Our renewed commitment to Efficiency for Access Coalition will boost livelihoods

July 19, 2022

The IKEA Foundation is extending its support for Efficiency for Access’ Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme for another three years.

This programme helps people living in low-income communities improve their livelihoods by enhancing access to affordable, energy efficient and inclusive solar appliances such as fridges and water pumps.

We first joined the Efficiency for Access Coalition in 2020, with the aim of reaching 225,000 people with access to energy-efficient solar-powered equipment. With our renewed funding commitment, we’re aiming to achieve even greater impact and scale.

Efficient solar-powered appliances

Globally, almost 733 million people lack access to electricity. Many more people live without reliable connections or appliances that could improve their quality of life, power their livelihoods and increase their incomes.

The LEIA programme seeks to improve the efficiency, performance, availability and affordability of solar-powered appliances and technologies suited to off- and weak-grid communities. Better access to electricity improves people’s livelihoods by enabling household savings, boosting incomes and creating jobs.

In its next phase, LEIA will scale its proven interventions and cover a broader range of appliances, business models and markets.

Afford a better life

Jeffrey Prins, Head of Portfolio Renewable Energy, IKEA Foundation, says: “We’re proud to renew our collaboration with the Efficiency for Access Coalition because it’s an effective way to work with like-minded partners and investors to make renewable energy more accessible to many families more quickly.”

He adds: “Highly efficient solar-powered appliances can help families improve their income in a sustainable way, so they can afford a better life while also reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”

Research and innovation

IKEA Foundation support has so far enabled the distribution of US$1.2 million in R&D grant funding and the delivery of three years of the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge. It has also supported a first-of-its-kind solar water pump consumer awareness campaign, and the development of more than 25 market and consumer research publications.

“Since its launch in 2018, LEIA has established itself as the world’s leading research and innovation programme for off-and weak-grid appropriate technologies,” say CLASP’s Efficiency for Access Lead, Nyamolo Abagi, and Emilie Carmichael, Head of International, Energy Saving Trust.

“With IKEA Foundation’s renewed commitment, we look forward to building on that momentum and reaching even more people with the basic energy services that they need and deserve.”

