FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcing a unique clean energy and water partnership
Global Greengrants and First Solar give grants to community-led environmental projects
(BOULDER, Colo) – April 22, 2015 – In honor of Earth Day, Global Greengrants Fund announces its partnership with First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation to cultivate community projects that address environmental education, innovative technologies, clean energy, and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Chile, and Brazil.
“Communities across the globe are trying to protect the environment and safeguard their rights. But they face increasing challenges—many of which they had no part in creating—such as rising temperatures, drought, food insecurity, water contamination, and environmental degradation caused by extractive industries,” said Terry Odendahl, executive director and CEO of Global Greengrants Fund. “Supporters like First Solar help us channel crucial funding to people in communities, empowering local leaders to make decisions, take action, and create sustainable change.”
The following two projects are examples of work supported through this unique partnership:
Mali: Keeping Plastic Out of the Fire
In many countries, people burn trash as fuel. Firewood prices are particularly high in Mali, so Malinese people often burn plastic bags. This leads to respiratory problems and contributes greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate the global climate crisis. With a $4,000 Greengrant, the Women Warriors of the 501 Housing Association is conducting a campaign to raise awareness about climate change and the health risks of burning plastic bags. The group will also help women sell plastic bags to rubber-processing factories to generate additional income for their families. More than 1,600 people will benefit.
Burkina Faso: Promoting Renewable Energy Solutions
The Association Lagme Yensgo is working to empower local citizens in Burkina Faso as they face climate change and other environmental threats. The group conducts outreach in rural communities to educate residents about climate change, environmental degradation, and the impacts on human lives. The group also collaborates with other organizations in Burkina Faso to promote energy sources that have minimal carbon footprints, such as biogas.
Of the First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund’s $50,000 grant to Global Greengrants, $35,000 will be spent directly in grants to grassroots projects. To learn about Global Greengrants flagship Green Grantmaking program, visit greengrants.org/programs/green-grantmaking/.
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ABOUT GLOBAL GREENGRANTS FUND: Global Greengrants Fund is the leading environmental fund that supports grassroots action on a global scale. Global Greengrants funds local groups to protect the environment, restore places and ways of life that have been harmed, and transform systems for a sustainable future. It gives targeted grants through a network of on-the-ground advisors with direct knowledge of local environmental and social justice issues. Since 1993, Global Greengrants has provided over 8,500 grants worth more than $45 million in 163 countries. Learn more at greengrants.org.
ABOUT THE FIRST SOLAR CORPORATE CHARITABLE FUND: The First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund seeks to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. The Fund seeks to support projects and services through the donation of solar modules and systems. In addition to requests for donation of modules, applications may include a request for grant funds to support the project. Learn more at firstsolar.com.