[Community Foundation for Southern Arizona](https://cfsaz.org)

May 2026 | August 2026

Recent total pool: ~$945,000 (9 awards in 2025); individual award size not specified; supports nonprofit solar installations in Pima County.

Supports Pima County nonprofits serving marginalized populations to adopt solar energy, reduce costs, and reinvest savings in community services.

--- ## Description The Nonprofit Solar Project, led by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona in partnership with private donors and Solar United Neighbors of Arizona, is designed to help nonprofits in Pima County transition to solar power. The initiative addresses environmental disparities by making solar energy accessible to organizations serving marginalized and environmentally burdened communities. By lowering energy costs and carbon footprints, participating nonprofits can redirect savings to expand their programs and operations, ultimately increasing their positive impact on the community. The project also aims to raise the visibility and adoption of solar power within the region. --- ## Due Dates - May 2026 (anticipated/projected) — Application closes / Full application deadline - August 2026 (anticipated/projected) — Application closes / Full application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - In 2025, the program awarded a total of $944,609 across nine organizations for solar installations. - Typical individual award amounts are not explicitly specified, but grants cover the costs of solar installation for selected nonprofit sites. - Funding supports the installation of solar arrays, with the goal of maximizing energy savings and community impact. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing, conducting charitable work in Pima County, Arizona. - Not apply using a fiscal sponsor. - National/statewide 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible only if they have a Pima County headquarters where the installation will occur (grant funds cannot support the broader entity). - Must own the property where solar will be installed. - Property must have at least 500 square feet of unobstructed roof or ground space (roof must have at least 15 years of remaining lifespan, not be covered by slate or Spanish clay tile). - Must have been at the proposed installation site for at least 6 months and be able to submit 6–12 months of electric bills. - Prior recipients of the Nonprofit Solar Project Grant are not eligible for additional grants. Additional notes: - Churches with secular community programming and schools with 501(c)(3) status are eligible. - Proposed installation cannot already be in progress or completed at the time of award. --- ## Application Process 1. Submit an application via the [CFSA Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsaz). 2. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and evaluated based on solar readiness, community benefit, environmental impact, effective solar savings, and willingness to share project outcomes. 3. Top applicants (15–25) receive a stipend to solicit bids from solar vendors, with guidance from Solar United Neighbors. 4. Finalists are selected based on bid information and overall impact. 5. Awarded nonprofits proceed with their preferred solar installer to complete the project, supported by CFSA and partners. Required documents include: - 501(c)(3) determination letter - List of current board of directors and key staff - Recent balance sheet and profit & loss statement - Current organizational budget - 6–12 months of electric bills for the installation site --- ## Additional Information - Preference may be given to organizations with roof-mounted system potential and those whose sites serve multiple nonprofits or community members. - Applicants must be willing to participate in outreach or promotional activities about the benefits of solar installation. - The program is part of CFSA’s broader Environmental Sustainability Impact Fund. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Info](https://cfsaz.org/grants/nonprofit-solar-project/) - [CFSA Grants Portal (Apply)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsaz) - [Nonprofit Solar Project Overview](https://cfsaz.org/solar/) - [FY25-26 Application PDF (Sample)](https://cfsaz.org/files/2022/03/Application-Nonprofit-Solar-Project-Grants-FY25-26.pdf) - [Recorded Grant Information Webinar](https://vimeo.com/1101329138?fl=pl&fe=vl) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Community Impact Team | community@cfsaz.org | | Phone | (520) 770-0800 | | Contact Page | [CFSA Contact Form](https://cfsaz.org/contact-us/) |

Expanding Access to Solar for Nonprofits

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