Honnold Foundation (HF)

Programs and Initiatives

Honnold Foundation’s principal program is its Core Fund Grant Program, which provides direct grants (typically $25,000–$150,000 each) to organizations implementing solar-energy projects. In addition to funding, HF offers capacity-building support, technical assistance, and media storytelling for its partners. ²

For example, HF helped fund a $1.7 million community-owned solar microgrid in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico built by nonprofit Casa Pueblo, providing solar power and backup batteries for local businesses. Similarly, HF has supported solar-powered canoes in the Amazon, with the group funding an Indigenous-led group (Kara Solar) to build a prototype solar motor for river transport in 2020. ³ These and other initiatives—including rooftop solar in Native communities, solar water pumps, and rural microgrids—illustrate HF’s emphasis on so-called community-driven solutions to expand access to non-traditional energy worldwide. ²

In the 2020s, HF began offering multi-year commitments to successful grantees to help scale proven projects. From 2020 to 2025, it claims to have supported over 70 partner organizations across 27 countries, territories, and U.S. Tribal lands. ⁴ As of late 2024, HF had invested roughly $10 million in projects worldwide. Its 2022–2025 strategic plan emphasizes allocating the majority of 2024 funds to “the Americas and island nations affected by intensifying storms and our rapidly changing climate.” ⁴ Eligible applicants are typically community-based nonprofits (including U.S. tribal organizations) that serve regions in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. HF explicitly prioritizes projects led by Indigenous peoples or Black-majority communities, and by organizations whose leadership is at least 50 percent female, especially in so-called climate-sensitive locales. By mid-2024 HF counted grantees in roughly 25 countries and about 245 distinct communities worldwide. ⁴

In 2025, HF partnered with the Trust Based Philanthropy Project through their “Meet the moment” initiative. This initiative seeks to bring its supporters together “in solidarity with nonprofits.” The group claims that the political climate could pose risks to nonprofits through reductions in funding, legal concerns, and lack of staff. ⁵

Funding

Honnold Foundation is funded almost entirely by donations. Founder Alex Honnold pledged in 2012 to give one-third of his income to the foundation, and as of 2025 was continuing to cover all operating costs personally so that outside gifts go straight to programs. ⁶  A website FAQ notes that beyond Honnold’s own support, “corporate partners, charitable foundations, and people like you” contribute to HF’s funding. Indeed, HF lists numerous corporate and philanthropic supporters on its website (discussed below). Public tax filings confirm that nearly 99 percent of HF’s revenue comes from contributions. ⁶

HF’s 2023 revenue was about $1.94 million (with $1.92 million in contributions) and $3.56 million in total expenses. Its year-end net assets were around $0.56 million, reflecting planned spending of prior funds. ⁷

HF collaborates with a range of sponsors, advocacy groups, and creative partners that align with its mission. Among its prominent supporters is Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, which has formally backed HF’s work. ⁷ On its website HF also highlights corporate partners in the renewable-energy and outdoor sectors: for example, companies like Sunrun (solar contractor) and REGEN VC (climate tech VC) are listed alongside outdoor brands such as The North Face. ⁸

Major philanthropic donors include foundations including the Tides Foundation, Reiner Family Foundation, and Raymond Family Foundation, and conservation-oriented trusts. HF’s board and staff often engage with broader climate and justice networks: for instance, HF leaders spoke at New York Climate Week 2023 and partnered with indigenous environmental groups at forums like the Clinton Global Initiative to advocate trust‑based philanthropy and decentralized solar investment. ⁹ HF also has a roster of creative partners (e.g. photographers Jimmy Chin and Samuel Crossley) who help document grantee projects, underscoring the foundation’s emphasis on storytelling. ⁹

Leadership and Governance

As of 2025, HF is governed by a volunteer board and a small professional staff. Alex Honnold remained the founder and a board member but had delegated day-to-day leadership to nonprofit professionals. ¹⁰ The executive director at the time was Emily Teitsworth, who oversaw operations and public communications. The board was chaired by Brady Robinson (a veteran conservation leader), with Len Necefer (engineer and Native advocacy leader) as vice-chair and Shaandiin Cedar (Navajo tech investor) as treasurer. Co-founder Maury Birdwell was board emeritus.  ¹¹