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JANUARY 2020
"Omaka Teca Iyuskinyean!" ("Happy New Year" in the Lakota language) from the TSAF team! We hope your new year and decade is off to a great start as we continue to look forward to the possibilities and opportunities in renewable energy, specifically solar energy, workforce training and education, and new ideas to meet the unique needs across Indian Country. Please visit the tribalsolar.org website to learn more about current TSAF tribal grantees who are striving to build and strengthen their communities energy resilience and sovereignty.
TSAF Updates and News
*NEW - Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship
The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), is proud to announce the five individuals selected to participate in the first Tribal Energy Innovators (TEI) Fellowship. With grant support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, the TEI Fellowship will support renewable energy innovation, knowledge, and expertise of tribal members who will develop their renewable energy visions and ideas to meet a unique need(s) of their tribal community.
The first cohort of TEI fellows from across Indian Country:
- Stephanie Bostwick (Blackfeet)
- Demetrius Johnson (Dine’)
- Rachael LaFriniere (Turtle Mountain Chippewa)
- Cheyenne PoorBear (Oglala Lakota)
- Vaughn Vargas (Cheyenne River Lakota)
*NEW - Tribal College and University Scholarship Program
The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) and GRID Alternatives (GRID) - TSAF is partnering to provide scholarship support for Tribal College and University (TCU) students to strengthen educational achievement, project-based learning opportunities, and career development pathways in renewable energy, particularly in the solar industry.
The first Tribal College and University scholarship program recipients;
- Nicholas Clark (Navajo), Navajo Technical University, Electrical Engineering Major
- Lasheena Ramone (Navajo), Navajo Technical University, Electrical Engineering Major
- Floris White Bull (Standing Rock Lakota), Sitting Bull College, General Studies Major
- Ordell Yazzie (Navajo), Navajo Technical University, Electrical Engineering Major
Year 3 (2020 - 2021) Solar Project Funding Announcement
The TSAF began in mid 2018 with a 3-year, $5 million dollar grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. In late 2018, the TSAF provided $1 million in project support to five tribal communities who were identified by GRID to have "shovel-ready" projects. In the spring of 2019, the TSAF launched the first competitive grant-making program which marked the 2nd year of the 3-year grant. The TSAF received 45 applications, totaling $7.3 million in funding request. In July 2019, the TSAF awarded $1.6 million to 14 tribal communities.
Due to the number of highly qualified applicants in 2019, the TSAF has made the decision to restrict new applications in 2020 and move forward into the Year-3 grant cycle by an "Invite Only" application process.
We understand how great the need is for solar project funding, which inspires our team is diligently work hard to secure additional resources. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
GRID TRIBAL PROGRAM UPDATES
Feature Headline Here
Our Tribal Program welcomed three Solar Corps trainees this year from Arizona, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Our team travels to Tribal communities around the U.S. and this group is no exception, they have already worked on projects in at least three states. Working hard both on the job site and in the classroom, two of the three have already earned the NABCEP Associate’s certificate and are working towards higher certifications. We are excited to see where their year of service takes them!
TSAF Grantee Spotlight - Yurok Tribe
The Yurok Tribe held a celebration commemorating the installation of a 28 kW photo-voltaic system (solar panel system) on the Tribe’s Transportation Building through a Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Grant funded by GRID Alternatives and Wells Fargo.
“To make sure all Tribal members living within the Yurok Ancestral Territory have access to reliable, affordable, modern, cost-effective energy services. In addition, the Tribe seeks an energy program that promotes energy self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, use of local renewable resources, job creation, and economic opportunity for Tribal members.”
TSAF in the News
Clean Energy Finance Forum
What Is Holding Back Renewable Energy Development in Indian Country?
Clean Technica
Indigenous Peoples & Clean Energy
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