The solar microgrid project on Guidiville Rancheria, located near Ukiah, California, faced a setback when federal funds were frozen, threatening the completion of a solar microgrid designed to power 36 homes. The Bureau of Indian Affairs froze the grant award without explanation, jeopardizing the project and violating contract terms. However, philanthropic lenders, led by BQuest Foundation, provided a bridge loan of roughly $1 million to ensure the project's continuity. The project includes a graphene storage system, a solar array, and hydrogen technology for energy storage, with the aim of reducing costs, improving reliability, and mitigating fire risk. The partnership with BQuest Foundation and other nonprofits demonstrated the importance of community support in overcoming funding challenges. Despite the resumption of BIA funding with new conditions and an uncertain timeline, the tribe is determined to complete the microgrid and achieve self-sufficiency across various sectors. The project reflects the tribe's vision for sustainability and showcases the need for flexibility in federal funding issues within tribal governments. The involvement of philanthropic lenders and the broader shift towards community support in energy initiatives for Indian Country highlight the increasing role of impact investors and foundations in filling funding gaps left by federal sources. The incident at Guidiville Rancheria serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration between Native and non-Native organizations in driving renewable energy projects forward.