Alex Honnold
Peak Philanthropy
Alex Honnold doesn’t just climb mountains; he moves them. Most people know him through his 2017 history-making ascent of El Capitan, dramatically documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo.
But the man who redefined what’s possible by climbing Yosemite’s 3000-foot mountain face without ropes or protective gear applies that same laser focus to his environmental mission.
His non-profit Honnold Foundation advances solar energy access worldwide, by supporting community-scale projects that increase climate resilience, bolster social and economic equity, reduce environmental impact, and improve people’s lives.
Alex chose to focus on solar energy for its tangible and universal impact. His foundation’s work aims to create significant change. Since its creation in 2018, the Honnold Foundation has supported more than 80 partner organisations globally, bringing solar energy access, education, transportation, and climate resilience to over 240,000 people. As a prominent figure in the climbing world, Alex uses his platform to spotlight environmental issues in mainstream media, amplifying his message of environmental stewardship to millions worldwide. “In climbing, you build a relationship, and then trust your partner with your life,” he says. “Why should philanthropy be any different?” Follow the Honnold Foundation here and learn more from its website.

