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Q1 2022 - TSAF Newsletter
Hello from the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
Hau Mitakuyapi (hello relatives!),
The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund is moving into its fourth year of grantmaking programs specifically designated for tribal solar projects and cultivating the next generation of tribal energy leaders. Through our grants, fellowships, and scholarships, we are strengthening the capacity of Indian Country to lead the way to a renewable energy future.
We are doing three key things to create a tribal renewable energy community that enhances and strengthens energy resilience and energy sovereignty by:
Increasing access to funding for tribal communities to achieve their renewable energy goals;
Supporting tribal leaders and youth in renewable energy transform their communities
Supporting tribal partners build capacity to address their community’s energy needs; and achieve their renewable energy visions.
We could not do this important work without our partners in philanthropy, renewable energy industry, and our TSAF grantee, fellows, and scholars! Please learn more about our programming and opportunities to give at www.tribalsolar.org
In a good way,
Tanksi Clairmont (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota/Sicangu Lakota)
Director, Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
Adam Bad Wound (Oglala Lakota)
TSAF Founder and GRID's Vice President of Philanthropy
TSAF 2018-2021: Solar + Energy Leadership
In 2018, the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund was developed to provide tribes with access to philanthropic capital through a competitive grant program, and within the first three years of grantmaking programs the TSAF facilitated the installation of 2.7MW of solar on 56 tribal facilities and 130 tribal residential projects on low-income, elder, veteran, and family complexes and single family homes across 27 different tribal communities and tribal serving organizations (housing authorities, tribal college, tribal school). This work spanned across 7 states (CA, WA, NM, SD, ND, MT, AK) with an estimated impact on more than 30,000 tribal members. The TSAF projects provided workforce development and training to 176 tribal members and the estimated PT and FT job opportunities was nearly one-third of the total trainees that transitioned or secured employment within their tribal community.
We are looking forward to scaling up our efforts in 2022! Please check out www.tribalsolar.org for funding opportunities in late spring 2022.
New TSAF Funding Partner
With Bezos Earth Fund, the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund will scale up work with tribal communities
(Dec. 6, 2021) GRID Alternatives, a national leader in providing access to clean, affordable renewable energy, received a $12 million multi-year grant from the Bezos Earth Fund to grow the scope and scale of the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund. Launched in 2020, the Bezos Earth Fund is a $10 billion commitment to fund scientists, activists, NGOs, and private-sector entities that are taking critical action to combat the climate crisis, preserve and protect the natural world, and support climate justice.
2021-2022 Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship Program
The Tribal Energy Innovators fellowship is designated for federally recognized tribal members who are interested, invested, and engaged in work which supports renewable energy infrastructure and tribal energy capacity building within a tribal community, tribally focused programming, and/or tribal organization.
For more information about our 2021-2022 fellows please click HERE
GRID TRIBAL PROGRAM UPDATES
The Blackfeet Community Sustainable Energy Project is a 160.3 kW-DC solar project. The project team will install solar on a virtually net-metered community solar system on the Heart Butte High School in Heart Butte, MT.
GRID's Tribal program led by Tim Willink completed the installation in July 2021 and provided paid, hands-on job training for students and community members. The system will offset an estimated 189,500 kWh/year, resulting in 34% energy saved and $14,591 in energy cost savings. Over the 30-year lifetime, these systems will save an estimated $701,077 in electricity costs.
Job Opportunities!
Are you passionate about working in Indian Country? Are you interested in starting a career in solar energy or the nonprofit industry, work for a nonprofit organization that makes a real impact, ensuring everyone benefits from our transition to clean renewable energy.
GRID - Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Job openings
- Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Communications Officer (HQ) Remote/Location Flexible
- Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Leadership Programs Officer (HQ) Remote/Location Flexible
- Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Program Officer (HQ) Remote/Location Flexible
GRID - National Tribal Program Job openings
