Grants for Native Americans & Tribal Communities
The federal government provides extensive grant funding specifically for Native Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and tribal communities through agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian Health Service (IHS), USDA, HHS, and Department of Education. These grants support tribal governments, Alaska Native villages, Native Hawaiian organizations, individual tribal members, and tribal nonprofits. Below are 185 verified funding opportunities for tribal education, healthcare, housing, economic development, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
Types of Grants Available
🎓 Education & Language
- Tribal College Support: Operating grants for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
- K-12 Indian Education: Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) school funding and Title VI programs
- Higher Education: Native American scholarships, fellowships, and tuition assistance
- Language Preservation: Native language revitalization and immersion programs
- Youth Programs: After-school, summer programs, and cultural education
🏥 Health & Wellness
- Indian Health Service (IHS): Healthcare facility construction, equipment, and services
- Behavioral Health: Mental health, substance abuse treatment, suicide prevention
- Community Health: Health centers, clinics, and tribal health programs
- Traditional Medicine: Integration of traditional healing practices
- Health Workforce: Training for Native healthcare providers and CHRs
🏠Housing & Infrastructure
- NAHASDA Grants: Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act funding
- Tribal Housing: New construction, rehabilitation, and rental assistance
- Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, water systems, broadband, and utilities
- Energy Projects: Renewable energy, weatherization, and energy efficiency
- Community Facilities: Community centers, eldercare facilities, childcare centers
đź’Ľ Economic Development
- Business Development: Native-owned business startups, expansions, and technical assistance
- Workforce Training: Job training, apprenticeships, and career development
- Tourism & Cultural Heritage: Cultural tourism, museums, and heritage sites
- Agriculture & Natural Resources: Farming, ranching, forestry, and land management
- Arts & Crafts: Support for Native artists, artisans, and cultural enterprises
Eligibility Requirements
For Tribal Governments & Organizations
- Federally Recognized Tribes: Must be on the Bureau of Indian Affairs list of federally recognized tribes (574 tribes as of 2024)
- Alaska Native Corporations: ANCs recognized under ANCSA (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act)
- Tribal Organizations: 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Native communities or authorized by tribes
- Tribal Colleges: TCUs accredited and listed by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium
- State-Recognized Tribes: Limited eligibility for some programs; check specific grant requirements
- Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS): Required for federal grants (now UEI via SAM.gov)
For Individual Native Americans
- Tribal Enrollment: Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) or tribal enrollment card
- Descendancy: Proof of Native American ancestry (requirements vary by program)
- Blood Quantum: Some programs require 1/4 or 1/2 degree Indian blood
- Residency: May require residence on or near tribal lands for some programs
- Financial Need: Many programs prioritize low-income individuals and families
- Education Grants: High school diploma/GED, college enrollment verification
Major Federal Grant Programs
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Focus: Tribal governance, education, social services, natural resources, economic development
Programs: Tribal Government, Indian Education, Social Services, Housing Improvement Program (HIP), Job Placement & Training
Annual Funding: $3+ billion across all BIA programs
View BIA Grants →Indian Health Service (IHS)
Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Focus: Healthcare facilities, behavioral health, community health, health professions training
Programs: Sanitation Facilities Construction, Health Professions Scholarships, Urban Indian Health, Behavioral Health
Annual Funding: $6+ billion in healthcare services and facilities
View IHS Grants →Native American Housing (NAHASDA)
Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Focus: Affordable housing development, rehabilitation, rental assistance for tribal members
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribes, tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs)
Annual Funding: $650+ million in Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG)
View NAHASDA Grants →Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCU)
Agency: U.S. Department of Education & Department of Interior
Focus: Operating support for Tribal Colleges and Universities serving Native students
Eligibility: Tribally controlled colleges chartered by federally recognized tribes
Annual Funding: $150+ million in TCU operating grants
View TCU Programs →Frequently Asked Questions
Can individual Native Americans apply for federal grants directly?
Limited direct access. Most federal tribal grants go to tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, or tribal organizations—not individuals. However, individuals can access:
- Education grants/scholarships: IHS Health Professions Scholarships, BIE scholarships, tribal college funding
- Housing assistance: Through tribal housing authorities (NAHASDA-funded programs)
- Business development: Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI), tribal economic development offices
- Services from funded organizations: Healthcare (IHS), social services (BIA), job training, childcare
Contact your tribal enrollment office, tribal council, or regional BIA office for individual assistance programs and referrals.
