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FALL 2022
Inflation Reduction Act and Impacts for Tribal Nations
GRID Alternatives and the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) are working hard to get tribes the information they need to take full advantage of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). We realize there are a lot of questions surrounding this new legislation and the $750 billion in funding, much of which is available to tribes for renewable energy projects. We want every tribe to be well informed to help achieve their goals of energy sovereignty and resilience.
GRID Alternatives statement on the Inflation Reduction Act
For more information regarding the IRA and Tribal Impacts, please view the document released by the Committee on Indian Affairs - Provisions Supporting Tribes and Native Communities
TSAF Social Media is Growing!
We at the TSAF are always looking for engaging ways to interact with our tribal communities and to get the word out about upcoming opportunities. Our new social media platforms are growing strong and if you have not yet followed TSAF, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and Linkedin, for all the latest news and updates. (Click on the icons below and you will be redirected to our pages.)
TSAF Grant Programs
"Sixteen grants to tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges have been awarded for new solar projects from the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), a tribal-led grant making program of GRID Alternatives that aims to catalyze the growth of solar energy and expand solar job opportunities in tribal communities across the United States."
Available Funding Opportunities
The
Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant supports solar projects of any type that require a tribal cost-share (ex. Federal or State grant programs) or are leveraging funding from other grant opportunities or initiatives. Applicants may apply for gap funding up to $250,000. The application deadline is September 15, 2022.
Apply Now
The Tribal Energy Plan Grant will award $25,000 to assist in the planning of renewable energy projects and initiatives. Application is open until fully subscribed.
Apply Now
TSAF Leadership Programs
2022 TSAF SummerAssociates (pictured l to r)
David Waybenais, Nicole Shirley, Jalen Smallcanyon, Ashley Miles
2022 Summer Associates Program
This summer, TSAF welcomed four Summer Associates from a diverse pool of candidates. Over a period of eight weeks the Summer Associates were able to learn and engage in discourse surrounding tribal renewable energy. The Summer Associates also focused on ways to engage their communities regarding renewable energy efforts and utilized this time to develop communication and project development skills.
TSAF would like to say congratulations and a huge thank you to this year's Summer Associates:
Read more about our Summer Associates
2022-23 Tribal Energy Innovators Fellows Announced
The Tribal Energy Innovators (TEI) program was started by TSAF recognize and assist federally recognized tribal members interested, invested, and engaged in work which supports renewable energy infrastructure and tribal energy capacity building within a tribal communities. The Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship provides financial assistance and industry resources to support the development of innovative ideas and the use of problem-solving processes that lead to sustainable renewable energy solutions.
TSAF is proud to announce this year's cohort of TEI Fellows and you can learn more about their fellowship goals HERE.
2022-23 TSAF TEI Fellows (pictured l to r)
Dr. Anthony Nicholson, Rowena St. Pierre, Petla Noden, David Waybenais
GRID National Tribal Program
The HQ Tribal Program is currently working with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to install 160 kW-DC of solar PV systems on approximately twenty four homes and a supportive housing facility in Towaoc, CO. The systems will provide economic and environmental benefits to Towaoc residents and create a platform for increased solar generation, energy sovereignty and job opportunities. There are currently 13 trainees working on the installations receiving hands-on solar experience and wages. The systems are expected to produce $746,000 in lifetime savings on energy bills and generate a total of 5,243,200 kWh of clean, renewable energy and is another step towards the tribe’s zero emission goals. The project is funded by a grant that was awarded to the tribe by the Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy.
Elsewhere in GRID land, the North Valley office is partnering with Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority to install 15 residential solar systems. As of today, they have completed 5 tribal installs for the Mooretown and Berry Creek Rancherias through this partnership. GRID North Coast is working with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation to install a 20 kW system serving the Tribal Government offices, two Headstart buildings, the Wellness Building and the new Gym/Cultural Center. It will serve 300 families, generate $114,000 of lifetime savings and provide training for up to 4 trainees.
Tribal HQ Program (Denver, CO)
Project Based Installer
Administrative Assistant
Construction Assistant
If you are interested in supporting the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Grant and Leadership programs please contact TSAF Managing Director Tanksi Clairmont or if you would like make a donation now, use the button below.
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