ATLANTA, Ga. (January 21, 2026)—Justice Climate Fund (JCF) has been awarded a $5 million grant to unlock climate and clean energy projects in under-resourced communities across the United States, focusing on projects in or that benefit Native communities. The funding will help advance projects that have been delayed or stalled following recent federal funding rollbacks and policy shifts.
The grant will support the development of clean energy and climate resilience projects and includes funding for technical assistance and capacity building to help community lenders and project stakeholders structure financing, address gaps and move projects forward. The investment is designed to strengthen and scale climate lending and expand access to clean energy in communities that have historically faced barriers to investment.
“Too many community-supported projects are ready to move but lack the flexible capital and support needed to get across the finish line,” said Amir Kirkwood, JCF’s chief executive officer. “This funding helps unlock those projects, supports the lenders and partners closest to the work, and ensures Native and other under-resourced communities see tangible, on-the-ground benefits.”
JCF’s work supports projects that deliver lower energy costs for consumers and small businesses, support good-paying jobs, and build economic and environmental resilience. The funding will support projects in under-resourced communities across the country, including projects in the Midwest. JCF is currently identifying key projects in its pipeline and has begun working with community lenders and project stakeholders.
About JCF
Justice Climate Fund (JCF) is a national nonprofit mobilizing capital and resources to strengthen under-resourced communities across America. JCF drives transformative investments in climate and clean energy solutions that deliver energy independence, support cleaner air and water, create healthier communities, and build economic and environmental resilience. JCF’s national network includes more than 400 community lenders and state and local stakeholders across the country.
Media Contact: Jeanne Mariani-Belding, JBelding@JusticeClimateFund.org