Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training – Adult
Can you apply?
This grant is for tribal organizations and federally recognized tribes offering employment and training services to Native American adults. Eligible recipients serve Native American workers on and off tribal lands. Programs provide job training, career services, and employment support. Activities include classroom instruction, occupational skills training, and work-based learning. Applicants must have capacity to deliver services and fiscal management systems.
Program description
The Indian and Native American Program (INAP) supports employment and training activities for Indian and Native Americans throughout the United States by awarding grant funding to eligible entities at the local level for the provision of employment services. Grant award recipients may use funding to help all eligible Indian and Native Americans (INA), including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians, with employment, financial assistance for education and training, and other supportive services necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency.Per the requirements outlined in Section 166 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and implementing regulations found at 20 CFR Part 684, the Department must hold this INAP grant competition every four years. Recipients receiving an award as a result of this competition in Program Year 2026 will also receive one grant award annually for three subsequent program years, based on annual Departmental requirements and subject to appropriated funding. Current recipients of the INAP Employment and Training Grants that received an award and subsequent annual allotments under the last competition in 2022 (FOA-ETA-22-05) must apply under this Funding Opportunity Announcement if they wish to receive additional funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- WIOA Program Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Tribal Resolution or Board Resolution
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
- Labor Market Analysis
- Letters of Support from Partners
Program contact
- 👤 Employment and Training Administration
- 📧 INAP.OGM@dol.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 17.265 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$12,431,759
-
$11,635,886
-
$9,324,337
-
$9,237,004
-
$4,922,047
-
$4,775,863
-
$4,028,442
-
$3,739,083
-
$3,644,454
-
$3,466,159
Top States by Funding
- AZ 16 awards $65.8M
- CA 19 awards $34.1M
- HI 9 awards $19.3M
- NM 7 awards $11.7M
- RI 5 awards $10.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 17.265). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $57,385,353 | |
| 2025 | $57,103,116 | |
| 2026 est. | $55,429,622 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations are eligible. Applicants must serve Native American populations.
What activities does this grant support?
Occupational skills training, classroom instruction, work-based learning, and career counseling for adults seeking employment.
When is the application deadline?
Typically May 22, 2026. Check the official announcement for any updates or extensions.
How competitive is this funding?
Competition is moderate. Strong applications show workforce need data and documented tribal support for the program.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts vary by tribal population and service area. Consult the NOFO for specific budget guidance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document the employment barriers and workforce needs of your target population with local labor market data.
- Demonstrate strong partnerships with local employers, education providers, and workforce boards.
- Show fiscal and programmatic capacity through past performance or organizational infrastructure.
- Align training offerings with documented local job opportunities and industry demand.
- Include letters of support from tribal leadership and partner organizations.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak labor market analysis or unclear connection between training and actual job opportunities. Insufficient documentation of tribal support or authority to operate the program. Unrealistic participant recruitment or completion targets given your service area.
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