The Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant supports a wide range of solar projects that require tribal cost-share, including those leveraging federal or state grants or other funding initiatives. This grant is open to tribal communities across all states and counties.
The program aims to enhance and strengthen solar energy development and infrastructure in tribal areas, including renewable technologies like battery storage and clean mobility solutions. It focuses on supporting larger-scale solar projects that benefit many tribal community members and encourages new solar demonstration projects to boost energy resilience.
Applicants can request up to $250,000 in gap funding to support these projects. The grant period runs from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.
Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments in the lower 48 states and Alaska, including tribal government programs such as housing authorities and economic development entities. Tribally led 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored tribal community organizations, and tribally controlled schools like tribal colleges and universities can also apply.
To qualify, the organization must be tribal led, meaning that more than 51% of the board and leadership are American Indian or Alaska Native. Projects must serve communities designated as low-to-moderate income, as evidenced by eligibility for federal, state, or tribal low-income programs or Census data.
This grant prioritizes solar education, workforce development, and the creation of long-term energy plans to improve tribal energy security and sustainability.
For more information, visit Tribal Energy Alternatives.
