Building Tribal Energy Capacity Through TSAF

Tribal land in the United States represents approximately 2% of the country’s total landmass and holds more than 5% of solar photovoltaic potential (Doris, Lopez, and Beckley 2013).There is a growing interest among tribal communities in implementing renewable energy systems to help address their energy needs, promote energy resilience, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable development. With the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law having recently been implemented there are encouraging incentives and opportunities for tribes to pursue renewable energy development. However, many tribes face a significant barrier in accessing these opportunities due to the lack of human capacity in their local tribal workforce.This can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of training opportunities, a shortage of experienced professionals, funding limitations, and limited access to relevant information and resources. Without sufficient resources and expertise in renewable energy planning, development, and implementation, some tribes may struggle to effectively navigate the complex process of securing funding, negotiating contracts, and managing renewable energy projects.

Unfortunately, many tribal communities lack the necessary human capacity to undertake such efforts effectively. This can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of training opportunities, a shortage of experienced professionals, and limited access to relevant information and resources. As a result, many tribal communities struggle to develop and implement renewable energy projects that meet their specific needs and goals.

For the past decade, GRID and the TSAF in one capacity or another aim to solve and support tribes ability: to access renewable energy funding and financing, strengthen tribal energy capacity and technical assistance, and to build and scale renewable energy infrastructure.

There is a need for access to resources, training, mentoring, and community building within tribal renewable energy. Access to opportunities would include having tangible resources for tribal members to be able to tap into and use to gain translatable skills related to tribal renewable energy. Since the field of tribal renewable energy is nuanced and many tribal members entering this field also have other roles to fulfill within their community, developing curriculum that centers skill development in grant writing, project management, energy efficiency, etc. is super important to the ongoing success of human capital and economic development.

Native American philanthropy is limited to .04% from the larger population. In reference to having tribal renewable specific programming, it is even more limited. Funding is a necessity in being able to achieve opportunities in tribal renewable energy and with limited resources and human capacity, the emphasis of philanthropy is important. Having Native grantmaking and programming dedicated to tribal renewable energy development through project deployment and education workforce deployment is a key factor in addressing the needs for building energy resilient tribal communities. 

The TSAF learns from tribal partners and community leaders about the need for to scale our solutions for tribal communities requires a deep understanding from industry leaders to build the knowledge base necessary, which requires our organization and program to build the internal capacity and infrastructure to avoid further inequities faced by tribal communities who are often at the forefront of climate change.

Through our partnership, we not only impact TSAF grantees, but also those who are participating in Grid Alternatives' tribal installation team and other workforce development initiatives throughout the organization. Our goal is to serve and empower tribal members with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully implement renewable energy projects in their communities, ultimately improving the quality of life for those individuals and the entire tribal community.

Our solution serves federally recognized tribal members and tribes working with Grid Alternatives for their workforce development initiatives related to solar energy systems. We aim to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of these individuals in the following ways:

We provide opportunities for tribal members to participate in our various programs, including summer associates, tribal energy fellowships, undergraduate scholarships, college research internships, and tribal IBT traineeships. Through these programs, we offer comprehensive education and training in tribal renewable energy, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in this field.

Many tribal members are currently underserved in terms of access to training and employment opportunities in renewable energy. Our solution addresses this need by offering training and experiential learning opportunities, helping to build a skilled workforce within tribal communities. By providing pathways to careers in tribal renewable energy, we empower individuals to contribute to their communities' energy independence and sustainability. In addition, equipping tribal members with the necessary knowledge and skills, our solution helps create economic opportunities within tribal communities. Graduates of our programs have the potential to secure employment in the growing field of renewable energy, leading to increased income, career advancement, and economic self-sufficiency.

The solution aligns with the aspirations of tribal communities to exercise energy sovereignty, obtain grid resilience as well as to reduce dependence on external energy sources. By building human capacity and promoting the adoption of renewable energy systems, we support tribes in developing and implementing their own sustainable energy projects, strengthening their self-governance and resilience.

Through our comprehensive programs, TSAF addresses the educational, workforce development, and economic empowerment needs of tribal members. By empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, we enable them to make a positive impact in their communities, contribute to tribal energy sovereignty, and drive sustainable development.

GRID’s Tribal focused programs have partnered with over 65 Tribes throughout the United States to install 8 MW of solar energy on tribal land. Through these projects, over 1,600 tribal members have participated in workforce development and training programs. The goal of our work is to connect tribal communities to resources, have them lead their own clean energy initiatives, and build local capacity to keep the momentum going. GRID’s tribal work combines training with project development and strategic support to help tribal governments achieve their vision.

GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar (Sustainability) Accelerator Fund (TSAF) has worked since 2010 to help tribal communities across the United States achieve their renewable energy goals. Using a community-centric approach, TSAF partners with tribes to identify, develop, finance and implement solar power projects that meet community needs. TSAF provides project development and installation services, including design and engineering, procurement, construction of solar systems, and operation and maintenance support. Each project implements GRID’s Installation Basics Training (IBT) to facilitate workforce development opportunities for local tribal members. The goal of these solar projects are to build capacity within tribal communities to transition to clean energy, create local job opportunities and solar knowledge, and generate significant cost savings for the community. 

In 2018, GRID implemented the grantmaking portion of TSAF to provide tribes with access to philanthropic capital through competitive grantmaking and leadership development programs. At its core, TSAF is about more than just regranting; it’s about mobilizing and developing tribal solar projects and integrating workforce development and training, nation-building, and strengthening the energy resilience of tribal communities with visions for a clean energy outlook for generations to come. The upfront expenses to install and maintain solar systems are out of reach for many tribal communities, which is why TSAF funding has been critical to each grantee we have supported. 

TSAF has a combined staff that is 80% native. All members of the tribal installation staff started as trainees on various tribal clean energy projects across the country. Our program prioritizes career development for the communities we serve. As a growing program, we are always looking for opportunities to hire individuals from the tribal communities we work with. As well as build a local workforce with our tribal Partners to support long-term local clean energy development and job creation. 

TSAF is a mission and value aligned program, dedicated to building tribal renewable energy capacity, and working to strengthen energy resilience and energy sovereignty. As of 2023, TSAF provides a variety of programming ranging from fundraising, tribal relationship building, grantmaking, planning, design, workforce development, and installation for federally recognized tribes.

TSAF is actively working to implement learning management systems (LMS) and further develop curriculum as part of our commitment to expanding access to resources and funding for tribal renewable energy workforce development and education. These LMS platforms will serve as online hubs where tribal members can access training materials, courses, and resources related to renewable energy. The implementation of LMS will facilitate remote learning, enabling broader participation and accessibility for tribal communities across the country.

In collaboration with MIT Solve's Indigenous Communities Fellowship, TSAF is leveraging the networking connections and expertise provided by the fellowship to enhance their efforts. Through the fellowship, we can gain access to a diverse community of individuals and organizations with a shared interest in tribal renewable energy. This enables networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with like-minded individuals and thought leaders in the Indigenous communities.

The fellowship also offers consulting support for the selection and implementation of the LMS platforms for both internal and external training. This ensures that TSAF and Tribal benefit from expert guidance in choosing the most suitable learning management systems that align with their specific needs and requirements.

Additionally, the fellowship provides connections to Indigenous thought leaders who can contribute to the development of tribal-specific curriculum. This includes expertise in areas such as cultural preservation through conservation and the integration of cultural knowledge into training programs. By tapping into the wisdom and insights of Indigenous thought leaders, TSAF and Tribal can create curriculum materials that respect and integrate cultural values, traditions, and sustainability practices into renewable energy education.

Through the partnership with MIT Solve's Indigenous Communities Fellowship, TSAF will gain valuable resources, connections, and expertise that support their ongoing efforts to expand access to resources, funding, and training opportunities for tribal renewable energy workforce development and education. This collaboration enhances our ability to create meaningful and culturally relevant learning experiences while fostering connections and knowledge exchange among tribal communities and Indigenous thought leaders.

Angelica is a Citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She serves as the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund’s Leadership Program Officer. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Colorado State University.  With a passion for education and sustainability she is working to advance TSAF workforce development  initiatives by supporting scholars, interns, and fellows in their education and leadership within tribal renewable energy. In addition to the connection she has to her own tribal community, she engages with other tribal members and Indigenous peoples through her community volunteering, mentoring, and professional involvement in academic, clean energy,  and tribal capacity building spaces. 

Prior to coming to TSAF, Angelica worked in college and university settings assisting Native students navigate higher education and professional and career opportunities. Angelica has supported Native college students and youth to access their education and career goals through academic advising, professional skill development, and cultural support. She is dedicated to using these experiences to assist her in helping with the development of tribal energy leaders throughout Indian Country.

