Native American Programs

The purpose of the Native American program is to promote economic and social self-sufficiency for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders from American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The program supports the principle that social and economic development are interrelated and essential for the development of thriving Native communities. The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is interested in supporting community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, increase the capacity of tribal governments, strengthen families, preserve Native cultures, and increase self-sufficiency and community well-being. ANA may offer special initiatives to meet emerging needs in Native communities. ANA funding is meant for projects that identify direct, measurable outcomes which will be achieved within the proposed project period.

Per 45 CFR 1336.33(a)(1)-(2): Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Consortia of Indian Tribes; Incorporated non-federally recognized Tribes; Incorporated nonprofit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations; (including Urban Indian Organizations as defined by 25 USC 1603(29)); Urban Centers; Native Community Development Financial Institutions as defined by 42 USC 2991(b); Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or nonprofit village consortia; Nonprofit native organizations in Alaska with village specific projects; Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose community-based organizations; Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations in Alaska with village-specific projects; Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians; National or regional incorporated nonprofit Native American organizations with Native American community-specific objectives; Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Tribal Colleges and Universities, and colleges and universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native American Pacific Islanders are eligible for funding.
Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible.

Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process.

After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson.

While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF may reserve the right to consider preferences to fund organizations serving emerging, unserved, or under-served populations, including those populations located in pockets of poverty. In addition, ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions.

ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients.

Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

Applicants will receive notice of approval/disapproval approximately 120 days after receipt of application.