Partner

Efficiency for Access Coalition
https://efficiencyforaccess.org/

Show our grants

Social

Stay up-to-date and follow us for news and info about exciting grants

@ikea_foundation

  • In a world full of noise and misinformation, credible voices matter more than ever. That’s why nearly 800 @IKEA co-workers applied to join the 2025 IKEA Foundation Ambassador Programme — a journey that connects them with the people and partners the foundation supports as they tackle real-world challenges every day. Ambassadors listen, ask questions, and learn from those closest to the issues — building understanding they bring back to their teams and communities, where awareness grows and perspectives begin to shift. In 2025, the programme: 🌎 reached five hubs across four continents 🇰🇪 launched the first-ever Super Hub in Nairobi 🌟 welcomed 169 new ambassadors 🌱 grew a global learning community of 550+ people in 30+ countries These numbers reflect a growing curiosity — a desire to understand how change really happens and to hear directly from those working closest to the world’s toughest challenges. None of this learning happens without the insight and generosity of our partners. Their leadership continues to inspire and inform us. With our strategy now in motion, we’re doubling down on #ClimateAwareness at a moment when it matters most — and supporting partners creating solutions for people and planet. For 2026, that energy is even stronger: nearly 1,000 IKEA co-workers applied, and we’re excited to welcome 161 new ambassadors, with 38 more joining our Alumni Hub. We’re proud of what last year set in motion, and looking forward to what comes next. #IKEAfoundation #IKEAFoundationAmbassador
  • This year reminded us that progress on climate action isn’t a straight line and that the way we move forward matters. 🌍 As climate extremes intensified and uncertainty grew, we saw the importance of working together — with trust, openness and shared purpose. For the IKEA Foundation, being on the way in 2025 has meant moving forward together: 🤝 With our partners, who are doing the work — working alongside communities, testing new approaches, learning what works and pushing for change where it’s needed most. Their leadership, commitment and courage are what turn ambition into action. 👥 With our team, learning, adapting and shaping a new strategic direction — focused on enabling impact, strengthening partnerships and keeping people at the heart of climate action. 🌱 With our ambassadors and changemakers, who share trusted knowledge, challenge misinformation and help people make sense of complexity with clarity and hope. As we look ahead — deepening partnerships and scaling impact — we carry our founder’s reminder with us: happiness, and real change, are found in the journey. #IKEAfoundation
  • 🌍 Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time — but doom and gloom won’t move us forward. Focusing on what can be done will. After a challenging year for climate action, @Jessica.Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, sat down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (@PIK_klima ), to reflect on the choices ahead, the solutions already at hand, and the urgency of scaling what works. Yes, the challenge is immense. But the solutions exist. They are delivering impact — and they are ready to scale, now. 👉 Watch the full conversation across our social channels and on Jessica’s platforms. #IKEAFoundation #ClimateAction
  • 🌟 Celebrating the 2025 UNHCR (@refugees) #NansenAward Winner: Chief Martin Azia Sodea We are honoured to recognise Chief Martin Azia Sodea, whose leadership has helped guide the community of Gado-Badzéré in eastern Cameroon as it welcomes over 36,000 refugees fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic. Through his steady commitment to dialogue, collaboration and shared community life, he has helped create an environment where refugees and local communities can rebuild, work, and thrive together. The IKEA Foundation is proud to support the UNHCR Nansen Awards, celebrating everyday heroes like Chief Sodea, whose dedication strengthens refugee inclusion and inspires others to act. 💙 🔗 Read more, link in bio. #NansenAward #UNHCR
In a world full of noise and misinformation, credible voices matter more than ever. That’s why nearly 800 @IKEA co-workers applied to join the 2025 IKEA Foundation Ambassador Programme — a journey that connects them with the people and partners the foundation supports as they tackle real-world challenges every day. Ambassadors listen, ask questions, and learn from those closest to the issues — building understanding they bring back to their teams and communities, where awareness grows and perspectives begin to shift. In 2025, the programme: 🌎 reached five hubs across four continents 🇰🇪 launched the first-ever Super Hub in Nairobi 🌟 welcomed 169 new ambassadors 🌱 grew a global learning community of 550+ people in 30+ countries These numbers reflect a growing curiosity — a desire to understand how change really happens and to hear directly from those working closest to the world’s toughest challenges. None of this learning happens without the insight and generosity of our partners. Their leadership continues to inspire and inform us. With our strategy now in motion, we’re doubling down on #ClimateAwareness at a moment when it matters most — and supporting partners creating solutions for people and planet. For 2026, that energy is even stronger: nearly 1,000 IKEA co-workers applied, and we’re excited to welcome 161 new ambassadors, with 38 more joining our Alumni Hub. We’re proud of what last year set in motion, and looking forward to what comes next. #IKEAfoundation #IKEAFoundationAmbassador
@ikea_foundation
@ikea_foundation
•
Follow
In a world full of noise and misinformation, credible voices matter more than ever. That’s why nearly 800 @IKEA co-workers applied to join the 2025 IKEA Foundation Ambassador Programme — a journey that connects them with the people and partners the foundation supports as they tackle real-world challenges every day. Ambassadors listen, ask questions, and learn from those closest to the issues — building understanding they bring back to their teams and communities, where awareness grows and perspectives begin to shift. In 2025, the programme: 🌎 reached five hubs across four continents 🇰🇪 launched the first-ever Super Hub in Nairobi 🌟 welcomed 169 new ambassadors 🌱 grew a global learning community of 550+ people in 30+ countries These numbers reflect a growing curiosity — a desire to understand how change really happens and to hear directly from those working closest to the world’s toughest challenges. None of this learning happens without the insight and generosity of our partners. Their leadership continues to inspire and inform us. With our strategy now in motion, we’re doubling down on #ClimateAwareness at a moment when it matters most — and supporting partners creating solutions for people and planet. For 2026, that energy is even stronger: nearly 1,000 IKEA co-workers applied, and we’re excited to welcome 161 new ambassadors, with 38 more joining our Alumni Hub. We’re proud of what last year set in motion, and looking forward to what comes next. #IKEAfoundation #IKEAFoundationAmbassador
