TOLEDO, OH --- April 2, 2025 --- Since its launch in August of 2020, the Overland Solar Array Project, spearheaded by Greater Toledo Community Foundation, has made significant environmental impacts. The solar array currently eliminates 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually equivalent to removing 327 cars from the road each year. Through this initiative, the Community Foundation sells the generated energy to Dana Incorporated, which then distributes grant funding to neighboring communities.
In an innovative approach to showcase this environmental success story, funding from the Department of Energy helped the Community Foundation partner with the Toledo Zoo to create compelling visual storytelling that demonstrates how renewable energy positively impacts neighborhood development, economic growth and educational opportunity.
"This partnership represents a powerful convergence of economic development, community impact and educational opportunity," said Kate Sommerfeld, President and CEO of Greater Toledo Community Foundation. "By working with the Toledo Zoo and our other valued partners, we're demonstrating how collective philanthropy creates a more vibrant and sustainable future for our community."
The Zoo has produced an engaging documentary-style video that follows the solar array's community impact. The video features interviews with local residents, businesses and government entities involved in the project, from the building of the solar array to community members and leaders who sit on the grant committee, actively engaged in stewarding grant dollars back into the community.
The Overland Solar Array Project represents a collaborative achievement made possible through partnerships with Toledo Public Schools, Washington Local Schools, The Toledo Museum of Art, Metroparks Toledo, Toledo School for the Arts, and Imagination Station alongside GTCF and the Toledo Zoo.
For more information about the Overland Solar Array Project, click here.
To view the Toledo Zoos video click the link below.
About Greater Toledo Community Foundation
Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our area. In existence since 1973, the Foundation has more than 1,000 funds with assets of approximately $476 million. The Foundation provides philanthropic services for individuals, families, businesses, and corporations to meet their charitable giving needs.