Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion

The Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance - Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI) program is a grant initiative overseen by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is a part of a broader effort to preserve and revitalize Native American languages and cultural heritage. The grant supports community-based initiatives that promote the survival and continued use of Native languages through immersive educational programs. These efforts align with the statutory requirements outlined in the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 2991b-3. Under the EMI program, eligible applicants may implement one of two specific models: a Native American Language Nest or a Native American Survival School. A Language Nest is defined as a site-based educational program that provides both instruction and child care using a Native American language for a minimum of five children under the age of seven, with at least 500 instructional hours per student annually. Alternatively, a Native American Survival School serves school-age children by offering at least 500 instructional hours annually through one or more Native American languages for a minimum of 10 students, with the program functioning as their primary place of instruction. Funding for the 2026 cycle includes an estimated total program funding amount of $4,500,000, with an anticipated six awards ranging from $100,000 to a maximum of $900,000. A cost-sharing or matching component is required, although the exact ratio is not specified in the forecasted opportunity. The assistance listing associated with this opportunity is 93.587, further signifying the program's federal scope and support for income security and social services. Eligibility for this grant is broad and inclusive, encompassing federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, and other tribal entities and organizations. Eligible entities also include nonprofit community-based Native organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, Alaska Native villages and associations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and institutions serving Native populations in Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Hawaii. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible, provided they meet the core eligibility criteria. However, individuals and foreign entities are explicitly ineligible. The opportunity is currently forecasted, with an estimated posting date of May 8, 2026, and a projected application due date of June 25, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically via the Grants.gov portal no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the deadline date. The award date and project start date are both anticipated to be July 1, 2026. As this is a recurring program, it is likely that future cycles will follow similar timelines annually, with an expected next cycle in Summer 2027. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all submission requirements and eligibility conditions. For additional information or inquiries, the designated grantor contact is Carmelia Strickland, who can be reached at (202) 401-6741 or via email at [email protected]. More details are available on the ANA’s official webpage at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana.