Solar Cookers International

What it reported doing in 2024

Solar Cookers International (SCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing human health, economic resilience, gender equity, and environmental protection by expanding access to climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable communities worldwide.Today, approximately 2.1 billion peopleabout one-quarter of the global populationcontinue to depend on polluting fuels for cooking. This reliance has serious consequences for both the environment and public health, with women and girls disproportionately affected due to their primary role in cooking in many areas. As environmental disasters increase and geopolitical conflicts further strain resources, the demand for clean cooking solutions like solar cooking becomes even more critical.SCI responds to this pressing need through a threefold strategy: advocacy, research, and strengthening the capacity of the global solar cooking community. SCI leverages data to guide and enhance efforts across all levels, from grassroots initiatives to international platforms. As a recognized leader in the field, SCI elevates the call for sustainable cooking solutions at the United Nations and other key decision-making forums.Drawing on its extensive experience with effective, community-based projects and its leadership within the sector, SCIs long-term strategy prioritizes scaling solar cooking initiatives. This focus aims to drive the policies, practices, and resource flows needed to accelerate the adoption and impact of solar cooking worldwide.ADVOCACYSCI engages with global decision-makers to secure recognition of solar cooking as an effective, appropriate pathway to achieving climate and health targets. In addition, SCI builds partnerships and collaborative efforts to further its mission of expanding awareness, acceptance, and adoption of solar cooking.SCI implemented the following advocacy activities in fiscal year 2024-25: Advocated for solar cooking at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan by engaging government leaders and encouraging the inclusion of solar cooking in climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. SCI hosted four press conferences, unveiling a new collaboration with the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and featuring guest speakers who shared firsthand accounts of the transformative impact of clean cooking. SCI also hosted an exhibit booth to demonstrate solar cooker functionality and facilitate new connections. Additionally, SCI participated in eight side events alongside partners such as the CTCN, the International Network for Sustainable Energy (INFORSE), International Solar Alliance (ISA), Peace Boat, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Participation at COP provides a critical platform to expand the solar cooking network, engage key stakeholders, raise global awareness, and build connections that lead to future implementation opportunities.Facilitated a virtual side event during the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to highlight how solar cooking advances all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers from Togo, Liberia, and India, along with experts in renewable energy, NGO leadership, government, and on-the-ground implementation, underscored the critical role of clean cooking in achieving a healthier, more sustainable future.Hosted a virtual webinar for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to highlight the gender implications of clean cooking. Speakers included a gender expert from Mali, a project coordinator from Tajikistan, a project leader and manufacturer from Mali, and a representative from Energia, who spoke on global economic empowerment for women.Participated in the World Health Organization (WHO) Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, joining ministers, health professionals, and city leaders to discuss solutions for clean air and energy access. SCI highlighted solar cookings role in r

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 62.2%; rating input score 62
• Program expense ratio: 81.9%; rating input score 82
• Fundraising efficiency: $8.3 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 32; 32nd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: 1 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 12
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Pass
  • Requires narrative reports: Limited
  • Conducts field audits: Limited
  • May suspend future funding: Limited
  • Requires financial reports: Limited
  • Conducts site visits: Limited
  • Requires grant agreements: Limited
  • May require repayment: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 76th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 88
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 26.4%; rating input score 82; 82nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.25; rating input score 68; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.02; rating input score 61; 61st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 8.9%; rating input score 41; 41st percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8.7% per year; rating input score 100; 58th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 6.7% per year; rating input score 100; 53rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 16.6% per year; rating input score 100; 76th percentile among comparable filings