Justice & Equity at the Honnold Foundation
The Honnold Foundation’s approach is grounded in principles of justice and equity, and we are committed to fostering an organizational culture that encourages diversity of perspective, respectful dissent, and continuous learning. The communities we serve, including communities of color, Indigenous communities, and economically excluded communities, have experienced systematic oppression, and continue to shoulder the burden of environmental pollution and climate change. Seeking out, funding, and advocating for organizations from these communities is at the heart of what we do.
Our core values are:
Partnership: Trust-based partnerships are at the core of HF’s approach. We acknowledge and work to rebalance historically-entrenched power dynamics so that we can build open, mutually accountable relationships.
Action: We believe that small, deliberate steps can help us reach big, audacious goals. Solving problems like climate change and energy access require urgent action, creativity, and patience. We give ourselves and our partners permission to fail, learn, adapt, and grow.
Authenticity: We mean what we say, and we say what we mean. We are straightforward and genuine with ourselves, our partners, and the broader HF community.
Self-Determination: “Do what you think is best” is something Alex says to people he trusts. We say the same thing to each other, and to our partners. Our partners are the experts in their communities, and our team is here to support their vision for a brighter future.
From our organizational strategic plan to our trust-based grantmaking and partner-led storytelling, our approach is intentionally designed to center the voices, expertise, and leadership of the marginalized communities we exist to serve. HF’s programs strategically enhance equity by:
Increasing access to unrestricted and multi-year funding for marginalized communities that remain underfunded in philanthropy
Accelerating investment in and access to renewable energy resources in currently disinvested, high biodiversity regions
Strengthening the work of Black, Indigenous, and women-led organizations and leaders through access to wrap-around support and capacity-building services
Increasing the visibility of BIPOC-led grassroots organizations working in the climate and renewable energy fields through storytelling and advocacy
Transitioning additional funding and program decision-making power to be more inclusive of and guided by our grassroots partners
However, we understand that Justice & Equity is not something that can be “accomplished” and instead requires our organization’s continuous reflection, action, and evolution. We are committed to fostering an equitable organizational culture that institutionalizes our values for both external partners and internal stakeholders. HF also strives to approach its operations with a Justice & Equity lens, supporting its staff team with industry-leading practices that include flexible hours and a “work from anywhere” policy, a 4-day work week, and comprehensive health, retirement, and family leave benefits.
We recognize that the impacts of colonialism, racism, and many other forms of systemic oppression are real and need to be remediated in order to achieve a just transition to renewable energy and address climate change effectively. Through increased funding, investment in renewable energy, and capacity building for Black, Indigenous, and women-led organizations, we strive to create a more equitable future. At its core, the Honnold Foundation operates with a "people first" mentality, prioritizing trust, compassion, and empathy in support for both employees and partners. By centering this approach in every aspect of our work, we’ll continue to build stronger, more vibrant communities while stewarding the environment for generations to come.