SUMMER 2023

This week the TSAF and National Tribal Program leadership are presenting at the NCAI Mid Year Conference in Shakopee, MN. This year's conference will feature Nation-to-Nation engagement, and will include: proactive strategy development, advocacy, and much more. 

TSAF Visits CMN in Wisconsin

TSAF recently visited Tribal Facility and Residential Grantee, the College of Menominee Nation - Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) in Keshena, Wisconsin (see image below). SDI partnered with Indigenized Energy to coordinate the installation of a  40 kilowatt ground mounted system in support of campus utilities. Although the Wisconsin weather in early May is unpredictable, there was still a large turnout in support of the the installation. This project was completed in conjunction with a larger overall solar energy project for the Menominee tribe who are embarking on a path to energy resiliency. 

For more information on how the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund can support a renewable energy project in your tribal community, please visit us at www.tribalsolar.org.

TSAF Grant Programs

Installation at the College of Menominee Nation - Sustainable Development Institute this past May

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 TSAF Energy Plan Grant Program and TSAF Gap Funding Gap Program.

We are awarding grants up to $50,000 for up to one year for Tribal Energy Plan projects. Tribal Energy Plans help tribal communities work towards a better environment for all community members by using a comprehensive plan of action as a guide to develop a more sustainable tribal nation.  There is no deadline to apply with funding available until fully subscribed so apply now to take advantage of this fantastic funding opportunity!

We are awarding Gap Grants up to $250,000 for up to one year for Tribal Solar projects.  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. The deadline to apply for this grant is July 24, 2023.

There will be an Informational Webinar for the Gap Fund Grant hosted on Wednesday June 7, 2023 from 12pm to 1pm EST
Click Here to register

TSAF Leadership Programs

Congratulations to 2022-2023 TSAF Intern, James Cadotte, on graduating from Haskell Indian Nations University. He is graduating with a degree in Business Administration (Tribal Management). James is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and descendant of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. During his fall and spring semester internship he put together reports on the Inflation Reduction Act and how tax credits can help tribes access renewable energy, developed research skills, put together a poster presentation, and wrote reports for licensing requirements in solar construction in specific states. 

Upcoming Applications

Scholarship and Internship Applications open up July 17th. College students are encouraged to apply to receive $5000 as part of this educational opportunity. 

For more information visit us at www.tribalsolar.org

GRID National Tribal Program 

Trainees from the Blackfoot Community College training program

So far this year, the GRID Alternatives Tribal Program has completed solar installation projects with the Ojo Encino Chapter in New Mexico, the Pueblo of Santa Ana in New Mexico, and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe in Washington. Between the three projects, over 100 kW of solar has been installed with a total of 10 tribal members who participated in training programs alongside the projects. The team just wrapped up a training program with the Blackfeet Community College (BCC) in Montana. 13 students and local community members completed two and a half weeks of solar installation training. The Tribal Program is currently planning a large-scale installation project with BCC in hopes to make a zero emissions campus. 

Project completion at Ojo Encino Chapter

The Tribal Program’s installation crew is currently in Wellpinit, WA where they are set to install 699 kW solar PV systems on 119 Spokane Indian Housing Authority (SIHA) residences & other buildings within the Spokane Indian Reservation. The project started in early May and is looking at projected completion later this year. GRID partnered with Spokane's TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) department and recently hired six eager local tribal members who are currently training with the Tribal team to assist in providing installation support on this project.

Tribal installers and trainees at work for the Pueblo of Santa Ana

Upcoming Events

For more information and to register please visit NCAI here

For more information and to register please visit ATNI here