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
This year reminded us that progress on climate action isn’t a straight line and that the way we move forward matters. 🌍 As climate extremes intensified and uncertainty grew, we saw the importance of working together — with trust, openness and shared purpose. For the IKEA Foundation, being on the way in 2025 has meant moving forward together: 🤝 With our partners, who are doing the work — working alongside communities, testing new approaches, learning what works and pushing for change where it’s needed most. Their leadership, commitment and courage are what turn ambition into action. 👥 With our team, learning, adapting and shaping a new strategic direction — focused on enabling impact, strengthening partnerships and keeping people at the heart of climate action. 🌱 With our ambassadors and changemakers, who share trusted knowledge, challenge misinformation and help people make sense of complexity with clarity and hope. As we look ahead — deepening partnerships and scaling impact — we carry our founder’s reminder with us: happiness, and real change, are found in the journey. #IKEAfoundation
@ikea_foundation
@ikea_foundation
•
Follow
This year reminded us that progress on climate action isn’t a straight line and that the way we move forward matters. 🌍 As climate extremes intensified and uncertainty grew, we saw the importance of working together — with trust, openness and shared purpose. For the IKEA Foundation, being on the way in 2025 has meant moving forward together: 🤝 With our partners, who are doing the work — working alongside communities, testing new approaches, learning what works and pushing for change where it’s needed most. Their leadership, commitment and courage are what turn ambition into action. 👥 With our team, learning, adapting and shaping a new strategic direction — focused on enabling impact, strengthening partnerships and keeping people at the heart of climate action. 🌱 With our ambassadors and changemakers, who share trusted knowledge, challenge misinformation and help people make sense of complexity with clarity and hope. As we look ahead — deepening partnerships and scaling impact — we carry our founder’s reminder with us: happiness, and real change, are found in the journey. #IKEAfoundation
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
🌍 Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time — but doom and gloom won’t move us forward. Focusing on what can be done will. After a challenging year for climate action, @Jessica.Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, sat down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (@PIK_klima ), to reflect on the choices ahead, the solutions already at hand, and the urgency of scaling what works. Yes, the challenge is immense. But the solutions exist. They are delivering impact — and they are ready to scale, now. 👉 Watch the full conversation across our social channels and on Jessica’s platforms. #IKEAFoundation #ClimateAction
🌍 Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time — but doom and gloom won’t move us forward. Focusing on what can be done will. After a challenging year for climate action, @Jessica.Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, sat down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (@PIK_klima ), to reflect on the choices ahead, the solutions already at hand, and the urgency of scaling what works. Yes, the challenge is immense. But the solutions exist. They are delivering impact — and they are ready to scale, now. 👉 Watch the full conversation across our social channels and on Jessica’s platforms. #IKEAFoundation #ClimateAction
🌍 Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time — but doom and gloom won’t move us forward. Focusing on what can be done will. After a challenging year for climate action, @Jessica.Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, sat down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (@PIK_klima ), to reflect on the choices ahead, the solutions already at hand, and the urgency of scaling what works. Yes, the challenge is immense. But the solutions exist. They are delivering impact — and they are ready to scale, now. 👉 Watch the full conversation across our social channels and on Jessica’s platforms. #IKEAFoundation #ClimateAction
🌍 Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time — but doom and gloom won’t move us forward. Focusing on what can be done will. After a challenging year for climate action, @Jessica.Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, sat down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (@PIK_klima ), to reflect on the choices ahead, the solutions already at hand, and the urgency of scaling what works. Yes, the challenge is immense. But the solutions exist. They are delivering impact — and they are ready to scale, now. 👉 Watch the full conversation across our social channels and on Jessica’s platforms. #IKEAFoundation #ClimateAction
@ikea_foundation
@ikea_foundation
•
Follow
🌍 Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time — but doom and gloom won’t move us forward. Focusing on what can be done will. After a challenging year for climate action, @Jessica.Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, sat down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (@PIK_klima ), to reflect on the choices ahead, the solutions already at hand, and the urgency of scaling what works. Yes, the challenge is immense. But the solutions exist. They are delivering impact — and they are ready to scale, now. 👉 Watch the full conversation across our social channels and on Jessica’s platforms. #IKEAFoundation #ClimateAction
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
🌟 Celebrating the 2025 UNHCR (@refugees) #NansenAward Winner: Chief Martin Azia Sodea We are honoured to recognise Chief Martin Azia Sodea, whose leadership has helped guide the community of Gado-Badzéré in eastern Cameroon as it welcomes over 36,000 refugees fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic. Through his steady commitment to dialogue, collaboration and shared community life, he has helped create an environment where refugees and local communities can rebuild, work, and thrive together. The IKEA Foundation is proud to support the UNHCR Nansen Awards, celebrating everyday heroes like Chief Sodea, whose dedication strengthens refugee inclusion and inspires others to act. 💙 🔗 Read more, link in bio. #NansenAward #UNHCR
@ikea_foundation
@ikea_foundation
•
Follow
🌟 Celebrating the 2025 UNHCR (@refugees) #NansenAward Winner: Chief Martin Azia Sodea We are honoured to recognise Chief Martin Azia Sodea, whose leadership has helped guide the community of Gado-Badzéré in eastern Cameroon as it welcomes over 36,000 refugees fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic. Through his steady commitment to dialogue, collaboration and shared community life, he has helped create an environment where refugees and local communities can rebuild, work, and thrive together. The IKEA Foundation is proud to support the UNHCR Nansen Awards, celebrating everyday heroes like Chief Sodea, whose dedication strengthens refugee inclusion and inspires others to act. 💙 🔗 Read more, link in bio. #NansenAward #UNHCR
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/4