HHS Issues Notice of Funding Opportunity for Native Language Preservation and Native American Cultural Preservation

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Administration for Native Americans (ANA) currently has three Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) open as grant applications related to Native language and cultural preservation. Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) are eligible and encouraged to apply by March 31, 2023. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has advocated for the sharing and use of Native languages in tribal communities as a method to strengthen community bonds and to support a sense of belonging.

The current grants accepting applications are:

• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance (P&M)
• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance – Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI)
• Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS)

Applications are due March 31, 2023.

Background on the Grants

The purpose of each grant below varies in objectives they serve related preservation of Native languages and cultures:

• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance (P&M)
  • The P&M program provides funding for projects designed to ensure continuing vitality of Native American languages. This program allows for a broad array of Native language related projects including establishing a language program, improvements to an existing program, and the development of language instruction and activities.
• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance – Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI)
  • The EMI program provides funding for community-based projects that ensure continuing vitality of Native languages through immersion-based instruction. Programs funded under the EMI NOFO must meet the requirements for either a Native American Language Nest, or a Native American Language Survival School, as defined by Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act
• Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS)
  • This NOFO 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.

How to Apply

Instructions for navigating the grant application process can be found here.  The search for locating each grant can be found here. Included below are details pertaining to each grant individually.

• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance (P&M)
  • Expected Number of Awards: 9
  • Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,000,000
  • Award Ceiling: $300,000
  • Award Floor: $100,000
• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance – Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI)
  • Expected Number of Awards: 5
  • Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000
  • Award Ceiling: $300,000
  • Award Floor: $100,000
• Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS)
  • Expected Number of Awards: 30
  • Estimated Total Program Funding: $9,500,000
  • Award Ceiling: $400,000
  • Award Floor: $100,000