Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network

With generous support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Social Science Research Council is pleased to invite U.S. R1 research universities in SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences to apply for funding to join the Public Exchange Network. Public Exchange is a new network that turns university research expertise into real-world action and impact. Foundedat the University of Southern California in 2020 and expanded to Washington University in St. Louis in 2025, Public Exchange connects researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners to tackle pressing challenges—from disaster recovery and climate solutions to food insecurity and homelessness prevention. Since its founding, Public Exchange has developed high-impact collaborations between 48 partners and 142 researchers including:

• CLEAN LA and CLEAN STL: One of the largest free soil testing programs for lead in Los Angeles County following the January 2025 wildfires, and a related program in St. Louis to test soil and air for contaminants following the May 2025 EF-3 tornado;
• The California Solar Canal Initiative: An ambitious public-private research collaboration to advance solar panel infrastructure along California’s 4,000 miles of open aqueduct, conserving water and generating renewable energy;
• Food Base LA: LA County’s first food systems data dashboard, helping LA County and non-profit partners target distribution of millions of pounds of food and related resources to families experiencing food insecurity;
• ShadeLA: A people-powered campaign to cool Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics by advancing natural and built shade cover in the region.

Partners have included the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, the City of St. Louis, Yelp, Solar AquaGrid, the United Nations Foundation, Keck Medicine of USC, the Southern California Association of Governments, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Department of Angels and many more. In addition to real-world impact positively affecting millions of lives, Public Exchange collaborations have resulted in over $18m in research funding, some helping to incubate new centers or areas of research, more than 40 academic journal publications, hundreds of media hits, and dozens of student career opportunities. 

The Public Exchange Model

Public Exchange is a partner-driven program, working collaboratively with external partners to: (1) define a research scope, timeline, and deliverables; (2) identify the right team of multidisciplinary academic experts to analyze the problem; (3) provide project management from concept and strategy development to project outputs and tools delivery; and (4) manage the public and stakeholder engagement related to the project, as well as communications and design needs. Public Exchange staff are not researchers, but come from government, industry, and non-profit backgrounds, uniquely equipping project teams to understand partners’ needs and lead projects to action. Staff oversee activities including partnership and proposal development, funder cultivation, research translation, dissemination, and communications, impact and scaling strategy, administrative support, cross-sector convening, and more, to maximize the real-world impact of university expertise. Public Exchange builds results-driven teams that deliver measurable impact and lasting solutions for partners.

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

SSRC Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

In addition, every university in the Public Exchange Network benefits from central communications support (currently housed at USC), and access to a collaborative network of project partners, researchers, and funder relationships. Separately, SSRC will select a local research fellow to study and document how the Public Exchange model develops within and between host institutions during the grant term, and how the Public Exchange Network universities work together to effect larger-scale change. 

Expectations

Institutions selected to join the Public Exchange Network are expected to:

• Hire an Executive Director who can launch and lead efforts to incubate social impact projects with public and private sector partners;
• Have in place before public launch: (1) an executive director, (2) a seed fund, (3) a modest operations budget, and (4 – recommended) some in-kind project management support. 
• Develop and sustain at least three high-impact research partnerships during the two-year grant tenure;
• Invest modest resources during the grant term that demonstrate commitment to continuing the Public Exchange model after the end of philanthropic support. This is estimated at approximately $85-$90k annually (with some variation considering local labor markets) to support an operations and project seed fund and any additional capital needed for the Executive Director hire beyond the subsidy. 
• Coordinate with the SSRC research fellow who will examine the impact of Public Exchange at their university and across the network. 
• Work with faculty across their university. Public Exchange can live anywhere within a university at the school or central level. The majority of Public Exchange projects to date at USC and WashU have included researchers from two or more schools, and grantees must be able to work with faculty university-wide. 

The Patagonia Regional Community Fund, established in 1998 under the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in eastern Santa Cruz County. It provides essential support for organizational capacity building, direct service projects, and capital expenditures. The Fund invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and emphasizes fiscal accountability. It seeks to empower local initiatives while adhering to a non-discrimination policy. Grants are competitive, with no guarantee of continued funding beyond the initial year.

Who is the Oldham County Community Foundation?

The Oldham County Community Foundation (OCCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Louisville, was formed in 2010 by a group of Oldham Countians who are committed to enriching our community today, tomorrow, and forever. Our goal is to attract charitable dollars that will forever benefit nonprofits providing services for the benefit of the Oldham County we call home.

The Oldham County Community Foundation Advisory Board is seeking grant proposals. We plan to award approximately $48,000 worth of grants from our community funds. In 2023, approximately $40,000 was awarded to 21 organizations with an average award of $1,900.