In her role as the Leadership Programs Officer, Angelica helps support tribal energy leaders by overseeing experiential learning, education, and community based programming. She has developed tribal renewable energy specific curriculum focusing on access to project funding, industry related curriculum, project management training and culturally centered professional development. Angelica currently oversees the curriculum and design of the Summer Associates program and the Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship which currently focuses on delivering an online learning engagement community for tribal members to get an introduction to the different roles and skills needed for tribal energy sovereignty.  Angelica has significant experience mentoring and supporting interns, fellows, and junior staff in the areas of education and sustainability. Angelica's approach to mentoring involves providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed in their roles. She is committed to providing mentorship and support to help individuals develop their skills and advance their careers in the clean energy field.

The TSAF approaches addressing the need for  human capacity in tribal communities and within tribal renewable energy in a new and significantly improved way through its comprehensive approach to education, training, and professional development.

TSAF's emphasis on culturally relevant and engaging programming sets it apart from traditional approaches. By incorporating tribal-specific curriculum, integrating cultural and sustainably value systems, and involving Indigenous thought leaders, TSAF ensures that the training and education provided align with the cultural values, traditions, and sustainability practices of tribal communities. This approach respects and celebrates the unique perspectives and needs of tribal members, fostering greater engagement, ownership, and long-term success in tribal renewable energy initiatives.

Furthermore, TSAF expands the reach and impact of the solution. By joining forces with other organizations and stakeholders in the renewable energy space, TSAF can leverage our expertise, resources, and networks to catalyze broader positive impacts. This collaborative approach encourages knowledge sharing, cross-pollination of ideas, and collective problem-solving, accelerating progress in tribal renewable energy efforts.

By prioritizing tribal leadership, capacity building, and cultural relevance, TSAF challenges the conventional top-down approach to energy projects. This shift in perspective encourages the active participation and empowerment of tribal communities, fostering self-sufficiency, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, TSAF's emphasis on education, training, and professional development not only equips tribal members with the skills and knowledge needed for renewable energy projects but also creates a skilled workforce in tribal communities. This can lead to increased job opportunities, economic growth, and the development of a vibrant renewable energy market within tribal lands.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are as follows:

Establish Education Hubs via a Learning Management System for Tribal Workforce Development: Our goal is to establish education hubs in tribal communities that serve as centers of learning, training, and resource dissemination for tribal workforce development in renewable energy. These hubs will provide a supportive and culturally relevant environment where tribal members can access comprehensive educational programs, training modules, and professional development opportunities.

Develop Comprehensive IBT Training Programs for Tribal Members: We aim to develop and expand Installation Basics Training (IBT) programs specifically tailored to the needs of tribal communities. These programs will offer in-depth training in solar and other renewable energy installations, covering technical aspects, safety protocols, and project management skills. Through hands-on experiences and certification opportunities, tribal members will acquire the expertise required to participate in renewable energy projects.

Deploy More Tribal-Led Solar Installation Teams: We seek to increase the number of tribal-led solar installation teams, providing employment opportunities and empowering tribal members to actively engage in renewable energy projects. By supporting the training and capacity-building of tribal members, we will facilitate the creation of skilled installation teams within tribal communities, leading to job creation and economic development.

Provide a Pathway to Human Capital Funding: Our objective is to establish a pathway to human capital funding that enables tribes to access financial resources to support tribes renewable energy jobs and workforce development initiatives. We will work closely with funding organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic entities to secure dedicated funding streams and develop partnerships that specifically target tribal renewable energy projects and job creation.

Expand Funding Opportunities for Tribal Renewable Energy System Projects: TSAF will increase and expand funding options for tribal renewable energy system projects. This grant making process includes seeking out financial and philanthropic support to the creation of equitable and sustainable disbursement of funding that can support the development, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems in tribal communities. We will engage in advocacy efforts to promote policy changes and increase financial support for tribal renewable energy initiatives.

To achieve these impact goals, we will collaborate with tribal leaders, educational institutions, renewable energy organizations, funding entities, and relevant stakeholders. By leveraging partnerships, advocating for policy changes, providing training and education, and actively seeking funding opportunities, we aim to create a transformational impact on tribal communities by building tribal capacity in renewable energy, generating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable energy practices.

To measure our progress toward our impact goals, we utilize the following indicators:

Number of Individuals Trained: We track and measure the number of tribal members who have completed our training programs, such as the Installation Basics Training (IBT) and other renewable energy-related courses. This indicator reflects our efforts in building human capacity and equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge in tribal renewable energy.

Solar Systems Installed: We monitor and record the number of solar systems installed in tribal communities through our initiatives. This indicator represents the tangible impact of our work in promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy Systems Impacted: We assess the number of energy systems, both on-grid and off-grid, that have been positively impacted by our interventions. This includes systems that have been upgraded, optimized, or newly implemented to incorporate renewable energy sources, leading to increased energy efficiency and sustainability.

