Financial Institutions

A wide variety of financial institutions provide financing for renewable energy and other energy projects. These institutions can range from traditional banks to venture capital funds. To assist in finding financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) initiated the Renewable Energy Finance Network, or REFIN, in 2004, and is encouraging financial institutions to submit their information. A draft directory of financing sources, issued by ACORE in June 2004, lists 154 institutions that offer a variety of financial services. For more information, including the latest report, see the REFIN Web page.

For tribal projects that are set up as a small business, the U.S. Small Business Administration provides information on financing sources in the Financing section of its Web site.

The First Nations Oweesta Corporation provides technical assistance and investments for tribal economic development. In addition, tribes may want to investigate financing with the Native American Bank, a bank owned and run by Native American tribal nations that have come together to invest in tribal communities and people.