary local leaders were already the best hope we have to protect and restore people and the planet, and we see that power in action every day. Solar energy has enabled girls to access education and stand up for their rights for the first time. Indigenous leaders are harnessing the power of the sun to protect the integrity and biodiversity of their homelands. We've witnessed communities on the brink of collapse use solar to build sustainable local economies and safeguard clean water and healthy ecosystems.
That’s why, since 2020, HF has invested $10 million in grassroots solar energy projects around the world. With over $50 million - and counting - in transformational ideas still waiting for the resources to become reality, we will need all of our supporters to stand with HF, and our global network of visionary leaders, today, tomorrow, and for future generations.
At the Honnold Foundation, we think it’s pretty simple: we must listen to their voices and support their solutions.
Now, let’s get back to work.
- Emily Teitsworth and the HF Team
