ANA Announces FY2026 Funding Opportunity Forecasts

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through its Administration for Native Americans (ANA), has forecasted six FY2026 funding opportunities on Grants.gov. Forecasts are previews of upcoming grants - not yet official, but they include key details like opportunity numbers and eligibility so you can prepare now.

Here's what to do:

1. Review the forecasts below.
2. Save the listings on Grants.gov to get notified when they become official.
3. Start planning your application early.

The six forecasted program areas are:

• Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE): EAGLE will include business creation through regenerative agriculture, artificial intelligence, tribal energy sovereignty, and human capital development.

  More information on the Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE)

• AI3 Action Institute: The AI3 Action Institute will monitor the pace of AI change, identify responsible and practical opportunities to apply this technology to socioeconomic domains in Native communities, and support its thoughtful integration across Indian Country.

  More information on the AI3 Action Institute - Artificial Intelligence for American Indians

• National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance (the Center): The Center will be ANA's primary provider of training and technical assistance (TTA). The goal is to build the capacity of ANA applicants and recipients to implement successful strategies and facilitate sustainable and successful outcomes that strengthen Native American communities.

  More information on the National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance (the Center)

• Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) - Supports tribal governing bodies in planning, developing, and implementing programs to improve environmental quality regulation under federal and tribal law.

  More information on the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE)

• Native Languages Preservation and Maintenance (P&M) - Funds community-based projects to preserve and revitalize Native American languages, including establishing language programs, teacher training, curriculum development, language assessments, and immersion activities.

  More information on the Native Languages Preservation and Maintenance (P&M)

• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance - Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI) - Funds community-based immersion programs for Native languages. Eligible programs must qualify as either a Language Nest (serving five or more children under the age of seven for at least 500 hours per year) or a Survival School (serving 10 or more school-age students for at least 500 hours per year in a Native language).

  More information on the Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance - Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI)

1. Has ANA's mission changed?

No-ANA is more committed than ever to our work. In this moment, we are energized by the opportunity to unleash the full potential of our mission and deepen our impact. ANA remains steadfast in advancing self-governance and self-determination for Native communities. Through strategic grant funding and support for community-driven projects, we are not only sustaining our mission-we are strengthening it with renewed purpose, urgency, and resolve.

2. Are the new proposals a departure from ANA's historical programming?

Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE), AI3 Action Institute, and National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance (NCNTTA) funding opportunities are an evolution of our commitment to economic development. ANA's economic development financial assistance funding remains fully available. In fact, we received a funding increase in FY26.

• EAGLE: This funding is more targeted and focused to drive stronger, more regional impact across the communities ANA serves, and we held a consultation to directly hear and incorporate their voices on this critical topic.
• AI3 Action Institute: This institute will help Native communities adopt cutting-edge technologies by reducing the learning curve for artificial intelligence, identifying and deploying the best technologies, and managing the knowledge gained-ensuring Native communities are not left behind, but instead are firmly in the driver's seat, shaping and leading their own technological futures.
• National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance: Through the forthcoming cooperative agreement, ANA is creating a more unified and agile support system for communities. This approach improves the quality, consistency, and impact of services while reducing administrative burden and strengthening the capacity and long-term sustainability of grant recipients. It also integrates subject matter experts (SMEs) to deliver targeted support aligned with the needs outlined in ANA's Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), ensuring TTA is more responsive, coordinated, and effective in meeting community needs.

Through these exciting new initiatives ANA remains committed to its core mission of promoting self-determination and economic self-sufficiency for Tribal Nations by supporting critical economic development opportunities.

3. Will these changes affect funding for Tribes or Native communities?

No. None of these proposed changes reduce funding, change program eligibility, or alter ANA's support for Tribal Nations, Alaska Native communities, or Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander organizations. Funding decisions will continue to follow the Native American Programs Act (NAPA). Funding instructions will also be outlined in future Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and program guidance.

For fiscal year 2026, the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) has received a budget increase. As ANA's funding is discretionary and aligns with the priorities of the current administration, this increase ensures the agency is better prepared than ever to support the needs of Native communities.