First Solar Community Giving Fund – Civic Engagement and Environmental Impact Grants

The First Solar Community Giving Fund, administered by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, offers Civic Engagement and Environmental Impact Grants as part of its commitment to advancing clean energy, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to resources. First Solar is a global leader in photovoltaic solar energy systems and has a well-established philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges. Through this grant fund, the company supports projects that promote green education, clean energy access, clean water availability in underserved areas, and the development of sustainable technologies. This grant opportunity is designed to support nonprofit and charitable organizations with programs aligned to First Solar's giving values. The fund focuses on projects that make a tangible impact within the communities served, especially within the United States, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Grants under this program must request more than $10,000 USD to be considered; requests for lesser amounts should be directed to the local First Solar office. In addition to financial support, the program includes a Module Donation component for applicants seeking solar technology hardware and support for installation. The application process is open twice annually, with deadlines on February 1 and August 1 at 11:59 PM. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation's online platform, beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI). This letter should describe the proposed project, objectives, intended beneficiaries, and specific funding request. Organizations may be invited to participate in a virtual interview as part of the evaluation process. For the module donation program, applicants must also provide detailed technical specifications, project timelines, site readiness, and how the donation aligns with First Solar’s mission. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or international entities that can demonstrate capacity to execute charitable projects. All grantees must submit due diligence materials prior to receiving funding. These include board rosters, organizational background, financial statements, operating budgets, and, for U.S. entities, IRS tax exemption letters. International applicants must provide similar documentation translated into English where possible. Restrictions on funding include support for sectarian religious activities, organizational fundraising campaigns, or scholarships. The First Solar Community Giving Fund aims to ensure that grants are used strictly for programmatic purposes that further their environmental and civic mission. Funding decisions are made by a review committee at the Foundation, and the fund may limit the number of requests it accepts at its discretion. To apply, applicants must use the online portal provided by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. Questions regarding eligibility or program fit may be directed to Hilary Ferencak, the program officer overseeing the fund, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 419-241-5049. The guidelines strongly encourage applicants to review the grant criteria in detail before beginning an application and to ensure all documentation is prepared accordingly.

Ensure alignment with First Solar priorities: clean energy, water access, and sustainability. Requests must exceed $10,000. Include clear goals and measurable impact.