Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant FY 2026

The Tribal Energy Development Capacity grant is administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs within the U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically through the Division of Energy and Mineral Development under the Office of Trust Services. This federal funding opportunity is rooted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and related legislation supporting tribal self-determination in energy development. The program reflects a broader federal commitment to strengthening the ability of federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal Energy Development Organizations to manage and benefit economically from energy resources located on Indian land. The primary purpose of this grant program is to build and enhance Tribal capacity across managerial, organizational, and technical domains related to energy resource development. The program emphasizes strengthening governance structures, regulatory frameworks, and business capabilities so that Tribes can effectively oversee and maximize the economic impact of energy projects. Eligible projects may include the development of Tribal codes, regulatory systems, financial management structures, and organizational entities that support energy initiatives. The program also includes an optional focus area aligned with the TERA Pathways Initiative, which supports Tribal advancement toward energy self-determination under Tribal Energy Resource Agreements. Funding is provided through discretionary grants, with a total program allocation of $6,800,000 and approximately 30 anticipated awards. Individual awards range from $10,000 to $450,000. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. Funds may be used for a wide range of allowable activities, including consulting services, data analysis, travel, regulatory development, and capacity-building efforts, provided that all costs are reasonable, allowable, and aligned with federal cost principles. Projects must occur on Indian land as defined by federal statute. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized Tribal governments and Native American tribal organizations, including Tribal Energy Development Organizations. Applicants must demonstrate that proposed activities directly support energy or mineral resource development capacity on Indian land. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components such as the SF-424 form, budget documentation, a project abstract, a detailed project narrative, and supporting attachments including Tribal resolutions or equivalent documentation of authorization. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Applications are evaluated through a competitive merit review process conducted by subject matter experts. Proposals are scored based on criteria including clarity of the project abstract, strength of the technical approach and objectives, quality and feasibility of the scope of work, and alignment between the proposed budget and project activities. Additional review considerations include applicant eligibility, compliance with federal requirements, and risk assessment factors such as past performance and financial management capacity. The program is highly competitive, and funding is awarded to the highest-ranked proposals. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 16, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to seek technical consultation from program staff at least three weeks prior to the deadline, although such support does not include grant writing assistance. Awards are expected to begin around September 1, 2026, with a projected performance period extending through August 31, 2028. Contact for this opportunity is Jo Metcalfe, Grant Officer, who can be reached via email for application-related inquiries.

Ensure strong alignment between scope of work and budget; clearly articulate Tribal capacity needs and outcomes; provide detailed and feasible methodology; demonstrate Tribal commitment and readiness