TSAF ANNOUNCES GRANT APPLICATION DATE AND NEW HIRES
Media Contact: John Teller, TSAF, media@tribalsolar.org, 510.731.1186
DENVER, CO; May 16, 2022 – The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), a Tribal-led program at GRID Alternatives is excited to announce the release of the RFP(s) and application(s) for the 2022-2023 grant program for tribal renewable energy projects. All grant funding information will be available on June 1, 2022 at www.tribalsolar.org. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2022.
The TSAF was founded in 2018 by Adam Bad Wound (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Chief Development Officer at GRID Alternatives. TSAF works in partnership with tribes to bring technical, financial, and cultural resources to support their projects and address their unique challenges and opportunities. The TSAF, GRID, and the National Tribal Program work in alignment 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
The TSAF is also proud to announce the hiring of three new team members, Program Director – Christian Weaver, Leadership Programs Officer – Angelica Wright, and Communications Officer – John Teller. In a statement from TSAF Managing Director, Tanksi Clairmont (Sisseton-Wahpeton/Sicangu Lakota), “I am excited to strengthen and grow the work of the TSAF by welcoming three tribally diverse and talented Native professionals to the team.”
Christian Weaver (Shinnecock Nation), is the newly appointed TSAF Program Director and has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. Prior to joining GRID, Weaver most recently served as Associate Vice President of Major and Institutional Giving at the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Vice President of Development for the National Congress of American Indians. “Working to create a more sustainable world is an absolute passion of mine. It’s a true honor to be able to join TSAF to help our Tribal Nations create renewable energy infrastructure for their communities,” commented Weaver.
Angelica Wright (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), is the new TSAF Leadership Programs Officer. Prior to coming to TSAF, Wright worked in college and university settings assisting Native students navigate higher education and professional and career opportunities. She also supported Native college students and youth to access their education and career goals through academic advising, professional skill development, and cultural support. “Having the honor to engage with Native people on our journey to create a more sustainable future has been such a wonderful gift provided by the TSAF team and the work that we do,” stated Wright.
John Teller (Menominee/Oneida), is the new TSAF Communications Officer. Teller has a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science and a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. A Marine Corps veteran, Teller is actively involved in the Native American community and brings a wealth of experience in the media and public relations industry. As a small business owner, Teller owned and operated his own media company and produced traditional Native music before coming to TSAF. John has also worked progressively in the education field as well as the information and technology markets. Teller commented, “I look forward to telling the great stories we at TSAF will be helping to create.”
###
About the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund was launched in 2018 and is entering its fourth 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 nine regional offices and affiliates serving California, Colorado, the mid-Atlantic region, and Tribal communities nationwide, and serves communities in Nicaragua, Nepal and Mexico. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.