Staying Strong in 2026

When national headlines are increasingly dire, it can be tough to know where to turn for hope and solace. At Spark Northwest, we lament the violence and pain of recent events. We are also encouraged by the power of communities mobilizing to take care of one another. We see that same strength and resilience with our local partners in the Pacific Northwest.

Every day immigrant, low-income and Tribal communities are taking steps, despite obstacles, towards a thriving future. This photo above struck me as a beautiful example: Swinomish Tribal members, even on a cloudy day with limited sunlight, testing the energy output of a solar water pump and finding that there is still power to draw on. They are learning together how to prepare for whatever challenges they may face.

In these uncertain times we are drawing strength from stories like these. We are proud to work alongside our partners to move towards a region powered by clean energy where communities lead and ecosystems thrive.

Below you’ll find a short road map for how we are thinking about our work this year, including a recent community win, actions you can take, and upcoming events.  

— Andrea Axel, Spark Northwest Executive Director

Four Ways We’re Taking Action in 2026

Firstly, we are doubling down on early-stage support for community-based organizations, from the farmworker communities of the Yakima Valley to small coastal fishing communities. Public funding for clean energy through sources like Washington’s Climate Commitment Act have made amazing clean energy investments possible—but access remains uneven. Small, under-resourced groups need help with everything from overcoming language access barriers to navigating planning, design, and funding pathways long before a project is “shovel ready.” This upstream work is where Spark Northwest excels.

Second, we are building relationships for the long haul. Our relationship with the community land trust Proud Ground is a great example: More than five years ago the land trust began a project to solarize 10 of their affordable homes—and we have been honored to support their vision. This coming year, we’re thrilled to announce that we were awarded an incredible $2.1 million dollar grant from the Portland Clean Energy Fund (more about this below) to expand on this work. We will be closely collaborating with Proud Ground and Northwest Native Chamber to do home decarbonization work that also supports job training, additional solar installations, home energy audits, and more.

Thirdly, we are supporting Tribal energy planning and leadership development. We work with Tribal Nations at the earliest stages of clean energy readiness, offering culturally grounded technical assistance and capacity-building to support long-term energy sovereignty.

And last (but not least), we are advancing policy to help make frontlines communities clean energy goals a reality. Right now we are laser focused on protecting tenants’ rights to safe and cool housing during extreme weather. The Washington State legislature is currently in session, and we are supporting two bills under consideration—HB2265 and HB 6200. We encourage you to take action at the campaign website: safeandcoolwa.com.

Spark Northwest pushes for equitable, clean energy solutions in our region. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of you and all our supporters. We are immensely grateful.

Spark Northwest is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our EIN is 91-2141987.  You can find our recent financial statements and Form 990 filings here.

To make a donation online, please fill out the form below. If you prefer, you can mail a check to 423 2nd Ave Ext S Suite 302, Seattle, WA 98104. Spark Northwest never shares or publishes donor contact information.

Our monthly donations also go a long way in helping us to do the work that we do. Please consider becoming a monthly donor. Together, we can ensure that all communities benefit from clean energy.