Avista is supporting Salish School of Spokane (SSOS) through a Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) grant to add onsite solar and battery storage at the school’s new Spokane campus—building on Avista’s broader clean energy efforts.
The grant supports the installation of solar panels and battery storage systems. These systems will help keep the school powered during electrical outages, so students, staff, and community members can continue learning and gathering when it matters most.
By making and storing its own clean energy, the school can also lower long‑term energy costs. Those savings can be put back into education programs, staff support, and services for the community.
“This investment represents a meaningful partnership grounded in shared values,” said Kim Richards, Ph.D., co‑executive director of Salish School of Spokane. “By integrating solar power and battery storage into our new campus, we are building a facility that supports educational excellence, cultural continuity, and long‑term resilience for our students and families.”
The Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) is a competitive grant program created by Avista to help meet the equity goals of Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA).
NCIF supports clean energy projects for Washington electric customers in Named Communities, including:
These communities often face higher energy burdens and greater impacts from environmental and economic challenges.
Salish School of Spokane is developing its new campus to expand Indigenous language education, cultural learning, and community programming. The clean energy systems supported by this grant will play a key role in making the campus a dependable resource for generations to come.
The school’s mission focuses on Salish language revitalization, cultural renewal, and building a stronger, healthier community. By pairing that mission with sustainable energy solutions, the new campus reflects a long‑term commitment to both people and place.