Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance

The Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance program is administered by the Administration for Native Americans within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically under the Administration for Children and Families. This federal initiative is authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 1974 and is designed to support Native communities in preserving, revitalizing, and maintaining their Indigenous languages. The program reflects a broader federal commitment to cultural preservation, community self determination, and the strengthening of Native identity through language continuity. The primary purpose of the program is to fund community based projects that ensure the survival and ongoing vitality of Native American languages. Eligible projects may include establishing new language programs, improving existing language initiatives, developing instructional materials, training teachers, and supporting intergenerational language transmission. Activities can also include technology development such as language learning applications, transcription of oral histories, and media programming in Native languages. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes such as increased fluency, expanded instructional capacity, and greater community engagement with language resources. Funding for this opportunity totals approximately 10000000 dollars, with an estimated 12 awards. Individual awards range from 100000 to 900000 dollars depending on project duration, which may be 12, 24, or 36 months. Funding is provided upfront for the full project period. A mandatory cost sharing requirement of 20 percent of total project costs applies, though applicants may request a waiver under specific regulatory conditions. Funds cannot be used for construction, real property acquisition, major renovations, or unrelated social service delivery, and must align strictly with program goals of cultural preservation and community development. Eligible applicants include a wide range of Native serving entities such as federally recognized tribes, nonprofit Native organizations, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian serving organizations, tribal colleges, and certain public and nonprofit agencies serving Native populations. Individuals, foreign entities, and federal agencies are not eligible. Applicants must also meet governance requirements, including demonstrating community representation on boards where applicable, and cannot hold concurrent active awards under the same assistance listing. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by August 7 2026 at 1159 pm Eastern Time. Applicants must maintain active registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Required application components include a project narrative, budget and justification, standard federal forms, and supporting documentation such as organizational capacity materials and third party agreements. The application is evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria including purpose and need, project approach, organizational capacity, budget justification, and alignment with agency priorities. The review process involves an initial compliance screening followed by a competitive scoring review by a panel. Awards are expected to begin on September 30 2026. Successful applicants must comply with federal reporting requirements, including semiannual financial and performance reports, and participate in federal evaluations and annual meetings. The program does not operate on a rolling basis and is expected to recur annually based on appropriations and agency priorities. For further information, applicants may contact program staff at the Administration for Native Americans via email at anacomments at acf hhs gov or by phone at 8332624636. Additional technical assistance is available through regional training centers.

Align objectives with measurable outcomes demonstrate strong community involvement ensure compliance with eligibility and cost sharing requirements