Optional - we may use this information to follow up on your responses, or as requested.

Optional - we may use this information to follow up on your responses, or as requested.

We heard that to be successful, Ambassadors need training, networks, cohorts, etc to learn together about clean energy and to make sure they have access to trusted information to combat the issue of misinformation and fraud in clean energy industry. We also heard that we need to design gov’t systems through an ecosystem lens for our programs to be successful. So, we are thinking of structuring the RFA with different categories so that we can grant funds to both Ambassador(s) and host organizations, AND to applicants across the state who would then provide those Ambassadors with technical assistance, education, etc. We would allocate the majority of funds for Ambassadors and their host organizations, and also create a dedicated portion for technical assistance providers. Lastly, we’d also have a specific category for federally-recognized tribal governments (though, federally-recognized tribal gov’ts could also apply to any of the other categories as well). This way, we will have a cohort of ambassadors, and also will have technical assistance providers across the state who then work with them directly. What do you think of this approach?

We heard that you want to make sure small communities and locally oriented groups are the Ambassador hosts. To meet this request, we are thinking that nonprofits, tribal governments, fiscally sponsored groups, small businesses (including sole proprietors) would be priority applicants for Ambassador Host organizations. And we heard mixed thoughts on eligibility for local gov’ts, utility districts, and universities/research institutions – and are thinking through whether they should be applicable as technical assistance applicants and/or require partnerships with these other applicant groups. What are your thoughts?

We are thinking of prioritizing applicants that:

• have experience working with their local communities in the language(s) they speak,
• have experience offering culturally appropriate community outreach strategies,
• and can demonstrate understanding of local context and nuance.

We would seek to make grants in a way that spreads out the funds across the state, especially with a lens for rural and small communities among the grantees.

Technical Assistance grantees would also need to demonstrate ability to provide technical information in languages that their local communities speak.

What do you think of these priorities?

We are thinking the min awards would be $60K, and the max awards would be $200k.These could fund Ambassadors’ salaries and benefits, but also costs related to outreach and community engagement (for example, travel, materials, and space rentals). What do you think of these amounts to fund 1-2 (maybe a few?) Ambassador positions?

• Are there particular costs that you would want to ensure are eligible?
• We’re trying to balance ensuring that these jobs provide a good wage and benefits, while also acknowledging that this may look different in different communities. Do you have thoughts on approaches that can address the need of these being good jobs without being too one-size-fits-all?