New Beginning for Tribal Students Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for Land-grant institutions (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) that serve Tribal students. Applicants must be accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. with an eligible institutional classification.
The program supports recruiting, tuition assistance, experiential learning, tutoring, counseling, academic advising, and other services to increase Tribal student retention and graduation rates.
Only U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and lawful permanent residents may receive funds through this program.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for Land-grant institutions (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) that serve Tribal students. Applicants must be accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. with an eligible institutional classification.
The program supports recruiting, tuition assistance, experiential learning, tutoring, counseling, academic advising, and other services to increase Tribal student retention and graduation rates.
Only U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and lawful permanent residents may receive funds through this program.
Program description
The purpose of the NBTS grant program, Assistance Listing 10.527, is to increase the retention and graduation rate of Tribal students attending 1994, 1862, and 1890 Land-grant Institutions. The primary goals and objectives of the program are for Land-grant Colleges or Universities to use NBTS funding to support Tribal students through all the following, but not limited to: recruiting; tuition and related fees; experiential learning; student services, including tutoring; counseling; academic advising; and other student services that would increase the retention and graduation rate of Tribal students enrolled at Land-grant Colleges or Universities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Land-grant institutions (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) that serve Tribal students. Applicants must be accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. with an eligible institutional classification.
The program supports recruiting, tuition assistance, experiential learning, tutoring, counseling, academic advising, and other services to increase Tribal student retention and graduation rates.
Only U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and lawful permanent residents may receive funds through this program.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional verification of Land-grant status
- Evidence of cost-share commitment
Program contact
- 👤 Catherine Bohnert Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 816-398-3349
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.527 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,123,425
-
$860,543
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$749,625
-
$719,811
-
$686,168
-
$542,950
-
$536,919
-
$533,539
Top States by Funding
- MT 4 awards $2.6M
- OR 3 awards $1.8M
- AR 3 awards $1.7M
- ND 4 awards $1.6M
- AK 4 awards $1.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.527). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $5,147,389 | |
| 2025 | $3,578,090 | |
| 2026 est. | $5,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the NBTS grant?
Only 1862, 1890, or 1994 Land-grant Colleges or Universities are eligible. Your institution must have the correct land-grant designation.
What types of activities does this grant fund?
It covers recruiting, tuition assistance, experiential learning, tutoring, counseling, academic advising, and related student support services for Tribal students.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required for this grant. Check the NOFO for the specific percentage or amount you must provide.
What is the typical award range?
Awards typically range from $250,000 to $500,000. Actual awards depend on proposal quality and available funding.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 2, 2026. Submit all materials by 11:59 PM ET on that date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly show how your programs will increase retention and graduation rates for Tribal students, with measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment to Tribal student success through dedicated staffing and resources.
- Connect activities directly to the four primary focus areas: recruiting, tuition support, experiential learning, and student services.
- Include letters of support from Tribal communities and partners to strengthen your application.
- Address how your institution will sustain efforts after federal funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lacking clear metrics for student retention and graduation. Proposals failing to show institutional commitment or dedicated staffing for Tribal student support. Inadequate cost-share documentation or unrealistic budget narrative.
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