Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

06/05/2026

"This Micro-Enterprise Center is the heart of our economy."

That's how one local resident describes SELF's solar-powered commerce hub in Bessassi, Benin.

Recent upgrades have expanded access to electricity, clean water, sanitation services, and agricultural processing—helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and strengthening the local economy.

See how it's transforming village life: https://www.self.org/blog/powering-economic-opportunity-in-bessassi-benin/

Solar energy is powering economic opportunity in Benin. Rural entrepreneurs share how access to electricity has changed everything.

06/03/2026

Wherever you live, whatever resources you have, you deserve access to electricity.

Because opportunity shouldn't depend on your zip code, your income, or your proximity to the grid.

Power to the people. Energy for all. ☀️

05/27/2026

"Access to nearby clean water is giving girls like me the chance to focus on our education, stay safe, and plan for a better future.”

When communities lack electricity, basic services are out of reach. Namulondo Filista, a secondary student in Uganda, used to spend hours collecting water for her family everyday. It cut into her education and made her dreams feel distant.

Thanks to solar power, and supporters like you, that has now changed. Read her story and others in SELF's 2025 Annual Report: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5956a1cf-80d5-4567-928e-8a312e67d2b4

05/22/2026

In case you missed it: SELF’s 2025 Annual Report is now available!

Solar energy is powering improved access to food, water, healthcare, and income—while fighting climate change and building resilience.

See this work in action:

☀️ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/BqX7GrxUOgo?si=G9w-8jJvrvV8sGAr

☀️ Read the report: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5956a1cf-80d5-4567-928e-8a312e67d2b4

For 35 years, SELF has worked to bring clean energy to off-grid and energy poor communities. We believe a brighter future is possible, for both people and th...

05/20/2026

SELF's 2025 Annual Report is here. 💡

Solar energy is helping communities build resilience and access new opportunities. Last year, your support:

• Powered clean cooking for Maasai families

• Supported energy independence for Indigenous communities

• Strengthened climate resilience for women farmers

• Expanded access to clean water

• & more!

Discover the 2025 Annual Report: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5956a1cf-80d5-4567-928e-8a312e67d2b4

Thank you to everyone who has made this work possible, including our fantastic partners at Mesa Grande Tribal Council, Rape-Hurts Foundation, and Human Needs Project.

05/18/2026

What does it take to electrify a community?

Knowledge
Skills
And YOU!

Help us bring solar to communities the grid left behind. Your gift ➡️ solar for all: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/donatetoself

05/15/2026

Solar streetlights do more than provide light. They help create safe, connected, and prosperous communities.

In many off-grid areas, public lighting can improve safety after dark, support local businesses, expand mobility, and allow space for community connection.

Tomorrow we celebrate the International Day Of Light. Thank you to everyone who is helping light the way.💡

05/13/2026

Behind the scenes with the Mesa Grande Band Of Mission Indians. ☀️

SELF is partnering with Mesa Grande to solar-electrify three community centers on the Tribe’s reservation—supporting their vision for a net-zero future grounded in stewardship and self-determination.

05/08/2026

The greatest burden of energy poverty falls on women. In unelectrified communities, women disproportionately sacrifice their time, health, and labor to keep their families afloat.

This Mother’s Day, we honor the resilience of mothers everywhere while recognizing that these burdens are not inevitable. Every family deserves access to energy. No woman should have to sacrifice her future.

05/06/2026

Chef James shares how clean cooking is changing life for his Maasai community.

SELF and our fantastic partners at are working to expand access to solar cookstoves in the Maasai Mara, with benefits to local health, safety, and conservation.