Sustain Our Future Foundation Awards $1.6 Million to 16 Community-Led Organizations Advancing Local Climate Resilience and Sustainable Infrastructure
Grants support circular economy, community-owned renewable energy, building decarbonization for working families, and water replenishment through a community benefits collaboration model
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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January 21, 2026
Washington, DC — Sustain Our Future Foundation (SOFF) today announced $1.6 million in grants to 16 community-based organizations across the country advancing sustainable infrastructure development and community self-determined climate resilience. These grants mobilize resources for locally rooted solutions that strengthen circular economies, expand community-owned renewable energy, support building electrification and decarbonization for working families, and advance water replenishment.
This funding is the product of a community benefits collaboration designed to ensure the renewable energy industry tangibly supports communities, and prioritizes initiatives shaped by residents and responsive to local needs.
“It is critical for large-scale renewable energy development to enable tangible resources directed to the people and places driving climate solutions on the ground,” Said Yinka N. Bode-George, Founder and CEO of Sustain Our Future Foundation “Our grants support the infrastructure, enterprises, and local economies that communities are building to secure clean energy, healthy homes, zero-waste, and protected water for generations to come.”
Grants were determined through a collaborative review process in consultation with a Community Advisory Board composed of leaders and practitioners. The Advisory Board brought deep place-based knowledge and lived experience to the selection process, helping to identify projects that are community-rooted, responsive to local priorities, and positioned to deliver tangible, long-term benefits. This approach ensures that funding decisions are informed by those closest to climate challenges, and the solutions, across communities.
“This grant affirms that repairing homes is also about repairing harm. With this support, UnBlocked Englewood can continue addressing the legacy of housing discrimination through tangible, resident-led investment that strengthens both homes and community.” Said Tonika Lewis Johnson, Founder of UnBlocked Englewood in Chicago, Illinois.
Grant Awardees Include:
Pollution Reduction, Zero waste, and Circular Economy
Glass Recovery and Sustainable Systems (GRASS) Baltimore (MD) — $100,000
A nonprofit zero-waste and creative reuse enterprise that transforms collected glass into new materials while operating community arts and sustainability programming. Grant funding supports the development of hyperlocal circular-economy infrastructure aligned with community vision, expanding local reuse, recycling, and creative economy opportunities.Valley Improvement Projects (CA) — $100,000
A nonprofit organization in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley focused on advancing environmental health and equitable outcomes for marginalized communities. Grant funding supports community-directed sustainable infrastructure efforts that strengthen circularity, reduce pollution impacts, and advance equitable development.Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (RI & CT) — $100,000
An Indigenous-led nonprofit land trust supporting traditional agriculture, land return, cultural education, and food sovereignty. Grant funding advances community-centered land stewardship and culturally rooted zero waste projects.The Black Fiber and Textile Network (National) — $100,000
A global nonprofit supporting producers, dyers, designers, and cultural practitioners working with regenerative fibers and artisanal textile systems. Grant funding advances community-rooted supply chains, cultural preservation, and regenerative textile practices through skills-sharing, documentation, and collaborative projects.Human I T (CA & MI) — $100,000
A nonprofit social enterprise bridging the digital divide by refurbishing technology, expanding access to affordable devices and internet service, and providing digital literacy support. Grant funding strengthens community-centered reuse and electronic waste reduction infrastructure while expanding equitable access to technology and digital skills.Eureka Recycling (MN) — $100,000
A nonprofit zero-waste organization operating a materials recovery facility while advancing community-driven policy and systems change across the Twin Cities. Grant funding supports waste-reduction infrastructure and community engagement efforts that align circular economy principles with local economic priorities.
Community-Owned Renewable Energy
Casa Pueblo – Energy Insurrection (Puerto Rico) — $100,000
A community-based self-management nonprofit dedicated to protecting Puerto Rico’s natural, cultural, and human resources. Grant funding supports locally led solar microgrid expansion and energy sovereignty efforts grounded in environmental stewardship, community governance, and long-term resilience.Native Renewables (AZ) — $100,000
A nonprofit serving Hopi and Navajo (Diné) households through off-grid solar installations, battery storage, and workforce training. Grant funding expands community-driven clean energy infrastructure and builds local capacity for long-term energy autonomy in off-grid and rural communities.Tebughna Foundation: Tyonek Tribal Center (AK) — $100,000
An Indigenous-led nonprofit advancing the energy goals of the Alaskan Native Village of Tyonek through renewable energy development and workforce training. Grant funding supports solar installations, solar-assisted heating technologies, and community-led clean energy infrastructure rooted in Dena’ina Athabascan stewardship values.Renewable Energy Partners (MN) — $100,000
A solar development firm delivering end-to-end clean energy services to businesses and institutions, with a focus on underserved communities. Grant funding supports the deployment of solar and battery storage infrastructure that expands equitable access to clean energy and local economic opportunity.We Solar (MD) — $100,000
A nonprofit expanding access to affordable, locally based community solar for under-resourced Maryland communities. Grant funding supports community-owned solar development that lowers household energy costs and increases renewable energy access without requiring individual home installations.Sovereign Energy (NM) — $100,000
An Indigenous-led nonprofit supporting Tribal communities in developing residential solar energy systems and advancing energy sovereignty. Grant funding strengthens local clean energy infrastructure, technical capacity, and community-led decision-making to ensure energy systems reflect Tribal priorities and control.
Building Electrification & Decarbonization for Working Families
Be Smart Home Solutions (GA) — $100,000
An energy efficiency services company providing whole-home and commercial energy assessments, efficiency upgrades, and electrification solutions. Grant funding supports building decarbonization efforts that lower energy burdens, improve indoor comfort, and expand access to clean energy for working families.UnBlocked Englewood (IL) — $100,000
A community-based organization addressing the legacy of discriminatory housing practices in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Grant funding supports home repairs, electrification-ready upgrades, and community revitalization efforts that stabilize housing, restore home equity, and strengthen neighborhood climate resilience.Walnut Way (WI) — $100,000
A resident-led organization advancing economic development, environmental stewardship, and housing stabilization in Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood. Grant funding supports energy efficiency and climate resilience projects that reduce household energy burden while reinforcing broader community revitalization goals.
Water Replenishment
Tó Nizhóní Ání (“Sacred Water Speaks”) (AZ) — $100,000
A Diné-led nonprofit advocating for water protection, environmental justice, and Indigenous water rights in Arizona. Grant funding supports community-driven sustainable infrastructure and environmental restoration efforts grounded in Indigenous leadership, water sovereignty, and long-term ecological protection.
About Sustain Our Future Foundation
Sustain Our Future Foundation (SOFF) is a national not-for-profit organization that collaborates with corporate sustainability teams to de-risk and deepen the impact of sustainable infrastructure projects by ensuring that local communities' priorities are part of the planning, siting, and development phases of the projects. Our goal is to raise the standard of sustainable development to promote economic development, community partnership, local self-determination, and environmental health for all communities.