Tribal Solar Gap Fund

The 2025 Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Gap Funding Grant, administered by Tribal Energy Alternatives, supports the deployment of solar energy infrastructure in tribal communities throughout the United States. TSAF is a tribal-led sustainability initiative that, over the past six years, has partnered with more than 65 tribes and 120 tribal individuals. The fund’s mission is to advance energy sovereignty, build tribal capacity, promote workforce development, and expand solar career opportunities within tribal nations. TSAF stands as one of the few dedicated programs to assist tribal solar energy projects and to support a growing network of Native American energy professionals and advocates. This grant program aims specifically to provide "gap" funding to tribal solar projects that are partially funded through federal, state, philanthropic, or other grant sources but still face shortfalls that impede full implementation. Eligible applicants may request up to $250,000 to close these funding gaps. The program encourages proposals for solar demonstration systems, solar installations benefiting a broad swath of community members, or projects that integrate additional renewable energy technologies like battery storage or electric vehicle infrastructure. Projects must be feasible, cost-effective, and demonstrate strong community engagement and support. Applicants must fall into clearly defined categories: federally recognized tribal governments in the lower 48 states and Alaska; tribally led 501(c)(3) nonprofits; fiscally sponsored tribal community organizations; and tribally controlled or operated schools, including tribal colleges and universities. All applicant organizations must be majority-led by American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, meaning at least 51% of their board and leadership team must identify as such. Furthermore, funded projects must serve communities designated as low-to-moderate income (LMI), which can be demonstrated via federal, state, or tribal program eligibility or verified using Census data. To apply, organizations must submit a formal application via the TSAF platform, including a tribal resolution or letter of support from the governing body of the tribe or organization. If such documentation is not available at submission, a placeholder letter may be provided with a stated timeline for submission of the official document. Selected grantees are required to participate in public communication activities acknowledging TSAF funders and to send a representative to the annual Tribal Sustainability Summit in August, with partial travel support provided post-event. The application process follows a defined schedule. Applicants will receive an “Invite to Apply” notification by July 2, 2025, and awards or denials will be issued by August 29, 2025. The project period will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. Grantees must complete quarterly check-ins and submit a final report by September 30, 2026. Evaluation criteria include alignment with TSAF goals, demonstrated experience, detailed action plans, sustainability, and community involvement. For more information, applicants may contact the TSAF team at grants@tribalalternatives.org or visit tribalalternatives.org. All applicants must respond to award letters within 30 days, or the offer will be rescinded. The TSAF program represents a targeted, mission-driven effort to empower tribal communities to take control of their energy futures and build long-term sustainability through renewable energy.

Applicants should engage with tribal councils early and show feasibility and measurable outcomes.