Required reading: Before applying, read the FAQs to ensure your project is eligible.
The North American Climate Loan Fund provides interest-free loans of up to $250,000 for projects that reduce organizational greenhouse gas emissions. Projects are selected based on emission reduction impact and the other factors listed above that apply to all funds in the Climate Action Fund. Loans have a payback period of up to five years (60 months). Monthly repayment begins July 2027 or project completion, whichever comes first. An origination fee of 2% is charged to cover administrative costs associated with loan processing. All applicants will be required to participate in a 30-minute interview as part of the process. Projects typically must be completed within twelve months of loan disbursement (which is roughly six weeks after the application deadline), and organizations will be required to repay the remaining loan balance in full if projects are not initiated within six months of loan receipt.
The next application deadline will be November 5, 2026.
Before you begin your application, there are a few important things to keep in mind. We highly recommend reviewing the entire application and application process ahead of time to ensure you have everything in order. Applicants are responsible for any costs incurred by them in connection with this location application, including legal representation.
- Board Resolution: Prior to your application submission, the organization’s board must pass a resolution authorizing the Executive Director to take out this loan on behalf of the organization. You can find a template for this resolution here.
- CEO sign off: The application must be approved in advance by your CEO or other most senior staff member, so you can type their name into the application indicating their approval.
- Loan Guarantee: Loans must be personally guaranteed by at least two members of the organization’s board or major donors.
Payback: Loans must be paid back over a period of five years (60 months) through monthly automatic payments from your organization’s bank (ACH transfers). Early payback is encouraged.
- Documents Required: As part of the application process, we will ask you to share with us:
- Board resolution authorizing loan. See sample template here.
- Please provide financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) from either the prior fiscal year or the year before that; older statements cannot be considered. We strongly prefer financial statements that have been independently audited or reviewed. If your organization does not undergo an audit or review, internally prepared financials (by your accountant, treasurer, or finance staff) are acceptable provided they comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). If available, please separate current assets and current liabilities on the balance sheet preparation. Trial balances or other internal software reports are not acceptable. Modified cash-basis financials may be accepted from smaller organizations, contact coalition@adamah.org for pre-approval before applying.
- Approved budget for the current fiscal year, including updated projections if applicable, and comparison to the prior fiscal year.
- If there are any “off book” financial arrangements that exist (e.g. loan from a member that is intended to be forgiven), upload a statement that explains the details of the arrangements.
- Optional: You may submit a one-page commentary on your current finances when additional clarity would help explain how you are doing, such as an MD&A (Management’s Discussion and Analysis).
- Most recent 990 if available.
- Project budget. Note that you are required to use this template.
- At least two proposals from individuals or companies proposing to execute the project.
- Personal loan guarantor forms from at least two board members and/or major supporters. You can find the form here.
Fee: While these loans are interest-free, there is a 2% origination fee charged by Adamah to cover administrative costs associated with the loan program, with a minimum of $500. For example, if the loan is for $50,000, your organization will be required to pay a fee of $1,000 upon signing of the loan documents.
Note: The online application must be completed in one sitting. We recommend that you draft your responses in a document that you can save and then paste them into the application when you are ready to submit.
For questions about the Climate Loan Fund, please contact coalition@adamah.org
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