Rural Renewable Energy Alliance

3 Grants from 2007 - 2019

  • Total Amount Received: $650,500
  • Location: Backus, MN

In recognition of winning a 2019 Bush Prize for Community Innovation, this grant will advance the organization’s charitable mission to end energy poverty

Grants received

$408,000 in 2019

  • Program: Bush Prize
  • Term: 11 Months

In recognition of winning a 2019 Bush Prize for Community Innovation, this grant will advance the organization’s charitable mission to end energy poverty

$107,500 in 2017

  • Term: 19 Months

Energy poverty, or a lack of access to modern energy services, affects one out of eight families in the United States. Rates in some communities like Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (Leech Lake) are even higher. In communities where households are on a fixed income, even a modest increase in the cost of heating or cooling can force families to make difficult choices about their resources. While energy assistance is available, funds are limited. Rural Renewable Energy Alliance will collaborate with Leech Lake partners to build a local, sustainable and shared alternative energy infrastructure. This partnership engages energy insecure households through the Tribal Government Community Action Agency, sustains an education and workforce pipeline with Leech Lake Tribal College and consult local utilities agency expertise. Developing and demonstrating this model has the potential to be transformative at the regional and national scale.

$135,000 in 2007

  • Term: 16 Months

To expand a solar power assistance program for low-income families