Clean Energy and Resilient Communities
The Problem
The climate crisis threatens the environment and the well-being of current and future generations. Unless action to reduce carbon emissions accelerates significantly, the impact of this crisis will worsen.
The Solution
Newly available federal programs accelerate climate protection. The best way to defend these programs is to support project deployment and highlight community-level successes.
Summary
A current challenge is to support increased deployment of community-based climate projects that leverage federal programs and attract additional private sector investment. Success in these projects requires additional attention to communications, and continued and new support for various approaches to implementation. Collaborative funding with other climate grantmakers will be important, as will consideration of Program-Related Investments (PRIs), which complement traditional foundation grantmaking. Geographic diversity is another critical aspect of our approach. Moreover, focus should be continued on projects that can be located in disadvantaged communities, particularly with clean energy projects that can support the maintenance and resilience of key community services.
Relevant Foundation Activities
Gib”SUN” Plaza Project with Solar Energy Loan Fund
The Leon Lowenstein Foundation supported Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) in the Gib”SUN” Plaza Project, which brought solar energy and a cool roof to the Gibson Plaza, an affordable senior housing complex in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
On Earth Day in 2022 (April 2nd, 2022), the project was celebrated. Below, you can find a video of Stewart Hudson, the Leon Lowenstein Foundation’s executive Director, speaking at the event at the Gibson Plaza.
Resilient Energy Sources in Puerto Rico
The Leon Lowenstein Foundation supports the expansion of resilient energy sources in Puerto Rico, a prime location for installing energy technologies such as solar panels and batteries, due to its climate and the impact of certain weather phenomena on its existing energy resources. For example, the Foundation has directly supported the creation of solar microgrids at the following locations through a partnership with Resilient Power Puerto Rico and the National Resources Defense Council:
- Coalición de Coaliciones Headquarters
- Coalición de Coaliciones Clinic
- Hogar Ruth
- Mesón de Amor
- Coordinadora Paz Para La Mujer
Another way in which the Foundation supports resilient energy sources in Puerto Rico is through its support of GRID Alternative’s Solar Workforce Development in Puerto Rico program, which provides Spanish-language job training for workers in Puerto Rico to expand the workforce qualified to install and manage solar energy sources.
You can also read more about the positive impact of resilient energy technology in Puerto Rico in this article, which features some of our grantees, Solar United Neighbors, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network.
Find our complete environment focus area strategy below:
Leon Lowenstein Foundation 