Intertribal Organization Opportunity: Support for Tribal Clean Energy Communication and Engagement

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (Office of Indian Energy) is seeking collaboration with up to four regional nonprofit intertribal organizations as a pilot program to coordinate, collaborate, and partner with the Office of Indian Energy. The purpose of this opportunity (or project) is to help federally recognized Tribes navigate and access DOE clean energy funding and technical assistance opportunities by amplifying DOE messaging and creating effective engagement opportunities for member Tribes. Funding will support communication, internal organizational capacity-building, and engagement activities, with the goal of building long-lasting effective working relationships with Tribal elected leaders, key staff, and DOE.

An eligible regional nonprofit intertribal organization must:

1. Be a coalition of two or more federally recognized Indian Tribes.
2. Be established under Congressional, state, or Tribal law.
3. Be governed by board members who are current elected Tribal government officials.
4. Act at the direction of participating Indian Tribes within a specific geographic region.
5. Qualify under Internal Revenue Code of 1954, 26 U.S.C. § 501c(3), as a nonprofit organization.
6. Have a focus other than public health or gaming.

Eligible intertribal organizations may request up to $300,000 annually to execute proposed activities up to 3 years (36 months).

The Office of Indian Energy will provide funding to and partner with up to four eligible regional nonprofit intertribal organizations. Selected regional nonprofit intertribal organizations will dedicate a staff member to serve as a “Tribal Energy Liaison/Coordinator/Navigator” who will work in collaboration with member Tribes and the Office of Indian Energy. This role will develop and provide expertise to help identify relevant clean energy opportunities for member Tribes and will equitably create and implement education and engagement opportunities. Activities may include:

• Tracking and disseminating DOE funding and technical assistance opportunities to member Tribal governments and helping them to navigate which opportunities meet their goals.
• Assisting in the assessment of member Tribes’ clean energy needs and interests and effectively connecting them to DOE programs and funding opportunities.
• Creating opportunities for dialogue among Tribes, the energy community, and DOE, such as organizing conferences, workshops, events, and small group briefings to support Tribal collaboration, and Tribe-to-Tribe learning and networking opportunities.
• Effectively sharing Tribal clean energy information and opportunities with member Tribes though electronic newsletters, website, emails, printed materials, etc.
• Enhancing DOE Tribal engagement and communications activities with member Tribal governments by organizing regular engagement opportunities for DOE leadership and staff to communicate DOE energy policy and program information and opportunities during general session and breakout sessions.
• In collaboration with the Office of Indian Energy, collectively identifying information to be disseminated to member Tribal governments during the funded period.

How To Participate

1. Review the resources from the Objective Strategy Session on August 15, 2024 from 3:00-4:00 PM ET, where we discussed the overall program mission and objectives and answered questions.
2. If needed, attend the Office of Indian Energy will host an Informational Office Hours Session on September 17, 2024 from 3:00-4:00 PM ET, for potential applicants. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to ask questions. Click Here to RSVP
3. Complete the Submission Application: Click Here to Submit Submissions are due NLT September 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET

The Intertribal Organization Opportunity launched on July 17, 2024. Please click here to see the announcement article for more information.

Is this a meaningful opportunity for your organization? Do you need more information to help you decide? Please attend the Strategic Session [August 15, 2024, 3:00–4:00 PM ET] to ask questions and to gain a better understanding of program requirements. COMPLETE

Office Hours [September 17, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET] ENERGYWERX and DOE will host open office hours for potential applicants. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to ask questions. Click Here to RSVP

Submissions are due NLT September 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET

Complete the Submission Application: Click Here to Submit Submissions are due NLT September 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET

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Applications will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Goals and Objectives

• Clearly described goals and mission of the organization.
• Clear and concise description of proposed project.
• Proposed goals and objectives align with member Tribe priorities.

Project Description and Proposed Outcomes

• Clarity and completeness of the project description.
• Significance of anticipated outcomes.
• Clarity and relevance of proposed goals to objectives of partnering opportunity.
• Clarity of proposed methodology of ensuring equitable outreach and coordination with member Tribes.

Project Management Approach

• Clear and concise description of organizational and individual roles and responsibilities.
• Capabilities of the organization and project participants to address all aspects of the proposed project.
• Clearly described plan to overcome barriers and obstacles.

Workplan

• Clear description and breakdown of proposed activities, schedule, and deliverables through logical task structure, milestones, and budget proposal.

If you have any questions, please contact ENERGYWERX: info@energywerx.org

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