Facility-Residential Grant

The Tribal Facility and Residential Project Grant Program is administered by Tribal Energy Alternatives through the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF). This program supports the deployment of solar energy solutions in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, aiming to reduce energy costs, improve energy infrastructure, and promote environmental sustainability. TSAF focuses on assisting tribal entities with both facility-based and residential solar installations that can deliver meaningful economic and environmental benefits. The Facility Project funding component prioritizes solar installations on tribal government-owned buildings, such as administrative offices and community centers. These projects are expected to reduce energy expenditures and support long-term tribal self-sufficiency by improving energy infrastructure. Facility projects must demonstrate potential for significant cost savings and may contribute to broader community or business development objectives. Eligible installation types include rooftop, carport, or ground-mounted solar arrays, with priority given to projects that serve facilities with high energy demands and costs. The Residential Project funding component supports solar installations on low-income single-family homes or small multi-family complexes on tribal lands. The goal is to alleviate the energy burden on tribal residents by lowering and stabilizing household energy costs. These projects must serve households earning at or below 80% of the area median income and must be located on tribal lands. Preference is given to homes with high energy needs, and the installations are expected to significantly improve financial conditions for residents. Applicants may request up to $200,000 in total, with flexibility to allocate funds between the facility and residential components (e.g., $125,000 for facility and $75,000 for residential). All grant funds must be used during the designated grant period and cannot be applied retroactively. Allowable costs include solar equipment, installation labor, interconnection and permitting fees, in-kind personnel, and optional battery storage or EV charging components. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized tribes in the lower 48 states and Alaska, tribal government departments, tribally led 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored tribal community organizations, and tribally operated or tribally controlled schools, including TCUs. Applicants must provide documentation such as tribal council resolutions acknowledging the project. Residential projects must serve low-income households, and facility projects must benefit designated low-to-moderate income communities. Although applications are currently closed, the program typically includes support resources like webinars and direct email guidance from TSAF staff. All funded projects are required to submit final reports within 30 days of the grant period end. Questions about future cycles or the application process can be directed to tribalgrants@tribalalternatives.org. Based on past cadence and announcements, this grant may recur annually with future deadlines to be announced.

Submit complete financials; ensure tribal support resolution; adhere to grant period for costs.