Jewish Solar Challenge Opens 2025 Grant Cycle On September 1, Offering $50,000 Matching Grants For Solar Projects At Synagogues, Schools, And Camps

The Jewish Solar Challenge (JSC) has announced the opening of its 2025 grant application cycle, beginning September 1. The program offers matching grants of up to $50,000 to Jewish nonprofits that own their buildings, including synagogues, schools, and camps, to support the installation of solar panels. Applications are due by September 22, and the winners will be announced in late November. This year, JSC plans to award over $300,000 in grants, bringing the total distributed since its launch in 2022 to more than $1 million. Organizations with existing solar installation quotes, ready to move forward immediately, will be given priority in the selection process.

Mitchell Schwartz, founder of the Jewish Solar Challenge, emphasized the urgency of this year’s cycle due to upcoming changes in federal solar incentives. The federal government will phase out the Investment Tax Credit and implement stricter sourcing rules beginning in 2026, potentially making solar projects more expensive and harder for nonprofits to pursue. By providing direct financial support, JSC aims to help Jewish organizations act quickly and ensure clean energy projects remain accessible.

Since its founding three years ago, the Jewish Solar Challenge has awarded matching grants to 14 organizations across the United States and one Jewish community in Tikvah, Uganda. Together, these projects represent over $2 million in solar investments, delivering an estimated capacity of 2,080 kW and generating approximately 3.28 million kWh of electricity annually. This output prevents 1,272 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year while saving nearly $500,000 in electricity costs.

Schwartz founded JSC with the goal of putting solar panels on every Jewish organization in North America, and the initiative continues to grow. Yosef Abramowitz, a solar industry pioneer in Israel, Africa, and the Middle East, recently joined the JSC Board, underscoring the organization’s global vision and impact. Grants also encourage long-term sustainability efforts beyond solar installation. Temple Emanu El, a 2024 grantee, credited JSC with making their solar project possible. Former president Limor Zimskind highlighted how the grant lowered financial barriers, allowed the congregation to embrace sustainability, and reduced their electricity costs.

Qualified applicants that advance past the initial round will work with JSC experts to design tailored sustainability initiatives before submitting final applications on October 31. Interested organizations can apply at http://www.jewishsolarchallenge.com