Putting Tribal SovereigntyFunding Opportunities
Grants and funding opportunities are key tools for many Tribes and Tribal producers. However, navigating the list of programs available can be challenging. To help, IFAI staff stay on top of the latest grants and opportunities. Check out the latest list below.
2026 Summer Internship Grant – Tribal Land Offices
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF)
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Description:
ILTF is offering grant funding up to $10,000 for each Tribal land office to support paid high school internships in Tribal land management. These internships ensure that the youth are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in Tribal land stewardship. Students will gain hands-on experience in Tribal land management and meaningful work experience that benefits the students and Tribal land offices.
SOI – Supporting USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs and Partners
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: Denali Commission
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Description:
Funding is available for projects that support and further the goals of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The objective is to build capacity to support NRCS programs and partners; build Tribal programs; support costs for obtaining required permissions for easements and land trusts. The total available funding is $10 million with the highest project award at $2.5 million. Federally Recognized Native American Tribal governments and Native American Tribal organizations are eligible to apply.
Farm to School Grant Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Deadline: December 5, 2025
Description:
The grant objective is to improve access to local foods in eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites through comprehensive farm to CNP programming that includes local sourcing and agricultural education efforts. Proposed activities should clearly align with the objective and their associated activities and indicators. Federally recognized Native American governments are eligible to apply. Highest award is at $500,000 and the lowest is at $100,000.
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs for FY2026
Type of Funding Opportunity: Loan and Grant
Agency/Organization: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA
Deadline(s):
- First Quarter: September 30, 2025
- Second Quarter: December 31, 2025
- Third Quarter: March 31, 2025
- Fourth Quarter: June 30, 2026
Description:
USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service issued a notice of funding opportunity for REDLG FY26. REDLG Programs enable the promotion of rural economic development and job creation projects by financing eligible Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric or telecommunications borrowers. Assistance to rural and Tribal areas include business startup costs, business expansion and technical assistance feasibility studies.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Loan and Grant
Agency / Organization: USDA Rural Development
Deadline: Open Year Round
Description:
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Federally Recognized Tribes are eligible to apply.