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.
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.
Native American Affairs: Emergency Drought Relief for Tribes Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Section 80004
Type of Funding Opportunity: Cooperative Agreement Grant
Agency/Organization: Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation
Deadline: October 14, 2025
Description:
This funding opportunity provides drought relief to federally recognized Indian Tribes in 17 western states, including Arizona, California, Oklahoma, and Washington. Authorized through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, proposals should mitigate the adverse impacts of drought. Proposals should meet objectives that include mitigating drought impacts, reducing reliance on declining water sources, increasing the efficiency of water deliveries, and addressing drinking water shortages.
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.
FDA Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency / Organization: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Deadline: This grant is awarded twice a year and the application due dates are the following.
- 2024 – April 12th and October 11th
- 2025 – April 11th and October 10th
- Note: Advance permission to submit an application must be requested early in the process and must be submitted no later than 8 weeks before the selected application due date.
Description:
The purpose of the FDA (R13) Scientific Conference Grant Program is to facilitate the provision of federal financial assistance in support of high-quality conferences and scientific meetings designed to research and investigate a topic clearly aligned with the FDA mission. Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); and Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) are eligible to apply.