No images? Click here
SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER
The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund is a native-led initiative building a community of solar project grantees, tribal college scholars, and developing solutions through a fellowship comprised of tribal members across five states. The TSAF is entering into the third year of grant-making and the need for renewable energy technologies in Indian Country continues to grow as tribes strengthen plans and infrastructure to be energy resilient and sovereign.
GRID Alternatives and the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund stands in solidarity with the people protesting against police brutality, fighting for equity and justice and with Black Lives Matter.
In a time when intersectionality and allyship seem to be buzzwords, we ask: What does it really mean to stand with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color? What are we doing to authentically build an organization - build a world - that aligns with our core value of equity? How are we challenging ourselves every day to dismantle the system of white supremacy we live in?
2019-2020 Grant Year Wrap-up
As the TSAF closed out the one year grants with the 14 tribal partners, we learned that most grantees have plans to enhance or expand their renewable energy projects funded under the TSAF!
We are always looking for ways to continue supporting tribes renewable energy planning efforts.
If you are interested in learning more about the 2019-2020 projects, click HERE.
COVID-19 project delays
The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund understands that tribal communities are extremely resilient during challenging times, but we also understand that our tribes are facing some uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why the TSAF took immediate steps to ensure that health and safety is a priority. Due to COVID-19, half of the 2019-2020 grantees requested a 1-6 month project extension.
Grantee highlights
Please click on each tribe to learn more about their unique projects: United Tribes Technical College, Big Pine Paiute Tribe, and the Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW 2020-2021 GRANTEES!
- Oglala Sioux Tribal Housing, Pine Ridge, S. Dakota
- Village of Solomon, Nome, AK
- Tanana Chiefs Conference - Tanacross Village Council, Tanacross, AK
- Blackfeet Nation - Heart Butte High School, Browning, MT
- Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, Loleta, CA
- Pinoleville Pomo Nation, Ukiah, CA
- Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Redwood Valley, CA
- Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Willits, CA
- Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Boulevard, CA
- Campo Band of Mission Indians, Campo, CA
- Cahuilla Band of Indians, Anza, CA
- Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Thermal, CA
Tribal College & University Scholarship Program Update
The TCU scholarship program in partnership with the American Indian College Fund launched its first round of scholarships in the 2019-2020 academic year. The four TCU scholarship recipients successfully completed their academic year despite the abrupt move to virtual learning which is challenging for rural students who often lack access to wifi and personal computers.
The College Fund will continue to administer the application and selection process for this scholarship opportunity, please visit their website HERE
Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship Program Update
The TEI fellows participate in bi-monthly individual check-ins to provide updates on progress toward their renewable energy goals and objectives. They also participate on bi-monthly cohort calls where the group engages in robust discussions around tribal energy planning and sustainability, financing and regulatory advantages and disadvantages for tribes, strategies for connecting with industry leaders and mentors, and maintaining a tribal perspective when discussing community level impacts.
For more information please click HERE
Fundraising Efforts
The TSAF believes that community-based solutions for renewable energy that meet tribal needs and are the result of local leadership. Every day we advance resources for tribal communities because the renewable energy challenges tribes face is unique and innovative. With your help, we can leverage philanthropic capital for tribal renewable energy projects and programs that are educational, entrepreneurial, and completely renewable.
Click HERE to download the TSAF Informational Handout
2018 - 2021 Projected Impacts
Please consider donating to the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund!
GRID TRIBAL PROGRAM UPDATES
Tim Willink, GRID’s Director of Tribal Programs, gives us an update on what’s going on in Indigenous communities during the pandemic, and the exciting projects in store for the Tribal Program.
Please read the Story of Resilience released on July 7, 2020.
Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program in California
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA TRIBES
An exciting new opportunity to develop shared mobility projects is available for California tribes through the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Program. GRID Alternatives is working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to administer the Clean Mobility Options Voucher program.
The CMO voucher program application allows for up to $1 million to launch clean, shared mobility projects as part of the Mobility Project Voucher Program.
- All eligible federal and state recognized tribes in California located in AB 1550 and SB 535 areas are encouraged to learn more and apply for the voucher program!
- CMO has set aside $1 million for eligible California tribes
CMO voucher funds can be used to develop or enhance one of the following: car-sharing, bicycle or scooter sharing, carpooling/van-pooling, innovative transit services (e.g. on-demand shuttles and circulators, para-transit services and micro-transit), or ride-on-demand services (e.g. taxi and “TNC” services).
If your tribe is interested in learning more about this unique opportunity, please visit www.cleanmobilityoptions.org and for general questions please contact Tanksi Clairmont at tclairmont@gridalternatives.org.
JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING PRESENTATION!
Netroots Nation - August 13, 12-12:50pm EST
 |  |  |  |
1171 Ocean Avenue, Suite 200
Oakland, CA 94608
