avril 2026

SolarShare: making climate investment tangible

SolarShare in Ontario is one example of what changes when pathways to participation exist. 

It was founded in 2010 as a renewable energy co-operative, incubated by the Coopérative d'énergie renouvelable de Toronto (TREC). SolarShare’s goal was to let people invest directly in solar energy projects through community bonds. 

What started with three projects has grown into more than 50 solar installations across the province and more than 2,000 people investing over $80 million. 

SolarShare demonstrates that everyday people are willing to put their money into renewable energy when the opportunity is clear, practical, and connected to something real.

What changes when participation is real 

Community capital works because it closes the distance between people and the things they’re helping build. 

Less distance between investment and impact. Less distance between intention and action. Less distance between “I support this” and “I’m part of this." 

When that distance shrinks, projects feel less external and more shared. SolarShare is one example of that in practice. 

Community bonds are being used across sectors such as renewable energy, affordable housing, arts & culture, and more. Different sectors, same underlying shift: capital structured in a way that broadens participation and changes who gets to own and benefit from what is built.

Earth Day, from that perspective

Earth Day usually focuses on awareness and urgency. As it should. 

The 2026 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, adds something important to that: participation. Climate progress is shaped by the people involved in building it. That’s where community capital fits in. 

Tools like community bonds give people a way to move from supporting climate solutions in principle to helping finance them in practice through direct participation in real projects. 

This Earth Day, we’re celebrating the people who choose to invest in something bigger than themselves. The communities that decided to build their own future. And the financing models helping make it possible. 😊

2 min read 

Community bonds are an increasingly popular way for people to invest in projects that create social, environmental, and cultural impact. 

Let’s look at three myths about investing in community bonds – and the reality behind them: 

Myth 1: Community bonds are only for wealthy investors 

Reality: Anyone can invest. 

Over 80% of investors in Tapestry-led community bond campaigns are retail investors. You don’t need to be a millionaire to invest in your community. Most campaigns are intentionally designed to be accessible, with investment minimums often starting at $1,000, giving more people the chance to support projects they care about. 

At their core, community bonds are about democratizing finance. That means making it possible for more people to invest in the resilience and future of their communities.

Myth 2: Community bonds are just donations

Reality: Community bonds are investments, not donations. 

While donations and community bonds can both support impactful projects, they serve different purposes. 

Donations are given without the expectation of getting your money back. Community bonds, on the other hand, are structured investments. You provide money to a nonprofit, charity, or co-op, and receive your principal back with interest. 

Community bonds are a way to align your money with your values. You’re making an investment that benefits both your pocket and the community! 

Myth 3: You have to live nearby to invest

Reality: You don’t have to be local to participate. 

Many community bond investors are closely connected to the organizations or projects they support, but you don’t have to live in the immediate community to participate. We see people across the country invest in projects they care about, even if they’re not directly affected. 

Community bonds connect people to missions and impact, not just locations. It’s about supporting projects you believe in, wherever you are. 

Community bonds are part of a broader shift toward a more inclusive and community-driven approach to finance. By clearing up some misconceptions, we hope more people feel confident exploring how they can support projects that matter to them.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, accounting, or tax advice, and should not be relied upon as such.