NABCEP Certifications: We track the number of trainees who obtain certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This certification serves as a recognized industry standard for renewable energy professionals and demonstrates the competence and expertise of individuals in the field.

Tribal Renewable Energy Positions: We measure the number of trainees who secure tribal renewable energy positions, such as employment in installation teams, project management roles, or entrepreneurship opportunities. This indicator reflects the successful transition of individuals into meaningful careers within the tribal renewable energy sector.

Scholars Graduated: We keep track of the number of scholars who have successfully completed their studies and graduated from our scholarship programs. This indicator represents our commitment to supporting education and creating pathways for tribal members to pursue higher education in renewable energy fields.

By monitoring these indicators, we can assess our progress, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance our programs and initiatives. Additionally, these indicators help us demonstrate the tangible impact of our work in terms of skill development, renewable energy adoption, job creation, and educational achievements within tribal communities.

Our theory of change is as follows:

Activities: TSAF focuses on providing comprehensive project implementation through grantmaking, training programs, educational resources, and funding opportunities to tribal communities invested in building their renewable energy infrastructure and leadership. We collaborate with tribal leaders, educational institutions, and industry experts to develop culturally relevant curricula and deliver high-quality training.

Outputs: Through our activities, we aim to produce immediate outputs such as trained individuals, increased access to educational resources, installation of renewable energy systems, and secured funding for tribal projects. These outputs directly result from our efforts in building human capacity, expanding knowledge, and creating opportunities for tribal communities.

Outcomes: The immediate outputs lead to several longer-term outcomes:

Grantmaking  Implementation: Catalyze the growth of renewable energy and expand energy leadership opportunities in tribal communities. Provide access to capital to support the development of renewable energy projects and the development of long-term energy plans to increase tribal energy security and resiliency.Ensure that equity is a driving principle in the national transition to a clean energy economy through learning from our TSAF community and generating awareness in the climate action arena.

Increased Tribal Workforce Capacity: By providing training and education, we enhance the human capacity within tribal communities to effectively plan, implement, and maintain renewable energy systems. This empowers tribal members to actively participate in renewable energy projects and take leadership roles in their communities.

Sustainable Energy Adoption: With the knowledge and skills gained through our programs, tribal communities are more equipped to adopt and integrate renewable energy technologies. This leads to reduced dependence on fossil fuels, improved energy efficiency, and the promotion of sustainable energy practices.

Economic Empowerment: Through the creation of tribal-led solar installation teams, entrepreneurship opportunities, and job placements, our solution contributes to economic empowerment within tribal communities. It generates employment, income, and business opportunities related to renewable energy, fostering economic growth and resilience.

Environmental Stewardship: Increased adoption of renewable energy systems results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and conservation of natural resources. Our solution promotes environmental stewardship and contributes to mitigating climate change impacts.

Evidence supporting our theory of change includes past program evaluations, testimonials from trainees and tribal leaders, success stories of tribal communities adopting renewable energy, and research highlighting the positive impacts of renewable energy adoption and workforce development.

By linking our activities to these immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes, we believe that our solution can create a positive and lasting impact on tribal communities, promoting sustainable development, and empowering them to address their renewable energy needs.

The core technology that powers our solution includes:

Online Learning Management Systems: We utilize online platforms and learning management systems to deliver our training programs, educational resources, and curriculum materials. These systems enable us to provide accessible and interactive learning experiences to tribal members interested in tribal renewable energy.

Solar PV Technology: As renewable energy is a key focus of our solution, solar PV (photovoltaic) technology plays a vital role. We leverage solar PV systems and related equipment to provide hands-on training and practical experience to our trainees. This technology forms the foundation of our efforts in promoting solar energy adoption and installation in tribal communities.

Energy Technology and Engineering Tools: We utilize various energy technology and engineering tools to enhance the training and educational experience. This includes simulation software, energy monitoring devices, and other technical resources that help trainees understand the concepts, design systems, and analyze energy performance.

Virtual Video Conferencing Apps: To facilitate remote learning, collaboration, and communication, we utilize virtual video conferencing applications. These apps allow us to conduct live training sessions, webinars, and mentoring activities, enabling effective knowledge sharing and interaction among participants.

Video Editing Software and Cameras: We utilize video editing software and cameras to produce high-quality educational content and storytelling components. These tools help us create engaging videos that showcase success stories, document renewable energy installations, and share knowledge effectively with the target audience.

Cultural Concepts Regarding Energy: We integrate cultural concepts and traditional knowledge systems into our training programs and resources. By incorporating concepts like honorable harvest, we honor and respect indigenous cultural values and promote a holistic approach to renewable energy that aligns with tribal perspectives.