Do I need to live on a reservation to access tribal grants?
Not always, but it varies. Eligibility depends on the specific program:
- Reservation-based programs: Housing (NAHASDA), some health services (IHS clinics), and tribal social services often prioritize on-reservation residents
- Off-reservation programs: Urban Indian Health clinics, national scholarships (IHS, private foundations), and some education programs serve Native Americans anywhere in the U.S.
- Distance doesn't always matter: Education grants, business development assistance, and cultural program grants may be available regardless of residence
Check with your tribe's enrollment office and your regional Urban Indian Health program for services available to off-reservation tribal members.
How do I prove Native American ancestry for grant applications?
Tribal enrollment documentation. Most federal programs require:
- Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB): Issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, shows blood quantum percentage
- Tribal enrollment card: Official membership card from your federally recognized tribe
- Tribal enrollment letter: Official letter from tribal enrollment office verifying membership
- Descendancy verification: For programs not requiring blood quantum, proof of Native ancestry may suffice
To obtain CDIB: Contact the BIA Regional Office serving your tribe or your tribal enrollment office. You'll need birth certificates, tribal enrollment records, and genealogical documentation tracing your lineage to an enrolled tribal ancestor. Processing can take 4-12 months.
Can Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians access these grants?
Yes, with some differences:
- Alaska Natives: Full access to most federal tribal programs through Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Alaska Native villages, and regional health corporations
- Special Alaska programs: Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporations receive unique federal support
- Native Hawaiians: Separate federal programs through the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations and Native Hawaiian Education Act grants
- Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs): Can apply for some but not all BIA/IHS programs; dedicated programs exist through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems
Alaska Natives should contact their regional corporation or village council. Native Hawaiians should contact the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) or Papa Ola LĹŤkahi for health services.
What if my tribe is state-recognized but not federally recognized?
Limited federal access, state options available:
- Federal programs: Most BIA, IHS, and HUD tribal programs require federal recognition (574 federally recognized tribes)
- State-level grants: State-recognized tribes may access state-funded programs for economic development, cultural preservation, and education
- Private foundation grants: Many private foundations support both federally and state-recognized tribes
- Federal acknowledgment process: Tribes can petition for federal recognition through the BIA's Office of Federal Acknowledgment (OFA)
Contact your state's Native American affairs office or commission. Some states offer dedicated funding streams for state-recognized tribes. The federal acknowledgment process is lengthy (10+ years) but provides access to federal programs once achieved.
How competitive are tribal grants compared to other federal grants?
Less competitive within tribal-specific programs:
- Set-aside funding: Programs like NAHASDA, BIA Tribal Government, and IHS are specifically allocated to tribes—not competing with non-tribal applicants
- Formula-based grants: Many tribal programs (IHBG housing, tribal government support) use formulas based on population, need, and geography—not competition
- Competitive tribal grants: Some programs (IHS health facilities construction, BIA economic development) are competitive among tribes
- Smaller applicant pools: With 574 federally recognized tribes vs. millions of nonprofits, tribal-specific programs have lower competition ratios
Success rates vary by program, but tribal governments and organizations generally have higher success rates than in non-tribal federal grant competitions due to dedicated funding streams and technical assistance from tribal liaisons.
How to Apply
Verify Tribal Status & Enrollment
Confirm your tribe's federal recognition status on the BIA's list of federally recognized tribes. Obtain your tribal enrollment card and/or Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from your tribal enrollment office or the regional BIA office. For organizational applications, confirm your entity's tribal authorization or 501(c)(3) status serving Native communities.
Register with SAM.gov (Organizations)
Tribal governments and organizations must register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to receive federal grants. You'll need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), your tribe's Employer Identification Number (EIN), and banking information. Registration is free and takes 10-15 business days to complete. Tribal individuals do not need SAM.gov registration for scholarships or individual programs.
Identify Relevant Grant Opportunities
Search Grants.gov with filters for "Native American" or specific agencies (BIA, IHS, HUD Office of Native American Programs). Subscribe to tribal technical assistance centers for grant alerts: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Indian Health Board (NIHB), Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA). Contact your regional BIA office or tribal liaisons at federal agencies for upcoming opportunities.
