Action Institute – Artificial Intelligence for American Indians
🏛 Administration for Children and Families - ANA
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities through artificial intelligence and technology initiatives. Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to implement AI projects. The program supports planning, capacity-building, and pilot projects that advance AI literacy and technology access in tribal communities. Geographic scope includes all federally recognized and non-federally recognized Indian tribes and their organizations.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Key dates
- May 6, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 21, 2026 Application deadline in 50 days
- Sep 30, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2026 Project start
This grant is for organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities through artificial intelligence and technology initiatives. Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to implement AI projects. The program supports planning, capacity-building, and pilot projects that advance AI literacy and technology access in tribal communities. Geographic scope includes all federally recognized and non-federally recognized Indian tribes and their organizations.
Program description
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) anticipates announcing the availability of funds and requesting applications for the AI3 Action Institute – Artificial Intelligence for American Indians. The successful applicant will establish the AI3 Action Institute, which will monitor the pace of AI change, identify responsible and practical opportunities to apply this technology to socioeconomic domains in Native communities, and support its thoughtful integration across Indian Country. Consistent with the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) mission to strengthen families and promote work as the pathway to self-sufficiency, the Institute will leverage AI applications to accelerate economic development, workforce participation, community governance, and efficient service delivery. The primary goals are to (1) reduce the immense learning curve on behalf of hundreds of Native communities; (2) establish a bird’s-eye view to identify opportunities aligned with Tribal priorities and local leadership; (3) optimize deployment of this technology; (4) establish a knowledge manager to accumulate lessons learned and develop expertise and intuition; and (5) strengthen Tribal governance, while maximizing community capacity. Through this approach, the AI3 Action Institute will help ensure AI investments advance strong economies, strong families, and resilient Native communities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities through artificial intelligence and technology initiatives. Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to implement AI projects. The program supports planning, capacity-building, and pilot projects that advance AI literacy and technology access in tribal communities. Geographic scope includes all federally recognized and non-federally recognized Indian tribes and their organizations.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (Narrative and Supporting Materials)
- Project Narrative and Work Plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Proof of tribal enrollment or recognition
- Letters of support from community partners
- Organizational financial statements and audit reports
- Compliance and assurance documents
Program contact
- 👤 Carmelia Strickland
- 📧 carmelia.strickland@acf.hhs.gov
- 📞 833-262-4636
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.612 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,992,704
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,499,995
-
$1,486,113
-
$1,462,564
-
$1,447,538
-
$1,348,584
-
$1,309,469
-
$1,200,000
-
$1,200,000
Top States by Funding
- HI 28 awards $32.8M
- AK 15 awards $16.7M
- CA 7 awards $8.0M
- MN 6 awards $6.6M
- SD 5 awards $5.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.612). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $30,971,515 | |
| 2025 | $21,382,897 | |
| 2026 est. | $29,539,807 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Federally recognized and non-federally recognized Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Indian-controlled nonprofit organizations can apply. You must demonstrate organizational capacity and community ties.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant funds AI literacy training, technology capacity-building, pilot projects, and planning initiatives. Focus areas include workforce development and community technology access.
What's the typical funding range?
This is a federal grant from HHS. Funding typically ranges from $150,000 to $500,000 annually, though actual amounts vary by year and application strength.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Federal grants from ANA receive many applications. Strong demonstrated need and clear implementation plans are essential for success.
When is the deadline?
Check the ANA website or Grants.gov for current fiscal year deadlines. The application portal typically opens in spring with deadlines in summer.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate your organization's existing capacity to manage federal funds and implement technology projects effectively.
- Include specific metrics showing how AI initiatives will benefit your tribal community and advance workforce readiness.
- Partner with established tech organizations or academic institutions to strengthen your proposal's credibility and resources.
- Align your project with federal priorities in Indian country development and emerging technology access equity.
- Build relationships with ANA program officers early; they can clarify expectations before you submit your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often lack concrete implementation timelines or underestimate staff capacity needs for technology projects. Many proposals fail to demonstrate genuine tribal community input in project design or fail to address sustainability after federal funding ends.
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