National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance (the Center)

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Native Americans (ANA), has forecasted a funding opportunity to establish and operate a National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance. This Center is intended to serve as the primary provider of training and technical assistance to ANA applicants and grant recipients. ANA’s broader mission focuses on promoting economic and social self-sufficiency for Native American communities, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders. This opportunity reflects ANA’s continued investment in strengthening organizational capacity and improving outcomes for communities served through its grant programs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to build the capacity of organizations applying for or receiving ANA funding. The Center will provide comprehensive training and technical assistance to support the development, implementation, and sustainability of community-driven projects. These efforts are expected to align with ANA’s goals of fostering economic development, social well-being, and cultural preservation within Native communities. The Center will also help participants understand federal requirements, improve grants management practices, and identify strategies for leveraging additional funding and resources beyond ANA support. Funding under this opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, with a total program funding amount of 3,100,000 dollars. Only one award is expected to be made, and both the award ceiling and floor are set at 3,100,000 dollars, indicating a single fully funded project. The project period is anticipated to last 36 months, divided into three 12-month budget periods. The funded entity will be responsible for delivering training and technical assistance using both virtual and in-person formats, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness across diverse geographic regions and communities. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are broad and include state, local, and tribal governments; nonprofit organizations; institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations; and other eligible entities. Eligibility is described as unrestricted within the listed categories, although individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the stated eligibility criteria are also eligible to apply. This inclusive eligibility framework is intended to encourage a wide range of capable organizations to compete for the award and bring innovative approaches to delivering training and technical assistance. The application process is expected to open following the estimated posting date of May 30, 2026, with an estimated application due date of August 1, 2026. Applicants will need to prepare and submit a full application through the appropriate federal grants system, likely including project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation as required by ANA. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent indicated in the forecast. The anticipated award date is September 15, 2026, with a project start date of September 30, 2026, allowing for a relatively short turnaround between submission and project initiation. Evaluation of applications will likely focus on the applicant’s ability to deliver effective training and technical assistance, their experience working with Native communities, and their capacity to manage a large-scale, national-level cooperative agreement. The Center is expected to incorporate innovative and user-friendly approaches, as well as robust data collection methods to assess how participants engage with training and technical assistance services. This data will be used to improve program effectiveness and inform future ANA initiatives. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact ANA through the provided email address or phone number. The opportunity is currently in forecast status, meaning details may be refined upon official release. Organizations interested in applying should monitor the official posting for updated guidance, application instructions, and any additional requirements that may be included in the final notice of funding opportunity.

Emphasize experience with Native communities, demonstrate capacity for national-level technical assistance delivery, and include strong data collection and evaluation methods