Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)

Funded at $27 billion, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) provides funding for states, Tribal Nations, municipalities, and other eligible entities to finance, provide technical assistance to, and build capacity to deploy low- or zero-emission technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas, carbon, and other pollutant emissions.

GGRF will distribute resources through three competitive programs:

National Clean Investment Fund
Clean Communities Investment Accelerator
Solar For All

The Opportunity: Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA)

The Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) competition will provide $6 billion to fund between two and seven ‘hub’ nonprofit organizations that possess the plans and capabilities to rapidly build the clean energy financing capacity of specific networks of public, quasi-public, and nonprofit community lenders – including Native and non-Native CDFIs, credit unions, green banks, housing finance agencies, and minority depository institutions – to ensure that households, small businesses, schools, and community institutions in low-income and disadvantaged communities have access to financing for cost-saving and pollution-reducing clean technology projects.

Role for Native cdfis

Native CDFIs can serve a crucial role in supplying short-term to long-term financing for clean energy projects in Native communities. The GGRF will provide a substantial source of funds to capitalize this financing for tribal members, tribal governments, and tribal enterprises to participate in the clean energy transition. With substantial experience lending to tribal citizens, Native-owned small businesses, tribal enterprises, and tribal governments, Native CDFIs are uniquely positioned to leverage the GGRF for Indian Country to support clean energy project deployment in Native communities.

All projects must fall within the following Priority Categories:

Distributed Energy Generation and Storage

Rooftop or community solar
Microgrids
Distributed wind
Stand-alone storage

Net-Zero Emissions Buildings

Electrification/energy efficiency
School building space and water heating
Replacement of backup diesel generators with storage
Community facility retrofits

Zero Emissions Transportation

Fleet electrification
EV charging stations
Clean mobility projects

Benefits to our 100% Native Community Lender Network

Cultural Sensitivity and Relevance

Being Native-led, we have an unparalleled cultural sensitivity and understanding of the diverse Native communities across the country. This allows us to develop investment strategies that are not only economically sound but also culturally relevant and respectful of the traditions and values of Indigenous peoples.

Community-Centered Approach

Native CDFIs, by their very nature, prioritize community well-being over profits. This community-centered approach aligns perfectly with the goals of Clean Communities, which seek to empower and uplift underserved communities. Our deep-rooted connections within Native communities enable us to engage in community-led initiatives effectively.

Network of Trust

Over the years, the Native CDFI Network has built a network of trust with Native communities, tribal governments, and relevant stakeholders. This trust is an invaluable asset when it comes to securing investment, fostering collaboration, and implementing sustainable solutions.

Tailored Solutions

We understand that Native communities have unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to clean energy and sustainable development. As a Native-led organization, we are best equipped to develop and implement tailored, culturally sensitive solutions that address these specific needs effectively.

Advocacy and Policy Expertise

The Native CDFI Network has a track record of advocating for policies that benefit Native communities, including those related to clean energy and environmental sustainability. Our expertise in advocating for supportive policy environments ensures that the Clean Communities initiative can navigate regulatory complexities effectively.

Capacity Building

We have a proven track record of building the capacity of Native CDFIs and other community-based organizations to manage, invest in, and sustain clean energy and environmental projects. Our role as a membership organization ensures that our expertise is widely disseminated across our network.

Inclusivity and Equity

We are committed to ensuring that all Native communities, regardless of their size or location, have access to the benefits of clean energy and environmental sustainability. Our unique perspective allows us to prioritize equity and inclusion in all aspects of the Clean Communities investment accelerator.

Join the NCN Energy Finance Ecosystem

The CCIA program is an historic opportunity for Native CDFIs to participate in building an Energy Finance Ecosystem of green lending capital and technical assistance that will result in lower energy costs, weatherization upgrades that mitigate the effects of climate change, and clean energy projects, businesses, and jobs that will produce sustainable benefits for the planet and Native peoples across the United States.

NCN will apply as a lead organization for the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) award competition. If the NCN application is awarded by the EPA, each Native CDFI that participates as a Community Lender will receive up to $10 million in capitalization funding to finance clean energy-based Qualified Projects over a six-year deployment period, as well as up to $1 million in technical assistance support.

Community Lender Information

We need your help to provide a more complete picture of the current and desired energy finance ecosystem in Indian Country. Please complete and submit the following:

Data Request Form
Letter of Interest (LOI) that outlines your commitment to participate as a Community Lender if NCN’s application is successful
Letter of Support (LOS) from the Tribe or Tribal Office you are working with (if applicable)

Complete Data Request survey Letter of Interest Template Tribe/Community Organization LOS Template

Coalition Partner information

Coalition Partners will be essential for delivering technical assistance services to community lenders. To demonstrate the breadth of services and expertise among our coalition partners, please complete and submit the following: