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SPRING 2022
TSAF ANNOUNCES GRANT APPLICATION DATE AND NEW HIRES
Pictured (l-r) Christian Weaver, Angelica Wright, John Teller
The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), a Tribal-led program at GRID Alternatives is excited to announce the release of the RFP(s) and application(s) for the 2022-2023 grant program for tribal renewable energy projects. All grant funding information will be available on June 1, 2022 at www.tribalsolar.org/grants. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2022.
The TSAF is also proud to announce the hiring of three new team members, Program Director - Christian Weaver, Leadership Programs Officer - Angelica Wright, and Communications Officer - John Teller. In a statement from TSAF Managing Director, Tanksi Clairmont (Sisseton-Wahpeton/Sicangu Lakota), “I am excited to strengthen and grow the work of the TSAF by welcoming three tribally diverse and talented Native professionals to the team."
TSAF Grant Programs
Today, the TSAF releases the first of four grant opportunities for federally-recognized tribes and tribal-led organizations affiliated with a tribe for solar grants up to $200,000. Please click HERE to find grant information.
Tribal Facility Solar Project funding can include rooftop, carport or ground-mount solar installations that meet the energy needs of the tribal community.
Tribal Residential Solar Project funding is designated for solar energy installed on a single-family home or small multi-family complex to significantly reduce the financial burden spent on electricity costs.
For more information, please REGISTER HERE for the TSAF Informational Webinar on June 15, 2022 from 11:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. MST
Releasing on July 1, 2022
Tribal Energy Plans are intended to help tribal communities quickly and efficiently triage the known practical and impactful strategies to reduce "greenhouse gas", reduce energy costs, and operate more sustainably. The grants can be used to compensate the planning team for their time, contract the services of consultants or other third-party experts, and cover the costs of public meetings and other methods soliciting public input. Applicants may apply for funding up to $25,000 for up to one year.
Releasing on August 1, 2022
Solar Project “Gap” Funding projects of any type that require a tribal cost-share (ex. Federal or State grant programs) or leveraging funding from other grant programs or initiatives to get projects to the finish line. Applicants may apply for up to $200,000.
TSAF Leadership Programs
The 2021-2022 Tribal Energy Innovator (TEI) Fellowship program is wrapping up with a end-of-year convening hosted by TEI fellow Daniel Wiggins Jr. of the Bad River Tribe in Odanah, WI June 21-22, 2022. During the two-day convening, the fellows will tour the Bad River Tribe’s microgrid and other renewable energy sites, talk with energy and industry leaders, and present in a one-hour webinar: “A Year as a Tribal Energy Innovator Fellow” June 22, 2022 REGISTER HERE.
The 2022-2023 TEI Request for Applications is available on June 1, 2022 please learn about past fellows and find all application materials HERE. For more TEI fellowship program information please REGISTER HERE for the “TEI Informational Webinar” on June 9, 2022.
*NEW TSAF PROGRAM*
The Summer Associates program is offering a $5,000 stipend for an eight-week summer learning opportunity for federally-recognized tribal members with a passion for learning and sharing knowledge about renewable energy and how it impacts Tribal communities. TSAF Summer Associates application available on June 1, 2022.
Please find all application materials HERE.
GRID National Tribal Program
GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Program (Denver, CO) finished up a 100kW-DC project on the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The installation team included local Navajo staff and students from Fort Lewis College and Navajo Technical University. The Navajo Nation is a leader in renewable energy solutions and many enrolled tribal members are developing the skills and knowledge to excel in the solar industry. The project was funded by the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund.
Since 2017, GRID’s Tribal Program has partnered with the Spokane Indian Tribe and Housing Authority to install a total of 652.51 kW-DC of solar power on 31 buildings. They will be returning in 2022-2023 to continue supporting Spokane Indian Tribe’s goals to become a net-zero community.
Also underway are two projects with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, in White Mesa, Utah and in Towaoc, Colorado. Updates and photos will be shared in the months to come!
GRID Tribal Program is Hiring!
Other Tribal Solar work at GRID
The Cahuilla Band of Indians was awarded a TSAF grant to install roughly 35 kW-DC of solar on residential homes on the Cahuilla Reservation in Southern California. GRID’s Inland Empire team partnered with the Tribe to complete the projects and implement a workforce development program to train two tribal members who worked on the installations.
GRID Alternatives - EnergIIZE Program
EnergIIZE, stands for Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles. Your tribal community may be eligible up to $750,000 to fund an EV project!. For more information, please visit EnergIIZE.org or email Nina Rizzo at nrizzo@gridalternatives.org.
EV Jump Start Webinars offered on:
Thursday, June 16, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am PST REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 3:00pm - 4:30pm PST REGISTER HERE
Tribal Solar News
In Search of Funding, Tribal Communities Are Turning to Corporate Investment to Embrace Solar Power (4/13/22) The very first utility-scale solar plant on tribal land in the continental U.S. began operating just five years ago. Built on some 2,000 acres on the Moapa River Indian Reservation in Clark County, Nevada
Renewable Energy: Jobs of the future (4/6/22)
The job market in Indian Country is tough. Edmond Salt knows that as well as anybody. A 42-year-old father of five and a Navajo citizen from Kayenta, Arizona
