Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs – Employment and Training Grants – Youth
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations serving Native American and American Indian youth. Eligible applicants include tribal nations, tribal organizations, and Native American nonprofits with experience in workforce development. The program operates in Indian country and tribal service areas nationwide.
Activities support employment and training services for Native American youth. Funded programs provide job training, work experience, education, and supportive services. Priority goes to disconnected youth facing significant barriers to employment.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to serve eligible populations. Partnerships with local workforce boards are encouraged. Prior experience with Native American communities strengthens applications.
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
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application Form)
- Project Narrative describing program design and outcomes
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Letters of Support from tribal partners
- Organizational Financial Statements
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable)
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?
Tribal nations, tribal organizations, and Native American nonprofits can apply. Applicants must have experience serving Native American youth and communities.
What activities does this grant fund?
Job training, work experience, education, and supportive services for youth. Programs serve youth facing barriers to employment in tribal areas.
What is the typical funding level?
Awards vary by program size and service area. Check the NOFO for specific allocation details and minimum award amounts.
How competitive is this funding?
Highly competitive. Strong applications demonstrate tribal support and proven results with Native American youth populations.
What is the deadline?
Applications are due May 22, 2026. Applicants can submit starting April 2, 2026.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize existing relationships with tribal leadership and community connections. Reviewers prioritize culturally relevant approaches.
- Include letters of support from tribal nations or organizations. Partnerships strengthen your competitiveness significantly.
- Document past outcomes serving Native American youth. Data on employment rates and credential attainment are critical.
- Align your budget with actual service costs in Indian country. Realistic labor and overhead costs improve credibility.
- Address barriers to employment specific to your service area. Demonstrate understanding of local tribal economic conditions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Not securing tribal support or leadership endorsement before applying. Applications lack demonstrated experience with Native American youth populations. Proposed services don't reflect cultural needs or local economic realities.
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