The Community Equity Opportunity Fund (CEOF) is a blended-finance facility that helps local communities invest in renewable energy projects across Latin America. With instruments across project phases from development, construction, to operations; CEOF supports projects from start to finish. It de-risks private investment, boosts community ownership, and ensures locals benefit directly from the energy transition, making projects stronger and more sustainable.

Community opposition to renewable energy projects in Latin America is growing, especially in Indigenous areas. For example; in La Guajira, Colombia, major wind projects face delays and cancellations due to conflicts with local communities. Traditional approaches that treat communities as obstacles to project development and risk factors to be managed are failing. Without new models of shared ownership, energy investments risk further setbacks.

CEOF helps communities become co-owners of renewable energy projects, improving alignment between corporate and community interests. First, donor funding covers early costs and supports community engagement, making projects less risky for private investors. During construction, funds from donors, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and crowdfunding provide key investments and loans. Later, during operations, CEOF offers guarantees, helping communities get affordable loans to secure their ownership. They not only leverage private capital but also drive a sustainable energy transition with meaningful community ownership, creating resilient projects and attracting further investment into high-impact renewable energy.

CEOF aims to drive impactful change by reducing 233,340 tons of CO2 every year through 250 megawatts (MW) of solar PV projects while fostering socioeconomic development for approximately 3,000 individuals per project. It promotes community ownership, generating USD 20 million in dividends over 20 years and creating 600 jobs. Additionally, CEOF enhances climate resilience by enabling communities to invest in dividends for adaptive measures, such as climate-resilient agriculture and critical infrastructure improvements.