Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program

The Tribal Management Grant Program is administered by the Indian Health Service within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs. This program is designed to strengthen the capacity of federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations to assume management responsibilities for health programs, functions, services, and activities currently operated by the Indian Health Service. The funding opportunity reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to Tribal self-determination and self-governance in health care delivery systems. By providing targeted funding, the program supports Tribes and Tribal Organizations in building administrative, financial, and operational capacity to manage their own health services effectively. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance Tribal health management infrastructure and support the transition of programs from federal oversight to Tribal control under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The grant enables recipients to assess their current capabilities, identify gaps, and develop systems necessary to manage health services. It also supports organizations that already operate under Title I contracts or Title V compacts to further refine and improve their management systems. Activities funded under this program include feasibility studies, planning initiatives, evaluation studies, and the development or enhancement of health management structures. Funding is provided as a competitive grant with an expected total program funding of 2,761,000 dollars and approximately 14 to 16 awards anticipated. Individual award amounts vary depending on the selected project type. Funding ranges from 50,000 to 150,000 dollars for the first budget period, with certain project types allowing higher maximums over multi-year periods. For example, health management structure projects may receive up to 300,000 dollars over a period of up to 36 months. Allowable uses of funds include technical assistance, program planning, evaluation, development of management systems, and infrastructure improvements. However, certain costs such as food purchases are not allowable, and all expenditures must align with federal regulations and program requirements. Eligibility for the program is limited to federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations as defined by federal law. Applicants must demonstrate eligibility through documentation and are required to submit Tribal resolutions or letters of support from the communities they intend to serve. Individuals, foreign organizations, and entities restricted under specific statutory provisions are not eligible. Applicants may submit only one application and must select a single project type. The program does not require cost sharing, although voluntary contributions may be included but are not considered during the review process. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, project summary, and supporting attachments including Tribal resolutions, work plans, audit documentation, and resumes of key personnel. Applicants must also complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A. The project narrative is evaluated based on criteria including need for assistance, project objectives, evaluation plans, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Applications undergo an initial completeness review followed by a merit-based evaluation process with a total possible score of 100 points. Key dates for this funding opportunity include an application submission deadline of August 28, 2026, with awards expected to be issued around October 1, 2026, and project start dates aligned with the award timeline. The period of performance ranges from two to three years depending on the project type. Applicants must ensure they are registered with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission, as these registrations are required for eligibility. Questions regarding the program, eligibility, or application process can be directed to the designated program contact at the Indian Health Service or the Division of Grants Management. Following award, recipients must comply with all federal reporting and administrative requirements, including submission of financial and performance reports. Continued funding beyond the initial budget period is contingent upon the availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and alignment with federal priorities. The program is offered as a recurring opportunity, supporting ongoing efforts to build Tribal health governance capacity and improve health outcomes in Tribal communities.

Align proposal closely with scoring criteria; ensure measurable objectives and strong evaluation plan; demonstrate organizational capacity and prior experience; submit complete documentation to avoid disqualification