The Jewish Solar Challenge Grant is an initiative designed to support Jewish institutions in their efforts to install solar panels and implement broader sustainability initiatives. The grant aims to slash operational costs, reduce carbon footprint, and promote environmental stewardship within the Jewish community.

Our goal is to have all Jewish nonprofits make the switch to solar.

The grant is open to Jewish institutions such as schools, synagogues, camps, non-profits, and other organizations. Institutions should demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Applicants can apply from all over the world.

Application Period: Applications open on August 21, 2024, and close on September 20, 2024.

Notification of Finalists: Applicants selected for the final round will be notified by the end of September.

Informational Meeting: An informational meeting for finalists will be held on September 30, 2024.

Final Application Deadline: Final applications are due in November 2024.

Grant Award Notification: Grant recipients will be notified by the end of November 2024.

The grant funds are specifically designated for solar panel projects. This includes the purchase and installation of solar panels, as well as battery storage systems. Please note that the grant cannot be used for other construction purposes, such as roofing or general building repairs.

The grant amount will depend on the scope of your project. We offer matching grants of up to $50,000. To ensure your application is competitive, please include a detailed budget and a well-developed solar proposal.

We plan to award at least six grants, though the final number may vary depending on the quality and scope of the applications received.

Yes, we will match up to $5,000 of external grant money awarded for the project.

It’s important to have a solar proposal or quote before submitting the final application. If you don't have one during the initial application phase, make sure to indicate when you will be able to get one, and it must be before the final submission deadline. In 2024 the final submission deadline will be in early November.

We are looking for applicants who can get started on their solar projects ASAP.

Required documents include a solar proposal, budget, project timeline, proof of tax-exempt status (501(c)(3) confirmation), an estimate of yearly energy usage and costs, and a board resolution approving the solar project.

Grant recipients will be expected to follow through on their solar installation and sustainability initiatives, provide regular updates on their progress, and share their experiences and outcomes with the broader community.

We will check in on an annual basis for data collection so we can understand our impact.

The Investment Tax Credit is a federal incentive that allows organizations to deduct a portion of the cost of installing renewable energy systems, like solar panels, from their taxes. For tax-exempt entities, the Inflation Reduction Act introduced a "direct pay" option. This allows these organizations to receive a direct payment from the IRS equal to 30% of the cost of their renewable energy project.

Yes, JSC can provide guidance and resources to help your organization navigate the process of filing for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). While JSC cannot handle the paperwork directly, we can offer a blueprint to walk you through the steps and assist with the necessary information.