Prepare Required Documentation
Gather tribal resolution or authorization (for tribal government applications), project narratives describing community need and impact, budgets with line-item detail, letters of support from tribal leadership or community partners, and organizational capacity documentation (staff qualifications, past performance, financial statements). Individual applications typically need proof of enrollment, transcripts (for education), and income verification (for need-based programs).
Submit Application & Follow Up
Submit applications through Grants.gov (most federal grants) or directly to tribal program offices (BIA area offices, IHS regional offices). Submit 2-3 days before deadline to allow for technical issues. After submission, track application status through agency portals. If selected, expect a notice of award and grant agreement outlining reporting requirements, budget restrictions, and compliance obligations. Maintain regular communication with program officers.
Utilize Technical Assistance
Most federal agencies offer free technical assistance specifically for tribal applicants. Contact the Office of Tribal Relations at each agency (BIA, IHS, HUD, USDA). Tribal technical assistance centers like the Tribal Government Institute, National Indian Health Board, and Native American Agriculture Fund provide grant writing workshops, webinars, and one-on-one support. Many successful tribal grant applications receive pre-submission review from technical assistance providers.
Essential Resources
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Federal agency serving 574 federally recognized tribes. Administers grants for tribal government, education, social services, housing improvement, economic development, and natural resources management.
Visit BIA →Indian Health Service (IHS)
Federal agency providing healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Grants for health facilities construction, behavioral health programs, community health, and health professions training.
Visit IHS →Grants.gov - Tribal Grants
Central portal for federal grant opportunities. Search with "Native American" or "tribal" filters. Subscribe to email alerts for new tribal grant opportunities from all federal agencies.
Search Tribal Grants →National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
Oldest and largest organization representing tribal governments. Provides policy advocacy, tribal technical assistance, and grant opportunity alerts for tribes nationwide.
Visit NCAI →Related Grant Opportunities
Available Grant Opportunities for Native Americans
Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Climate Bond 2026 Solicitation
This funding will continue to support the return of ancestral lands to California Native American tribes, planning and implementation of habitat restoration projects, protecting the California coast and oceans, advancing wildfire resiliency and cultural fire, and many other multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects across California. Please refer to the TNBS Climate Bond Final 2026 Guidelines for detailed information. Approximately $9.2 million is available for tribal multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects that will fund land acquisition or other fee title acquisitions benefiting California Native American Tribes. Eligible expenses include costs associated with the purchase of property rights, conservation easements, and water rights/instream flows consistent with requirements...
View Details →FFY 2024 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant – Local & Tribal (SL) RFP
The purpose of the SL Program is to assist local governments, including school districts and special districts, and federally recognized tribes address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems, and improve security of critical infrastructure and resilience of the services these entities provide to their communities.
View Details →FY 2025-26 Listos California Tribal Grant (LI) Program
To support federally-recognized tribes located in California and nonprofits that serve federally-recognized tribal governments to increase disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities in tribal communities. Tribal governments and nonprofits can work independently, with other tribal governments, or with local nonprofits to provide disaster preparedness information and resources to tribal communities.
View Details →Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program
The purpose of the Sea Level Rise (SLR) Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program is to provide funding for tribes to assess and plan for the impacts of SLR on their ancestral lands, cultural sites, lifeways, and resources in a manner that is meaningful and beneficial to the tribe. This program offers an alternative and more flexible funding pathway within the Ocean Protection Council’s broader SB 1 Grant Program. The Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Solicitation is a dedicated grant opportunity under the Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program. This program provides direct, flexible funding to California Native American tribes to assess and plan for the impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on tribal cultural resources, ancestral...
View Details →Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2022 PLHA NOFA
The principal goal of this program is to make funding available to eligible Local Governments in California for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing the unmet housing needs of their local communities. B. Eligible Activities 1. The predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of multifamily, residential live-work, rental housing that is affordable to extremely low-, very low-, low-, or moderate-income households, including necessary Operating subsidies.2. The predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of Affordable rental and ownership housing, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), that meets the needs of a growing workforce earning up to 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), or 150 percent of...
