GRID Alternatives Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Awarded $25 million from Waverley Street Foundation

Para publicación inmediata

OAKLAND, CA; December 5, 2023 – GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) is proud to announce a significant investment in its mission to advance clean energy solutions within tribal communities. TSAF has been awarded a generous $25 million grant from the Waverley Street Foundation (WSF). This transformative grant will catalyze the growth of renewable energy initiatives, strengthen tribal self-sufficiency, and drive sustainable economic development across Indian Country.

WSF’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering marginalized communities aligns seamlessly with TSAF’s dedication to accelerating the adoption of solar energy on tribal lands. This partnership exemplifies the potential for positive change when visionary organizations unite in the pursuit of just transition to clean energy. Key highlights of this collaboration include:

Scaling Renewable Energy Projects: The $25 million grant will enable TSAF to significantly expand its support for tribal solar projects, making clean energy more accessible to underserved communities. These projects will reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and create local job opportunities.

Empowering Tribal Sovereignty: The grant underscores WSF’s commitment to tribal sovereignty, enabling tribes to exercise greater control over their energy resources and reduce their dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Community Development: TSAF and WSF share a common vision of fostering holistic community development. This collaboration will not only enhance energy infrastructure but also promote education, job training, and economic diversification within tribal communities.

Environmental Stewardship: By accelerating the adoption of solar energy, this partnership contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards clean energy sources align with broader efforts to combat climate change.

“We believe supporting federally recognized Native American tribes to develop energy sovereignty can equitably reduce carbon pollution while supporting thriving livelihoods, increasing resilience, and assisting tribes in achieving their renewable energy goals,” said Carole Excell, Strategy Director, Waverley Street Foundation. “TSAF is a crucial partner in helping WSF understand community renewable energy projects at scale.”

“The biggest needs we hear from our tribal partners are investing in the pre-development and technical assistance work needed to build energy resilience, so philanthropic support and investment from the Waverley Street Foundation comes at a time when Indian Country is dismantling the inequities of the energy crisis, environmental and social justice issues through building renewable energy infrastructure,” stated Tanksi Clairmont, Tribal Development Director for GRID Alternatives.

“We are honored and excited to partner with the Waverley Street Foundation,” added Talia Martin, Director of the National Tribal Program at GRID Alternatives. “Together, we will drive positive change, improve energy resilience, and create lasting benefits for Native American communities.”

The impact of this grant extends far beyond the initial investment. TSAF and WSF are committed to long-term collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach tribal communities for generations to come.

Sobre el Fondo Tribal Solar Accelerator
El Fondo de Aceleración Solar Tribales de GRID Alternatives se lanzó en 2018 y está entrando en su quinto año de otorgamiento de subvenciones a tribus y personas indígenas para proyectos de energía renovable, becas, pasantías y programas de becas. Este fondo es una extensión del Programa Tribal Nacional de GRID y tiene como objetivo catalizar el crecimiento de la energía solar y ampliar las oportunidades laborales en comunidades indígenas. Además de apoyar la labor de GRID para ayudar a las tribus a desarrollar capacidad, resiliencia y soberanía energética en materia de energía renovable, el fondo proporciona subvenciones para proyectos solares tribales por solicitud individual. Para obtener más información, visite www.tribalsolar.org.

Sobre GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. Using a unique, people-first model, GRID develops and implements solar projects that serve qualifying households and affordable housing providers, while providing hands-on job training. GRID has installed solar for more than 22,000 families to-date and helped households and housing providers save $599 million in lifetime electricity costs, while training over 32,000 people. GRID Alternatives has 8 regional offices serving California, Colorado, the mid-Atlantic region, Puerto Rico and Tribal communities nationwide, and serves communities in Nicaragua, Nepal and Mexico. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.

Media Contact:

Wanda Heard, Gerente de Relaciones Públicas y Promoción

GRID Alternatives

Correo electrónico: wheard@gridalternatives.org

Tel: 510.877.5795