Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant FY 2026
🏛 Bureau of Indian Affairs
Can you apply?
This grant is for Federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Energy Development Organizations (TEDOs) seeking to build capacity for energy resource development on Indian land.
Applicants must be federally recognized tribes or TEDOs as defined under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (25 U.S.C. §§ 3501-3503). Projects must occur on Indian land as defined in federal statute. Both traditional energy and renewable energy projects are eligible.
Grants support organizational and business structures for energy development. They also fund legal and regulatory infrastructure. The TERA Pathways topic area focuses on supporting tribal progress toward energy self-determination under the Tribal Energy Resource Agreement framework.
No cost-sharing is required. Awards range from $10,000 to $450,000.
Program description
The Secretary of the Interior (“Secretary”), through the Division of Energy and Mineral Development (DEMD), Office of Trust Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is soliciting grant proposals from Federally recognized Tribal entities for the Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) grant. The TEDC grant seeks to build Tribal management, organizational and technical capacity needed to maximize the economic impact of energy resource development on Indian land. Grants may fund development of organizational and business structures for energy development, as well as legal and regulatory infrastructure. Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation 2 planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.New TERA Pathways Topic Area – As part of this solicitation, applicants may elect to pursue activities aligned with the TERA Pathways Initiative, a strategic capacity building effort focused on supporting Tribal progress toward energy self-determination under the Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) framework. Applications should specify if they are applying for this topic area.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative and statement of tribal need
- Tribal government authorization (resolution or board approval)
- Detailed project budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity description
- Letters of support or partnership agreements (if applicable)
- Proof of federally recognized status (if not already on file with BIA)
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Indian Affairs
- 📧 Jo.Metcalfe@bia.gov
- 📞 7033906410
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.148 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,472,000
-
$1,307,957
-
$850,000
-
Calista Corp AK$721,510
-
$650,433
-
$594,928
-
$590,157
-
$585,000
-
$475,610
-
$445,457
Top States by Funding
- AK 18 awards $6.4M
- CA 24 awards $5.1M
- OK 12 awards $1.6M
- NV 4 awards $1.2M
- MN 6 awards $1.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.148). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $250,000 | |
| 2019 est. | $200,000 | |
| 2020 | $907,000 | |
| 2021 | $8,085,825 | |
| 2022 | $300,000 | |
| 2023 | $2,499,261 | |
| 2024 | $14,093,527 | |
| 2025 est. | $2,681,948 |
FAQ
Who can apply for a TEDC grant?
Only Federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Energy Development Organizations (TEDOs) can apply. Your organization must be defined under 25 U.S.C. §§ 3501-3503.
What kind of projects are funded?
Grants support development of organizational and business structures for energy projects. Legal and regulatory infrastructure for energy development is also eligible. Activities that build tribal capacity to manage energy resources qualify.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $10,000 to $450,000. The total funding pool is $6.8 million for the fiscal year.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant. However, demonstrating tribal investment in the project strengthens your application.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is July 16, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling. Applicants can apply for either traditional TEDC activities or the new TERA Pathways topic area.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your project to tribal energy self-determination. Show how building this capacity will generate economic benefit for your tribe.
- If applying for TERA Pathways, explicitly state that in your application. Demonstrate alignment with the Tribal Energy Resource Agreement framework.
- Document your tribe's governance structure and authorization for the energy project. Include resolutions or board approvals of the project.
- Build a strong organizational and staffing plan. Show how you will manage grant funds and implement the project sustainably.
- Highlight partnerships with other tribal entities, state agencies, or energy consultants. Demonstrate that your organization has access to technical expertise.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a non-federally recognized tribe or organization that does not meet the legal definition under 25 U.S.C. §§ 3501-3503. Proposing projects that occur off Indian land or on land that does not qualify under statute. Submitting vague capacity-building plans without clear connection to long-term energy development or economic benefit for the tribe.
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