In our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), TSAF deeply values and honors the diverse knowledge, perspectives, and contributions of our elders, youth, and tribal members. We recognize that wisdom and guidance from tribal elders are essential in preserving and passing down cultural traditions, values, and sustainable practices related to renewable energy. We actively seek tribal input and involvement in shaping our programs, ensuring that traditional knowledge and wisdom are integrated into our work.

TSAF is also proud that 80% of our larger team consists of Native individuals, with our solution team representing four different tribes. This representation is vital in fostering a culturally responsive approach and ensuring that our programs are designed with tribal perspectives and values in mind. Native team members bring their lived experiences, knowledge, and deep connections to tribal communities, which enhances the authenticity and effectiveness of our work.

TSAF is dedicated to providing inclusive programming that embraces individuals from various tribal backgrounds, education levels, and career interests. TSAF actively seeks to include voices and perspectives from diverse tribal communities in the development and implementation of our training programs, scholarships, internships, and fellowships. By doing so, we create opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds to engage, learn, and contribute to the renewable energy field.

TSAF recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ongoing journeys, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement in this area. We regularly assess our practices, policies, and programs to ensure they align with DEI principles. We also prioritize training and professional development opportunities for our team members to enhance their cultural competency, understanding of equity issues, and inclusive leadership skills.

Our team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive are rooted in the belief that by embracing diversity and promoting equity, we can better serve tribal communities and create lasting positive change. We understand that true empowerment and impact can only be achieved by actively involving and valuing all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or career interests.

By fostering diversity and inclusivity within our team and programming, we ensure that our efforts are respectful, culturally relevant, and responsive to the unique needs of tribal communities. We are committed to building strong partnerships, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, and creating a supportive and inclusive space where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their knowledge and expertise.

Tribes have a long history of energy exploitation, particularly with extractive industries. Locally sited and controlled renewable energy offers Tribes the opportunity to take control of their energy resources, keep local dollars in the community, and reap the long-term environmental and economic benefits of their investment.

TSAF uses a community-centric approach to partnering with Tribes through key strategies to identify, develop, finance and implement solar power projects that meet community needs, including education, hands-on training, and energy cost reductions for tribal members. TSAF combines workforce development training with project development and strategic support to help tribal governments install solar electric systems for tribal members and community facilities. These projects can range from single rooftop solar installations to large-scale projects that meet the energy needs of the whole community. In addition to providing a source of clean, local, renewable energy, these projects typically reduce energy bills for households by 75-90%, savings that can be re-invested in the community.

TSAF partners with tribal colleges and workforce development programs to provide students with hands-on solar training and connections to local solar companies; offers workshops and energy efficiency education to tribal members; and works with k-12 schools to introduce students to renewable energy. GRID’s SolarCorps program also offers year-long paid fellowship opportunities. GRID Alternatives and the TSAF brings together all of the elements for successful solar projects that incorporate workforce development and energy leadership development in tribal communities, including:

• 6 regional offices strategically located throughout California 

• Dedicated Tribal Program staff

• Commercial and residential expertise

• Extensive experience working with tribes 

• Established relationships with foundations, corporate philanthropists, and government agencies that provide funding for solar projects

The TSAF supports tribes in asserting control over their energy resources and focuses on making project implementation feasible by leveraging state and federal programs, philanthropic dollars, and partnerships with other tribes across Indian County. TSAF operates from an action plan centered on project implementation (planning, design, installation), grantmaking and programming, communications and storytelling, outreach and relationship building that evolves throughout the year to meet as many tribal communities’ needs as possible. At its core, TSAF is about mobilizing and developing tribal renewable energy projects and integrating workforce development and training, nation-building, and strengthening the energy resilience of tribal communities with visions for a clean energy outlook for generations to come. TSAF is well positioned and aligned on issues of workforce development, housing, and economic mobility and development, and emerging Clean Mobility and Storage sectors which creates an opportunity for continued workforce development growth in Indian Country. To help meet these financial goals, TSAF has established a dedicated tribal development director to lead fundraising efforts with current and prospective philanthropic funders. Sustaining the tribal focused programs at GRID is a part of the 2023-2025 organizational strategic plan and will increase the current tribal focused program budgets by 25% each year. 

TSAF's most notable philanthropic partnerships include the Bezos Earth Fund who awarded the TSAF with $12 million in December of 2021. In addition, the TSAF manages generous funding from foundations, corporate funders, individual donors, and new in 2023 government funding.