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- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Energy | Environment
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a funding opportunity aimed at bolstering collaboration between intertribal organizations to advance clean energy initiatives in federally recognized tribal communities.
Under the initiative — called the Intertribal Organization Opportunity: Support for Tribal Clean Energy Communication and Engagement — DOE is offering up to $3.6 million in funding spread across up to four eligible organizations. The goal is to enhance outreach efforts and streamline access to DOE clean energy funding and technical assistance for tribal nations.
Eligible organizations, which must be coalitions of two or more federally recognized tribes, can apply for annual funding of up to $300,000 for a period of up to three years. The funds are designated to support communication strategies, organizational capacity-building, and engagement activities that foster enduring partnerships between Tribal leadership and DOE.
"This provides an opportunity to build partnerships with regional intertribal organizations and enhance DOE’s outreach and engagement efforts to better support Tribal Nations as they pursue their energy visions," Office of Indian Energy Director Wahleah Johns (Diné) said in a statement.
Activities supported by the funding include collaboratively tracking and disseminating DOE funding opportunities, assessing clean energy needs within member Tribes, and facilitating dialogue between Tribes, the energy sector, and DOE through conferences, workshops, and briefings.
The initiative also builds on the Office of Indian Energy's authority to accelerate clean energy technology deployment on tribal lands. Since 2010, the office has invested over $120 million across tribal communities, resulting in the installation of more than 46 megawatts of new electricity generation—benefitting over 8,800 tribal buildings, according to the DOE statement.
Interested organizations must submit their applications by 3:00 p.m. ET on Sept. 24, 2024. Prior to the deadline, applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and participate in informational sessions scheduled for Aug. 15 and Sept. 17, 2024, to gain insights into program objectives and application processes.
