Who We Are

Founded in Los Angeles by Mitchell Schwartz, the Jewish Solar Challenge accelerates the adoption of solar power at Jewish institutions through a model designed to scale nationally.

Our Work

Practical Support for Lasting Change

The Jewish Solar Challenge serves synagogues, schools, camps, and other Jewish nonprofits. We combine direct financial support with technical guidance and hands-on assistance to help institutions move from interest in solar to completed installations.

By supporting projects at trusted community institutions, we help Jewish communities lead by example on climate action while reducing long-term operating costs and inspiring broader sustainability efforts.

Why This Matters Now

Climate Action, Financial Stewardship, and Jewish Values

Climate change is an urgent moral and generational challenge. Jews—especially younger Jews—overwhelmingly support bold action to combat climate change, and they expect institutions to reflect their values.

Solar adoption offers a rare opportunity to align Jewish values, financial stewardship, and measurable climate impact in a single, highly visible action that benefits both today’s communities and future generations.

What We Aim to Achieve

Our Goals

  • Lower long-term operating costs for Jewish institutions.

  • Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Catalyze further sustainability initiatives across facilities and communities.

  • Help Jewish institutions model practical climate leadership.

Support Our Work

Our Model

From Commitment to Construction

The cost and complexity of solar can prevent otherwise committed institutions from moving forward. JSC helps close that gap through matching grants, project guidance, and a grant process designed to identify institutions with a clear plan and the ability to move toward construction.

Eligible institutions bring a credible solar proposal, institutional support, and at least half of the project’s eligible direct costs. JSC can provide a matching grant of up to $50,000, helping turn promising plans into built projects.

How Our Grants Work

Leadership & Team

The Jewish Solar Challenge Team

JSC brings together experience in solar energy, nonprofit leadership, grantmaking, operations, and community engagement.

Organizational Information

The Jewish Solar Challenge is fiscally sponsored by the Edward Charles Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to JSC are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.