The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced up to $7 million in new funding opportunities to help deploy clean energy projects in tribal communities. These grants can help tribes reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote economic development and energy independence.

The "Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country" ($2.5 to $4.5 million total available funds) grant program will aid tribes in installing clean energy systems that reduce fossil fuel use by at least 15% in either new or existing tribal buildings. Individual awards may range from $50,000 to $1.5 million, with a minimum 50% cost share required, and DOE anticipates making 10 to 20 awards.

The "Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance" grant program (approximately $2.5 million total funds available) will aid tribes in installing renewable energy and energy efficiency technology that reduce fossil fuel use in existing tribal buildings by at least 30%. Individual awards may range from $50,000 to $250,000, with a minimum 50% cost share required. DOE anticipates making 10 to 20 awards. More information on DOE's funding announcement can be foundhere.

Godfrey & Kahn has assisted tribes with the preparation of renewable energy and energy efficiency grant applications that have resulted in total awards of more than $5 million. Godfrey & Kahn also assists tribes in packaging federal grants with other grants and tax incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit for renewable energy projects, state and/or utility grants and New Market Tax Credits.