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.
Autodesk Foundation Corporate Giving
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant + Investment
Agency/Organization: Autodesk Foundation
Deadline: Open Until Closed
Description:
Autodesk Foundation funding ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000, with most commitments falling between $250,000 and $500,000. For nonprofits, we generally provide unrestricted grants and evaluate renewals at the end of each funding period. For startups, we initially invest at the seed or Series A. We participate in follow-on rounds dependent on the progress of the company. Autodesk works closely with each organization to leverage additional Autodesk technology and expertise to accelerate and scale their work.
Easement Restoration and Stewardship
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Deadline: November 19, 2026
Description:
The opportunities associated with this NOFO are for lands protected through the Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the Floodplain Easement (FPE) component of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP). The types of work available through this opportunity fall into three primary categories: 1) restoration of wetland and floodplain easements; 2) stewardship of wetland and floodplain easements, and 3) onsite and offsite assessment of easement conditions.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Reimbursement
Agency/Organization: USDA Farm Service Agency
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Description:
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope.
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 3 Invasive Wild-Caught Catfish
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Rural Development
Deadline: December 7, 2026
Description:
The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity, which creates new, better and more processing options for meat and poultry producers. The goal for MPPEP Phase 3 Round 2 is to support Processors of Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish species by increasing Processing capacity and providing greater opportunity in this sector. Strategies that can fulfill the goal of this NOFO and ensure lasting impacts include projects to increase Processing capacity; increase Processing volume; elevate incomes for both fishers and Processors; and to provide fair wages, and new, stable and safe job opportunities at Processing facilities to increase economic development in rural communities.
Tribal Colleges Extension Program: Special Emphasis
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Deadline: November 2, 2026
Description:
The TCEP-SE under assistance listing 10.517, provides informal, community-focused extension pilot projects at 1994 Institutions. Pilot projects may focus on community needs that address emerging issues such as agricultural productivity, improving food systems, community vitality, workforce and economic development, public health and well-being, engaging Tribal youths, and preparing the next generation of Tribal agriculture leaders.
FY27 Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Project (TCPP) Grant Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: New Mexico Indian Affairs Department
Deadline: June 30, 2027
Description:
The State of New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is focused on building Tribal capacity to implement culturally appropriate tobacco cessation and prevention initiatives that recognize the unique ceremonial uses of tobacco while reducing the use of commercial tobacco use and its harmful effects.
This funding opportunity is available for Nations Pueblos & Tribes (NPT’s) and tribal-serving organizations within the State of New Mexico.
FY27 Tribal Community Garden
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: New Mexico Indian Affairs Department
Deadline: Open until funds are expended.
Description:
During Fiscal Year 2027, the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) seeks to strengthen food sovereignty, community wellness, environmental stewardship, and cultural knowledge through community-led gardeing initiatives. Funding will support Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes in establishing or expanding community gardens that provide education, hands-on gardening experience, gardening experience, gardening resources, and long-term sustainability.
Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Deadline: October 16, 2026
Description:
The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects. A multi-state partnership is a project that implements activities with measurable outcomes that benefit two or more U.S. States and/or Territories along with non-profit entities. The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including, but not limited to, food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments are among the eligible participants.
Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Description:
This program supports the development of research capacity at Tribal colleges in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. The objective is to prepare students to be competitive with other students for agricultural-related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Approximately $11.5 million program funding is available, with a minimum award of $150,000 and a maximum award of $2.5 million.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program Department of Agriculture
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Description:
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) supports grants in six AFRI priority areas: Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health; Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Agriculture Systems and Technology; and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this request for applications. The minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $10,000,000.
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.