What is the focus of the 2026 grants? 

Grants may be made to any organization that serves members of the Oldham County community at the discretion of the OCCF Grant Committee.

Grant requests can support programs or a project including tangible, one-time purchases such as equipment or furniture. The funds can also be used to buy new hardware or software, provide training opportunities for staff, and address other needs critical to improving the organization’s efficiency or effectiveness.

The Community Empowerment Small Grants (CESGs) by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County aim to strengthen local communities through grassroots initiatives. Designed for organizations with budgets under $100,000, these grants support projects such as neighborhood clean-ups, financial literacy classes, and community conversations. Eligible applicants include residents, neighborhood associations, and grassroots groups. Grants can range from $500 to $3,000, fostering educational advancement and enhancing community relationships.

The PLTW Engineering program, in collaboration with Pentair, offers grants to schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing $30,000 to implement at least one engineering course. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Funds may cover participation fees, training, and necessary equipment. However, expenses such as salaries, infrastructure, and optional supplies are not allowed. This initiative aims to enhance engineering education in targeted regions.

The Grayson Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Shreveport-Bossier, offers grants to support programs in health, human services, and education for disadvantaged populations. Grant applications are accepted twice a year, but organizations can apply only once annually through the Community Foundation grant portal. This structured approach ensures targeted assistance to those in need within the community.

The Phoenix Club of Nashville Grant supports nonprofits making a positive impact on the lives of children in Middle Tennessee. Founded in 2001, the Phoenix Club has a legacy of fundraising for local charities, having raised millions for various causes. To apply, interested organizations can complete an initial request questionnaire available on their website. This opportunity allows nonprofits to connect with a network of leaders dedicated to community service and enhancement.

The Rogersville Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of Rogersville, aims to enhance local life through strategic grantmaking. This initiative supports 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving Rogersville, promoting inclusivity and community empowerment. Grants range from $500 to $11,833, addressing the community's most pressing needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring funding aligns with available resources and community priorities.

The Fort Lupton Community Foundation Grant aims to address significant needs within the Fort Lupton area. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations that serve Weld County residents. The foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable outcomes, self-sufficiency, and community engagement, while excluding capital fund drives and sponsorships. This initiative supports sustainable development and seeks to enhance local resources for a thriving community.

The Atkinson Community Foundation Fund is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Atkinson through grants that support local organizations and initiatives. By fostering financial generosity and leadership, the fund seeks to address community needs, promote partnerships, and ensure sustainable growth for future generations. This initiative serves as a vital resource, encouraging local engagement and philanthropy to create a vibrant and thriving community.

About

Our sole purpose is administering DAFs.

Independent from financial institutions. Experienced with over 30 years of partnering with firms. People-driven approach to advisors and firms. We are American Endowment Foundation. (AEF, for short.)

We’re one of the nation’s largest independent donor-advised fund sponsors. At AEF, we are committed to providing a best-in-class experience. AEF solely focuses on the administration of donor-advised funds.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs). And lots of them. Think of DAFs as a charitable account, and we’re the financial institution that takes care of it.

We partner with firms, advisors, and donors to establish and administer AEF donor-advised fund accounts with the goal of increasing the amount granted to our donors’ preferred causes and charities.

Granting Guidelines

At American Endowment Foundation, we approve most grant recommendations to U.S. charitable organizations, recognized as 501(c) (3) or similar entities such as churches, religious organizations and governmental institutions.

The CFGNB Community Sponsorship Awards offer financial support to nonprofit organizations hosting community events in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. These awards aim to enhance community engagement through celebrations that promote children, families, arts, culture, education, and civic involvement. Events must acknowledge the Community Foundation's support in their publicity and should ideally take place within the four-town service area, ensuring a vibrant and connected community.

The Data Fellowship by Delta Analytics offers a unique opportunity for individuals with strong technical skills in data science, engineering, or visualization to volunteer and empower nonprofits. Over a six-month commitment, participants dedicate 5-10 hours weekly to work closely with nonprofit organizations, leveraging data to drive impactful decisions. This fully remote fellowship fosters personal and professional growth while building a community of like-minded individuals passionate about using data for social good.

The Airport Noise Ordinance Neighborhood Impact Fund, established by the Long Beach Community Foundation, allocates fines from airlines violating noise restrictions at Long Beach Airport. This fund supports projects that enhance the lives of residents affected by flight path noise. Eligible applicants include US-based, 501(C)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities in good standing with the IRS, focusing on benefiting the communities under the flight paths.

The Judicial Fellowship Program at California State University, Sacramento, offers emerging professionals paid placements in California's superior courts and Judicial Council offices. This program focuses on enhancing court administration and access to justice, providing fellows with hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development. Participants engage in meaningful research and projects that address real challenges in the judiciary, benefiting both their careers and the communities they serve.

