Indian Youth Service Corps
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) provides Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations and eligible nonprofits with grant funding to engage youth and young adults in natural and cultural resource stewardship projects on Tribal and eligible public lands. Projects promote conservation, vocational training, and Tribal capacity building through restoration, rehabilitation, sustainable agriculture, expanding outdoor access, supporting economic development, and cultural preservation activities.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Nonprofit Organization
Federally recognized Indian Tribes
Tribal organizations and Tribal consortia
Nonprofit organizations within current 501(c)(3) status
Beneficiaries
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) program ultimately benefits Indian youth and young adults, ages 16-30, and veterans up to age 35, who participate in workforce development, vocational training, and natural and cultural resource stewardship opportunities. Projects funded under this program also benefit Federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal communities through increased conservation capacity, expanded educational opportunities, and support for cultural and ecological resource management. Non‑Indian youth are also eligible to participate and benefit from program activities.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). After the application deadline, the Division of Workforce and Youth Development (DWYD) conducts an initial eligibility review and forwards complete applications for merit review as described in the NOFO. Following the competitive review, recommended applicants undergo a pre‑award risk assessment in accordance with Department of the Interior financial assistance policy, completed by grants management personnel. Final approval authority rests with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Awarding Official. Once approved, funds are obligated in the Federal financial assistance system, and awards are issued through GrantSolutions.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance
Description
The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) offers grant opportunities to federally recognized Tribal entities, Alaska Native Corporations and qualified youth serving nonprofit organizations. The program aims to engage youth and young adults in natural and cultural resource stewardship projects on Federal and Tribal lands, enhancing conservation efforts, vocational training, internships, and tribal capacity building.
Mission Categories
Primary: Vocational Education
Other categories:
Agricultural Resource Conservation and DevelopmentAgriculture Stabilization and ConservationEconomic DevelopmentAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native Education
Required Documentation
(1) Tribal authorization documents such as a Tribal resolution, letter of support, or cooperative service agreement (for Tribes and Tribal organizations),
(2) Authority documentation from each participating Tribe and governing documents for Tribal consortia,
(3) Proof of 501(c)(3) status (for nonprofit applicants),
(4), Active UEI and SAM.gov registration, and
(5) Active ASAP enrollment for Indian organizations receiving funds
Matching Requirements
A 25% cost match requirement on Federal lands
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