Name: Data Centers and Energy Award

Years Awarded: 2026

Type Awarded: Grant

Details: In August 2026, JFETF awarded the Data Centers and Energy Award to the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. The continued rapid growth of data centers and related energy development across Virginia has raised concerns about potential impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems. The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club will use the award to support public education and community outreach related to data-center development and its potential environmental impacts. Activities will include tabling, attending community and group meetings, organizing larger public events, and helping residents better understand how new data-center and energy infrastructure may affect their communities and surrounding ecosystems. This award advances the Foundation’s charitable mission by supporting public education and community engagement and increasing awareness of environmental issues associated with large-scale data-center development.

Status: The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club is beginning on the ground outreach in Fall of 2026.