Jewish Solar Challenge opens 2026 grant application cycle

The Jewish Solar Challenge (JSC) opened its 2026 grant application cycle on September 1, offering $300,000 in matching grants up to $50,000 for Jewish nonprofits to install solar energy systems. Eligible organizations include synagogues, schools, and camps that own their buildings, with priority given to those ready for immediate installation. First-round applications are due by September 25, with winners announced by year-end. This initiative aims to help institutions lower energy costs and strengthen sustainability efforts, building on over $10 million in solar projects supported by JSC since 2021.

“This grant cycle is an opportunity for Jewish institutions to turn interest in solar into a concrete plan,” said Mitchell Schwartz, founder of the Jewish Solar Challenge.

JSC has already awarded grants to over 20 organizations across the U.S. and one in Uganda, preventing the release of 1,700 metric tons of CO₂ annually. Grant recipients, like Camp Gilboa and Westchester Torah Academy, have reported significant reductions in energy costs and enhanced their commitment to environmental responsibility.