For Immediate Release
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.
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About the Waverley Street Foundation
The Waverley Street Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to driving positive change in underserved communities. The foundation supports innovative initiatives that promote sustainability, equity, and economic development. www.waverleystreet.org
About the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund was launched in 2018 and is entering its fifth year of grantmaking to tribes and tribal individuals for renewable energy projects, fellowships, internships, and scholarship programs. The fund is an extension of GRID’s national Tribal Program and aims to catalyze the growth of solar energy and expand solar job opportunities in tribal communities. In addition to supporting GRID’s work helping tribes build renewable energy capacity, resilience, and energy sovereignty, the fund provides grants for tribal solar projects on an application basis. For more information, visit www.tribalsolar.org.
About 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, Sr. Public Relations and Advocacy Manager
GRID Alternatives
Email: wheard@gridalternatives.org
Tel: 510.877.5795