Fondation Nexans Call for Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Projects

The Fondation Nexans provides grants ranging from €10,000 to €40,000 to international NGOs and associations implementing renewable energy and sustainable electrification projects. The program supports access to energy for underserved communities, technical education, and environmental sustainability initiatives aligned with at least three UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Priority is given to countries where Nexans operates, including Brazil, Ghana, Morocco, and Lebanon.

About the Fondation Nexans

The Fondation Nexans is a corporate foundation dedicated to improving access to reliable, renewable, and sustainable energy for underprivileged populations.

Its mission focuses on:

• Expanding access to electricity through renewable energy solutions

• Supporting technical, energy, and environmental education

• Promoting environmental protection and biodiversity

• Advancing climate resilience and energy efficiency (“energy sobriety”)

• Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The foundation works primarily through partnerships with international NGOs and local stakeholders to generate long-term social, economic, and environmental impact.

Grant Overview

Funding Amount

• Typical grant size: €10,000 to €40,000

• Total annual funding envelope: €400,000

• Multi-year support: Possible (based on project scope and approval)

Focus Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following:

• Renewable energy access (solar, wind, hybrid, off-grid systems)

• Electrification for schools, health centers, or community infrastructure

• Technical and vocational training in energy-related fields

• Environmental studies related to electrification

• Climate action, energy efficiency, and biodiversity protection

All projects must rely on renewable energy solutions.

What Is Sustainable Electrification?

Sustainable electrification refers to providing reliable electricity access using environmentally responsible and renewable energy systems.

It includes:

• Solar microgrids

• Off-grid energy systems

• Hybrid renewable systems

• Community-level electrification infrastructure

• Energy access for productive uses (entrepreneurship and local business development)

The goal is not only energy access but also long-term maintenance, affordability, and community ownership.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply, organizations must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a recognized international NGO or association

• Have at least two years of legal existence

• Hold a valid tax ruling

• Submit complete organizational documentation

• Comply with Nexans’ Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Eligible countries are prioritized where Nexans operates, including:

• Chile

• Peru

• Brazil

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Morocco

• Ivory Coast

• Ghana

• Turkey

• Lebanon

Organizations outside these countries may apply, but priority consideration is given to the above locations.

Project Requirements

Approved projects must demonstrate:

1. SDG Alignment

• Contribution to at least three Sustainable Development Goals

2. Strong Financial Planning

• Detailed and realistic budget

• Clear financing plan

• Secured or attainable co-financing

3. Sustainability

• Maintenance plan funded for at least three years

• Long-term viability beyond NGO involvement

4. Community Engagement

• Active beneficiary participation

• Local stakeholder involvement

• Capacity building for local actors

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Clear objectives and measurable indicators

• Tracking of activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact

• Interim and final reporting obligations

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following through the official online platform (in French or English):

• Signed statutes

• Official registration documents

• Civil liability insurance

• Activity reports (past two years)

• Financial reports (past two years)

• Detailed project budget

• Timeline and implementation plan

Additional supporting documents are encouraged to strengthen clarity and impact.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Eligibility

Confirm your NGO meets all legal, operational, and compliance requirements.

Step 2: Design a Renewable Energy Project

Ensure your project:

• Uses renewable energy

• Aligns with at least three SDGs

• Includes a 3-year maintenance plan

• Demonstrates measurable impact

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Compile all required organizational and financial documents.

Step 4: Develop a Detailed Budget

Include:

• Capital expenditure

• Operational costs

• Maintenance costs

• Co-financing sources

Step 5: Submit Online

Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s official digital platform in French or English.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Why This Grant Matters

Access to electricity is a foundational driver of:

• Economic development

• Education access

• Healthcare delivery

• Climate resilience

• Local entrepreneurship

By funding renewable electrification projects, Fondation Nexans helps reduce energy poverty, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and support environmental protection simultaneously.

The emphasis on local ownership and maintenance ensures projects do not fail after initial installation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects that rely on fossil fuels

• Failing to demonstrate SDG alignment

• Weak or unrealistic budgets

• No clear co-financing strategy

• Missing documentation

• Lack of measurable impact indicators

• No long-term maintenance plan

Projects that lack sustainability planning are less competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can an NGO request?

Grants typically range from €10,000 to €40,000, depending on project scope and available budget.

2. Can local NGOs apply directly?

Applicants must be recognized international NGOs or associations with at least two years of legal existence.

3. Are fossil fuel projects eligible?

No. Projects must rely on renewable energy solutions.

4. Is co-financing required?

Yes. Projects must include secured or realistically attainable co-financing.

5. Is multi-year funding possible?

Yes, multi-year support may be considered based on project design and evaluation.

6. What reporting is required?

Selected organizations must submit interim and final reports tracking objectives, activities, and measurable impact.

7. Are certain countries prioritized?

Yes. Priority is given to countries where Nexans operates, including Brazil, Ghana, Morocco, and Lebanon.

Conclusion

The Fondation Nexans Call for Projects supports high-impact, renewable energy initiatives that expand electricity access, strengthen local capacity, and contribute to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Successful applications demonstrate sustainability, measurable impact, strong financial planning, and community engagement.

For NGOs working in electrification and renewable energy, this grant represents a strategic opportunity to scale responsible energy access solutions and drive long-term development impact.