A Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program
🏛 Indian Health Service
Can you apply?
This grant is for federally recognized tribal nations seeking to negotiate self-governance agreements with the Indian Health Service. Tribal nations with established IHS programs may apply to develop compacts and funding agreements. Applications must demonstrate capacity for health planning and financial management. Geographic scope is limited to federally recognized tribes across the United States.
The IHS supports tribal sovereignty through self-determination. Eligible applicants are sovereign tribal governments. Non-federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations cannot apply. This funding supports the negotiation process itself, not ongoing program operations.
Key dates
- Jun 4, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 31, 2026 Award announced
- Aug 1, 2026 Project start
- Aug 3, 2026 Application deadline in 51 days
Program description
The TSGP allows Tribes to negotiate with the IHS to assume Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs), in whole or in part. This gives Tribes the authority to manage and tailor health care programs to best suit the needs of their communities. Participation in the TSGP gives Tribes flexibility to tailor their health care needs by choosing one of three ways to get health care from the Federal Government for their citizens.
Tribes can choose to:
- Get health care services directly from the IHS.
- Contract with the IHS to administer individual programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title I Self-Determination Contracting).
- Compact with the IHS to assume control over health care programs the IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance Compacting or the TSGP).
These options are not exclusive. Tribes may choose to combine options based on their individual needs and circumstances.This Negotiation Cooperative Agreement’s purpose is to help Tribes cover the costs associated with preparing for and participating these negotiations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Tribal Council Resolution authorizing self-governance negotiation
- Tribal financial statements (recent audits)
- Description of current tribal health programs and infrastructure
- Organizational chart and staffing information
- Five-year tribal health plan or strategic plan
- Evidence of health management capacity and experience
Program contact
- 👤 Division of Grants Management
- 📧 DGM@ihs.gov
- 📞 301-443-5204
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 93.00E in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.00E). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $168,000 | |
| 2025 | $168,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $255,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Federally recognized tribal nations can apply. Tribal organizations and non-federally recognized tribes are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
The application opening date is August 14, 2025. A specific deadline has not been announced yet.
What activities does this grant fund?
This grant funds the negotiation and development of self-governance compacts with IHS. It covers planning and agreement development costs.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Only federally recognized tribes can apply, and funding is limited. Strong financial and health management capacity is essential.
What is the typical funding range?
Amounts vary by tribe. Contact IHS directly for specific funding levels for your tribe.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start early gathering tribal council approvals and resolutions supporting self-governance negotiation. These are required documents.
- Build a negotiation team with financial, legal, and health administration expertise before applying.
- Document current tribal health infrastructure and capacity for managing federal funds and reporting requirements.
- Research existing self-governance compacts from similar tribes to understand the process and structure.
- Contact your IHS Area Director early to discuss readiness and identify technical assistance resources available.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear tribal council authorization. Applicants underestimate capacity requirements for managing federal agreements.
Applications fail to demonstrate understanding of IHS reporting and compliance obligations. Weak financial management documentation leads to rejection.
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