Grant News

By Amanda Day, Grants Development Consultant (State and Local Government)

Education grants play a vital role in the well-being and future of Native American tribes. These funds help to address and reconcile the effects of historical injustices that limited educational access and opportunities for Indigenous communities. Beyond addressing inequities, these grants strengthen cultural preservation by supporting language preservation, traditional knowledge, and community-based education. They also empower tribes to exercise greater self-determination by creating pathways for leadership, capacity building, and local decision-making. In addition, education grants contribute to long-term economic development by equipping tribes with skills, training, and credentials that expand career opportunities, strengthen tribal governance, and promote sustainable community growth.

SUMMARY: The Solid Waste for Infrastructure grant program assist local waste management authorities by supporting improvements to local post-consumer materials management, including municipal recycling programs, and assisting local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems. This program provides a critical opportunity to fund a range of high-impact projects to increase recycling, reduce contamination, and promote a circular economy for sustainable materials management by making much-needed investments in solid waste management infrastructure

Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities face significant and long-standing health disparities compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. These disparities underscore the urgent need for robust and flexible funding mechanisms like grants.

Geographic isolation and the lack of nearby healthcare facilities pose substantial challenges to accessing care in rural areas. However, approximately 70% of Native people reside in urban areas. As a result, many urban Native individuals lack direct access to the resources offered by IHS or tribally operated facilities. Language and communication barriers, along with a lack of representation in the healthcare workforce and a history of discrimination, further limit access to healthcare and erode patient trust.

SUMMARY: This program provides funds to tribal governments to respond to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior and substance use, reduce the impact of trauma, and promote mental health among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth through the age of 24 years by building a healthy network of systems, services, and partnerships that impact youth. SAMHSA expects this program to be a model for community change that integrates a community’s culture, resources, and readiness to address suicide prevention and substance use/misuse among AI/AN youth.

SUMMARY: The Sexual Assault Services – Community-based Services Program (SAS CSP) supports nonprofit organizations that aim to enhance access to services for all survivors by providing community-based services in culturally specific communities. Applicants must have documented organizational experience in the area of sexual assault intervention or partner with an organization having such expertise.

SUMMARY: The Sexual Assault Services – Community-based Services Program (SAS CSP) supports nonprofit organizations that aim to enhance access to services for all survivors by providing community-based services in culturally specific communities. Applicants must have documented organizational experience in the area of sexual assault intervention or partner with an organization having such expertise.

SUMMARY: This program is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families, including the preservation of Native American cultures, and decrease the high rate of current challenges caused by the lack of community-based businesses, and social and economic infrastructure in Native American communities.

Tribal communities across the United States face unique challenges related to public safety and law enforcement. These challenges stem from a combination of geographical isolation, underfunded services, and complex jurisdictional issues that often leave Native American communities vulnerable.

One critical solution to these problems is increased public safety grant funding for tribes. Grants can provide tribes with the resources necessary to build or strengthen their public safety infrastructure. Whether it is funding for law enforcement agencies, emergency services, or crime prevention programs, grants can allow tribes to strengthen their capacity to protect their communities.

SUMMARY: This program provides funds to tribal governments to respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in their communities. 

By Amanda Day, Grants Development Consultant (State and Local Government)

Transportation is a critical component of modern life, connecting individuals to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services. Efficient roadways and public transportation services affect access to jobs, education, and reliable healthcare. However, for many tribal communities, poor transportation infrastructure presents a barrier to social and economic opportunities.