Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE)

The Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE) program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Native Americans, which operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is designed to support Native communities by promoting economic development, cultural sustainability, and long-term community resilience. The Administration for Native Americans focuses on strengthening self-sufficiency and governance capacity among Native populations, and this grant opportunity aligns with those broader federal priorities by targeting economic advancement through community-driven initiatives. The purpose of the EAGLE program is to foster sustainable economic growth and improve quality of life in Native communities through targeted investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and culturally relevant enterprises. The program emphasizes innovative and forward-looking sectors such as regenerative agriculture, artificial intelligence applications, energy sovereignty, and human capital development. Specific program areas include initiatives like greenhouse-based food production systems, microgrid energy projects, workforce training programs such as welding initiatives, elder-focused cultural education programs, and community-designed development strategies. These areas collectively aim to build economic independence while preserving cultural heritage. Funding under this opportunity is expected to support multi-year projects, with awards anticipated to span a three-year project period. Grant funds may be used for activities that contribute to economic development, job creation, infrastructure improvements, and community capacity building. While the funding announcement does not explicitly detail all allowable and unallowable costs, it implies that projects must align with the defined program areas and contribute to measurable improvements in community well-being and economic resilience. A cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated, suggesting that applicants must provide some level of non-federal contribution, though the exact match ratio is not specified in the available materials. Eligibility for this program is limited to a broad range of Native-serving entities, including federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, tribal consortia, Native nonprofit organizations, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian-serving organizations, and certain educational institutions serving Native populations. Both nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status may be eligible, provided they meet the criteria outlined in federal regulations. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. Faith-based organizations may apply if they meet all other eligibility requirements. The program is national in scope but restricted to organizations serving Native communities within the United States and its territories. The application process is expected to be conducted electronically, with submissions required through official federal grant systems. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants can reasonably expect to provide project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation demonstrating organizational capacity and alignment with program goals. The estimated application due date is August 2, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The opportunity is currently in forecast status, with an estimated posting date of June 3, 2026, at which time full application instructions and requirements will be released. Applications will likely be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, feasibility of the proposed project, organizational capacity, and potential for measurable impact in Native communities. The estimated award date and project start date are both September 30, 2026, indicating a relatively short review and selection period. The Administration for Native Americans anticipates making approximately 31 awards, with total program funding estimated at $24,000,000. Applicants may contact the program representative, Carmelia Strickland, via phone or email for additional information. As a forecasted opportunity, this program may recur annually, though recurrence is not explicitly confirmed in the available information.