Indian Economic Development
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Who has received this funding
Organizations awarded under CFDA 15.032 (USAspending.gov).
- Seminole Tribe Of Florida, Inc $1,974,503
- George Washington University (The) $1,031,748
- Sac & Fox Nation $900,000
- Taala Fund $900,000
- The Hoopa Valley Tribe $900,000
- Reno-Sparks Indian Colony $900,000
- Kickapoo Tribe Of Oklahoma $900,000
- Red Cliff Band Of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Of Wisconsin $900,000
- Cherokee Nation $900,000
- Change Labs, Inc. $900,000
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
These programs assist Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments by providing the resources necessary to develop a self-sustaining economic base. The program provides opportunities for business development, the coordination and integration of programs throughout the Federal government, and the partnering of Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments with local government and the public and private business sector.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Nonprofit Organization
- Not-for-Profit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
In most cases, the application to administer the program can be approved at the agency level. In some instances, the application will be forwarded to the Regional Director for approval.
Applications will be processed within 90 days.
Program details & compliance
Description
Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 15.032, titled Indian Economic Development, is a program run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED). Its purpose is to help Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments build strong, self-sustaining economies. It achieves this by supporting a broad range of economic initiatives from business startups and language support systems to strategic planning and tourism. This program focuses on tribal-led economic solutions and fostering collaborative partnerships with federal, state, local, and private-sector entities.
The Indian Business Incubators Program (IBIP) provides funding to established Business Incubators to serve Native entrepreneurs with start-up, early-stage, and established businesses who will provide products or services to Tribal reservation communities. These incubators offer mentorship, technical assistance, networking, and facilitate access to capital. IBIP grants support up to three years of incubation services, with possible extensions contingent upon continued appropriations and other factors.
The Living Languages Grant Program (LLGP) supports efforts to revitalize Native languages by funding immersion, education, and curriculum development initiatives, especially for tribal communities whose students are not served by Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. The LLGP Native language immersion programming supports language revitalization efforts based on the unique needs of the awardee, aiming to enhance economic and community resilience through language revitalization efforts.
Several specialized grant programs are currently authorized to meet targeted economic development in tourism. The Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP) strives to provide substantial community benefits by facilitating and strengthening Tribal tourism activities, enhancing visitor experiences, and increasing visibility and access to Tribal destinations. These projects are supported through the NATIVE Act Cooperative Agreement, which facilitates federal technical assistance and regional coordination to promote sustainable Tribal tourism. The TTGP is distinct in that it does not fund the creation of entirely new tourism ventures, instead, it improves and grows what is already in place, ensuring projects align with tribal economic priorities.
Together, these programs under ALN 15.032 offer a coordinated toolkit for tribal nations to lead economic and cultural revitalization in ways tailored to their unique goals. By combining tourism growth (via TTGP and the NATIVE Act), entrepreneurial support (via IBIP), and cultural empowerment (via LLGP), the Assistance Listing enables tribes to steer their own economic development with culturally aligned, professionally supported grant programs.
Mission Categories
Primary: Economic Development
Other categories:
American Indian or Alaskan Native ReservationAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native EducationTeacher EducationRural Community Development
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Funds are used to administer tribal revolving loan programs and guaranty loan programs in order to develop resources to improve access to capital in tribal economies. Final approval of loan guarantees is restricted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Funds can also be used by Federally Recognized Indian tribal Governments to develop essential tribal ordinances and commercial business codes which provide the necessary separation and exercise of sovereign immunity between business activities and tribal regulatory activities to promote a pro-business environment.
Required Documentation
Initial application for financial assistance must be accompanied by a resolution of the governing body of the Indian tribe.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements