Tribal Facility and Residential Project Grant Program

Program Overview The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), managed by Tribal Energy Alternatives in partnership with GRID Alternatives, is designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across tribal communities in the United States. Established as an initiative to strengthen energy sovereignty, resilience, and sustainability, TSAF offers funding for both tribal facilities and residential solar projects. Beyond financing installations, the program prioritizes leadership development, workforce training, and long-term energy planning, ensuring tribes not only gain renewable energy infrastructure but also the knowledge and skills to manage and expand these systems for future generations. ⸻ Funding Scope and Priorities TSAF’s funding areas focus on two primary project types: Tribal Facility Solar Projects and Tribal Residential Solar Projects. Facility projects may include rooftop, ground-mount, or carport solar installations on tribal buildings, aiming to reduce energy costs for critical infrastructure and stimulate broader economic development. Residential projects target low-income single-family homes and small multi-family complexes, providing significant electricity cost savings for tribal members. Each applicant can request up to $200,000, which may be split between both project categories (e.g., $125,000 for facility installations and $75,000 for residential). ⸻ Strategic Goals and Community Impact The overarching goal of TSAF is to build tribal energy sovereignty while promoting equity in the clean energy transition. By addressing the prohibitive upfront costs of solar adoption, the program empowers tribal governments and organizations to reduce dependence on external utilities, stabilize energy costs, and reinvest savings into community priorities. Additionally, TSAF emphasizes hands-on training and workforce development, creating pathways for tribal members to enter renewable energy careers and ensuring economic benefits remain within the community. ⸻ Eligibility Requirements Applicants must represent federally recognized tribes, tribally led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or tribally controlled schools (including Tribal Colleges and Universities). Projects must serve low-to-moderate-income communities, verified through federal, state, or tribal program eligibility or census data. Importantly, organizations applying must be tribally led, meaning that more than 51% of the board and leadership team are American Indian or Alaska Native. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted for tribal groups without 501(c)(3) status, provided the sponsor meets IRS nonprofit requirements. ⸻ Evaluation and Selection Criteria Applications will be reviewed by external tribal subject matter experts and assessed across seven key areas, including alignment with funding priorities, infrastructure impact, feasibility, budget sustainability, community engagement, and potential for replication. While not all applications need to excel in every category, strong proposals will present clear, measurable objectives, demonstrate readiness, and show evidence of community benefit. TSAF places particular value on projects that combine technical feasibility with broad community involvement and cultural alignment. ⸻ Timeline and Application Process The invitation to apply is scheduled for April 14, 2025, with projects expected to run from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Quarterly progress check-ins will be required, and a final report is due by June 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the TSAF Fluxx online portal and include a comprehensive narrative, budget, timeline, tribal resolution or council support letter, and organizational financial documentation (such as a W-9 and ACH details). TSAF encourages applicants to use its downloadable templates for budget and timeline submissions. ⸻ Additional Considerations Awarded grantees are expected to participate in TSAF communications activities, which may include press releases, project highlights on the TSAF website, or public events acknowledging funders. These collaborations are designed to respect tribal cultural values while promoting awareness of successful projects. Failure to engage in communication or confirm grant acceptance within 30 days may result in forfeiture of funds. Overall, TSAF provides a unique opportunity for tribes to invest in renewable energy solutions while advancing long-term resilience, economic development, and workforce empowerment.