The Monett Phil & Friends Grant, administered by the Monett Area Community Foundation, provides funding to enhance the quality of life in the Monett area. With a total grant amount of $25,000, applicants can request up to $10,000 for projects that serve Barry and Lawrence counties. The program emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring no discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors in the use of funds. Applications are accepted from June 12 to July 28, 2025.

The National Endowment for the Humanities offers the Collaborative Research grant, aiming to enhance humanistic knowledge through collaborative projects. This program supports groups of scholars in developing manuscripts, digital projects, or international collaborations. Projects should focus on significant research questions related to American history, culture, or Western civilization, fostering meaningful interpretive products that contribute to the field.

The Bush Prize: South Dakota recognizes organizations that excel in community problem-solving and are valued by their communities. Grants can be up to $500,000, covering 25% of an organization's recent fiscal expenses. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities, with a focus on local innovations. This initiative, a collaboration between the Bush Foundation and South Dakota Community Foundation, aims to support impactful community projects while fostering flexibility in funding.

The Greene County Foundation, established in 1997, enhances the community by providing vital support through its Community Support Grants. Governed by a diverse Board of Directors, the Foundation distributes over a quarter million dollars annually to various local initiatives. By fostering connections between donors and impactful causes, it aims to inspire community engagement and ensure lasting benefits for Greene County residents. This initiative reflects a commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community for future generations.

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing our understanding of human behavior through data and network science. It features two tracks: HNDS-I, aimed at developing data resources for social sciences, and HNDS-R, which leverages large datasets to advance theoretical frameworks in core social, behavioral, and economic disciplines. Proposals are encouraged to provide innovative insights that can lead to significant societal benefits.

The Future Fund Giving Circle, part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, unites friends and family from the Pittsburg area to support local nonprofits, schools, and government institutions in Crawford County. Since its inception in 2006, it has awarded over $179,000 in grants, including nearly $18,500 in 2023. The fund encourages charitable giving to enhance the quality of life in the region, with grant applications available each August.

Residential Fellowships

Fellowships offer scholars the time, space, and support they need to pursue their work and the opportunity to take part in the Center’s vibrant intellectual community.

The National Humanities Center’s Residential Fellowship is one of the most prestigious humanities fellowship programs in the world. Fellows enjoy a beautiful and serene space to write, unparalleled library and reference support, excellent dining services, and a stimulating and supportive intellectual community.

A key feature, meanwhile, that differentiates us from many other fellowships is our residential requirement. Researchers are especially encouraged to apply when they expect to benefit from, and actively contribute to, an in-person community of other humanities researchers. If you prefer a research fellowship that allows you to do field work or to work in your own local space, this may not be the fellowship for you.

To be considered for this program, applicants must select that their institution is an HBCU when prompted in the online application system to identify the type of institution with which they are affiliated. Applicants may apply for a residential fellowship for the fall semester (September through December), spring semester (January through May), or academic year (September through May).

The John Deere Foundation, in partnership with PLTW, aims to enhance access to engineering programs for underserved students in its home communities. This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment to support equitable educational opportunities. By providing grants, the foundation encourages schools to expand their PLTW Engineering courses, fostering critical STEM skills to empower students. Eligible schools must be near John Deere facilities and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and student engagement in engineering education.

The Massillon Community Charitable Fund Grant, established in 1982 by Stark Community Foundation, aims to enhance civic spirit and charitable giving in Western Stark County. It supports tax-exempt organizations and government entities with proposals that directly benefit local residents. The grant encourages innovative solutions to community challenges while fostering stewardship and collaboration among local agencies. This initiative ultimately seeks to improve the quality of life for all in the Massillon area, ensuring that charitable efforts align with community needs.

The John Deere Foundation is partnering with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to expand access to PLTW Engineering programs in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support 1 million youth in STEM by 2030, providing essential resources and educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW courses. The program emphasizes inclusivity, requiring participating schools to offer multiple engineering courses over three years.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits in Bourbon County, including public charities, schools, and government agencies. Established in 2007, it aims to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Scott area by connecting donors with worthy causes. Grant applications are accepted annually in August, evaluated in September, and awarded in late October. The foundation prioritizes sustainable projects and collaborations to maximize impact.

The Girard Area Community Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Girard area, including schools, churches, and public charities. Established in 2010, this foundation was created by a group of community-minded individuals aiming to leave a lasting legacy. With various funds available, it provides financial assistance to enhance the quality of life for residents today and for future generations, ensuring that local needs are met in a sustainable way.