View Details →2025 Tribal Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability
The Department announces the availability of approximately $50 million in funds available through this first round of the Tribal Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability (Tribal MFSN). This NOFA makes funds more easily accessible to Tribes and Tribal Entities and provides flexible options to address the unique needs of Indian communities to achieve better outcomes in health, climate, and household stability. Rather than utilizing a set-aside within the standard MFSN Program, this NOFA operates independently and is tailored to meet the specific affordable housing needs of California Tribes. Funds offered under this NOFA and the criteria specified herein are available solely and exclusively to eligible Tribal Entities. This NOFA provides forgivable loans to assist with the...
View Details →Forest Conservation
The Forest Conservation Program supports planning, acquisition, and restoration projects throughout California’s forests, consistent with the Board's Strategic Plan. The Program was created on November 7, 2006 with the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84). That Act charged the Board to develop a grant program and “…promote the ecological integrity and economic stability of California’s diverse native forests for all their public benefits through forest conservation, preservation, and restoration of productive managed forest lands, forest reserve areas, redwood forests and other forest types, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitat for native fish and wildlife and plants found...
View Details →Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2024 PLHA NOFA
The principal goal of this program is to make funding available to eligible Local Governments in California for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing the unmet housing needs of their local communities. 1. The predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of multifamily, residential live-work, rental housing that is affordable to extremely low-, very low-, low-, or moderate-income households, including necessary Operating subsidies.2. The predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of Affordable rental and ownership housing, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), that meets the needs of a growing workforce earning up to 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), or 150 percent of AMI in High-cost areas...
View Details →Wildfire Prevention Grant Program
Priorities for RMC Wildfire Prevention Grant Program: 1. Protect and expand native forests/wildlands; 2. Support communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire and improving fire safety; 3. Promote sustainable land use; 4. Promote investment in wildlands management and workforce development; 5. Protect cultural resources vulnerable to wildfire. Funding for projects will fall under three main categories: San Gabriel Mountains and Foothills Fire Prevention Planning and Management:Â Projects under this category will serve mainly the San Gabriel Mountains and Foothills. Work may include invasive species management and fuel break maintenance in the Angeles National Forest, fuel modification of open spaces in foothill communities, or protection of tribal cultural resources from...
View Details →Proposition 68 Regionwide Grants
Create, expand, and/or improve public open space in the RMC's territory by improving water quality supply, create, enhance or improve a reliable water supply and/or restore an important species and habitat. RMC Proposition 68 Project Goals and Objectives: Create, expand, and/or improve public open space throughout the region by improving water quality supply, create, enhance or improve a reliable water supply and/or restore an important species and habitat Improve access to open space and low impact recreation for all communities and promote healthy lifestyles Improve habitat quality, quantity, and connectivity through creation, enhancement, preservation, and restoration Connect open space with a network of trails, accessible as appropriate to the site Promote stewardship of the...
View Details →2024 LHTF NOFA Round 5
The principal goal of this program is to provide grants to Local Housing Trust Funds established by cities and counties, Native American Tribes, and incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to increase the supply of housing to households with incomes of 80 percent or less of area median income. Program Funds awarded under this NOFA shall be used to provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation as well as to construct, convert, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and/or repair Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). Eligible activitiesPursuant to Guidelines, Section 105, the LHTF funds shall be...
View Details →Upland Game Bird Account Grant
The purpose is to ensure funds generated by the sales of upland game bird hunting validations and stamps are used in programs and projects to benefit upland game bird species and their constituents. CDFW may make grants to, reimburse, or enter into contracts or other agreements, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1571, with public and private entities, including universities, nonprofit organizations, and California Native American tribes, as defined in Section 21073 of the Public Resources Code, for the use of the funds from the Upland Game Bird Account to carry out the purposes of Fish and Game Code §3684, including related habitat conservation projects. Any proposal fitting the criteria in this statue is qualified to be funded.
View Details →Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program – Track 1
The goal of the Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program (SB 1 Grant Program) is to support the implementation of SB 1 (Atkins, 2021) for local, regional, and tribal governments. Ultimately, the SB 1 Grant Program aims to provide funding for coastal communities to develop consistent sea level rise (SLR) adaptation plans and projects to build resilience to SLR along the entire coast of California and San Francisco Bay. The SB 1 Grant Program aims to provide funding for sea level rise (SLR) adaptation planning to help prepare communities for the impacts of climate change. While many jurisdictions have advanced planning already underway or complete, many others have yet to begin comprehensive planning or assessments. The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) aims to address...
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