Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian higher education institutions serving these student populations. Eligible applicants include 1994 Land Grant Institutions, colleges, and universities with significant Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian enrollment. Funded activities include curriculum development, faculty training, institutional capacity building, and student support programs. Geographic scope is limited to Alaska and Hawaii.
This grant is for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian higher education institutions serving these student populations. Eligible applicants include 1994 Land Grant Institutions, colleges, and universities with significant Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian enrollment. Funded activities include curriculum development, faculty training, institutional capacity building, and student support programs. Geographic scope is limited to Alaska and Hawaii.
Program description
The purpose of this program, under Assistance Listing Number 10.228, is to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs, as determined by each institution, within a broadly defined area of food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian higher education institutions serving these student populations. Eligible applicants include 1994 Land Grant Institutions, colleges, and universities with significant Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian enrollment. Funded activities include curriculum development, faculty training, institutional capacity building, and student support programs. Geographic scope is limited to Alaska and Hawaii.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (program description and objectives)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Institutional commitment letter
- Letters of support from partners or tribal organizations
- Evidence of Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian enrollment data
Program contact
- 👤 Heidi Z Vanegas Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 7012700318
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.228 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,915,954
-
$1,586,402
-
$1,586,402
-
$1,529,470
-
$1,046,265
-
$1,025,139
-
$1,004,611
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
Top States by Funding
- AK 13 awards $10.7M
- HI 13 awards $9.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.228). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,963,692 | |
| 2025 | $471,954 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,789,715 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, including colleges and universities with substantial Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian student populations.
What types of projects are funded?
Curriculum development, faculty professional development, student support services, research capacity, and institutional infrastructure improvements.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 16, 2026. Applications open May 8, 2026.
What is the typical funding level?
USDA-NIFA grants typically range from $50,000 to $300,000 annually, depending on project scope.
How competitive is this grant?
This is moderately to highly competitive. Strong applications require clear institutional benefit and measurable outcomes for Native student populations.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate strong institutional commitment to Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian students through data and strategic plans.
- Align project activities with both institutional priorities and NIFA's education and agricultural missions.
- Include partnerships with tribal organizations or Native communities to strengthen cultural relevance.
- Build in clear evaluation metrics showing student success, retention, or degree completion.
- Request realistic budgets tied to specific, achievable outcomes within the grant period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when institutions cannot demonstrate significant Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian student populations or when projects lack clear ties to agriculture and food systems. Weak evaluation plans and vague institutional commitment statements are common rejection reasons.
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