FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about our mission, programs, and ways to support energy access and justice.
Is Let There Be Light International a tax-exempt charitable organization?
Where is Let There Be Light International located?
Where does Let There Be Light International work?
Our direct service solar programming is conducted in partnership with vetted local NGOs in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Rwanda.
LTBLI’s primary Implementation and Programming Partner is Solar Health Uganda. Our solar projects in Rwanda are supported by an initiative of LTBLI called Shine On Rwanda.
Our advocacy and outreach is global, as we work to raise awareness about energy poverty and appropriate social safety-net interventions. Our team serves on international working groups and participates in global networks devoted to Climate Action and eliminating Energy Poverty.
Whom does Let There Be Light International serve?
Let There Be Light International serves vulnerable off-grid communities and individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. All of our solar programming is guided by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. You can learn more about the values that inform our work on our About Us page.
Our programming prioritizes women, students, people living with disabilities, and elders. In addition to our general solar programming, we have programming to engage and empower specific populations in ways that meet them where they are. For example, our Safe Births + Healthy Homes (SB+HH) program provides solar lights to new mothers when they give birth at one of our solar-electrified SB+HH clinics. Visit our Programs page to learn more.
To ensure our work remains accessible and equitable, all Distribution Partner Organizations submit a written statement affirming that they do not discriminate against employees, volunteers, and/or solar light recipients based on race, sex, gender, religion, age, disability status, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, national origin, political affiliation, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
Let There Be Light International will not partner with any organizations that engage in discriminatory practices or fail to provide this information.
Who are Let There Be Light International's partners in Africa?
Let There Be Light International has 12 grassroots implementation partners in 4 countries.
Our primary partner in the region is Solar Health Uganda, a subsidiary of KACCAD. Together we have solar-electrified 90 rural off-grid health clinics and donated more than 46,000 solar lights to at-risk families.
Other Ugandan partners are: CESA-Uganda; Sisters of Mary; the Kisoro Elders Project and the Center for Aging in Uganda; Defeating Darkness Community Initiative; ElSeed Art Foundation, a Palliative Care pilot project in Uganda, and the Ugandan Spelling Bee.
In Kenya we partner with IMPACT-Kenya on individual solar light projects for indigenous people in the Samburu region. We also work with PACEMaker International on educational solar programming.
Our active partner in Malawi is Compassionate Missions Center.
And, our newest partner is NPO-TER in Rwanda.
Learn more about our partners here.
Who are Let There Be Light International's global partners?
Let There Be Light International is proud to partner with Solar Health Uganda, Doctors for Global Health and the Kisoro Elders Project, Wharton Global Impact Consultants, Every Woman Every Child, the UN NGO Major Group and Women’s Major Group, and others.
Why solar?
What are the electrification rates in LTBLI's partner communities?
In the rural areas we serve in Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda, electrification rates range from just 5% to 35%. Without access to electricity, families rely on kerosene lamps, candles, or disposable flashlights for light.
Why are open-flamed lighting sources dangerous?
Without access to electricity, families often rely on kerosene lamps, candles, or burning grasses. These lighting sources are dangerous and expensive, and they come at a high cost to both people and the planet. Kerosene is a leading cause of house fires, burns, respiratory infections, and poisonings. Its particulate emissions (PM2.5) also contribute significantly to global climate change.
What are the environmental challenges of the increase in disposable flashlight usage?
With rising kerosene costs, some off-grid families now rely on disposable flashlights powered by batteries that last only a week or two. Without garbage collection or recycling systems, these items often end up in open burn pits or latrines, polluting the air and water.
Where can I learn more about Energy Access and Advocacy?
You can learn more about energy poverty and our advocacy efforts on our Advocacy page. We also have a wealth of conferences, webinars, and short-form educational videos on our YouTube channel. Join us in brightening lives!
How can I volunteer?
In the US, we need volunteers to raise awareness about Energy Poverty through outreach and educational events and to raise funds to brighten lives. ($15 donates a solar light to a vulnerable family).
Contact us here to receive a solar Party-in-a-Box to create your own small event. (Please note that we require a minimum raise of $500 for each Party-in-a-Box).
How can I donate?
Donations are accepted by credit card, check, PayPal, or a gift of stocks through StockDonator.
Interested in impacting an entire community? Check out our sponsorship opportunities here.
Let’s shine on, together!
100% of donations support communities without energy access by providing light to vulnerable families and off-grid health clinics.