Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
The Tribal Energy Alternatives is inviting applications for its Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant Program. This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and create solar-related job opportunities within tribal communities across the United States.
The main goal of the program is to enhance tribal solar energy development and infrastructure, including other renewable energy technologies like battery storage and clean mobility. It aims to fund larger-scale solar projects that serve entire tribal communities and to launch new solar demonstration systems that strengthen local energy resilience.
The program provides crucial funding to support the creation of new solar demonstration projects throughout Indian Country. It also emphasizes solar education, workforce development, and long-term energy planning to increase energy security and resilience in tribal regions.
Applicants can request up to $250,000 in gap funding to support their projects. This funding is intended to help move projects forward that may not yet have full financial backing but are poised for impact.
Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments in the lower 48 states and Alaska, as well as tribal government programs such as housing authorities and economic development entities. Tribally led 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community organizations may also apply, including those applying through a fiscal sponsor with proper documentation.
Schools operated or controlled by tribes, such as tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, are also eligible. A key requirement is that organizations must be tribal-led, meaning over 51% of leadership and board members must be American Indian or Alaska Native. Projects must also serve communities designated as low-to-moderate income (LMI).
Applications will be evaluated based on how well the project aligns with TSAF’s priority areas. Strong proposals will demonstrate clear goals, a practical action plan, measurable objectives, cost-effective budgeting, and broad community engagement. Projects with potential to be replicated in other tribal communities will be prioritized.
For more information, visit Tribal Energy Alternatives.
