Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training - Adult
This funding opportunity provides financial support for tribal governments and organizations to deliver employment and training services aimed at improving job skills and economic self-sufficiency for Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals.
The Indian and Native American Programs – Employment and Training Grants is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA). This opportunity, identified by FOA-ETA-26-20, supports the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Section 166, which focuses on employment and training services specifically for Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals. The program underscores the Department’s commitment to respecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that the delivery of services is consistent with tribal goals and community values. This grant program is designed to promote economic self-sufficiency among eligible populations by funding projects that offer employment services, occupational skills training, financial assistance for education, and other supportive services. Tribal entities are encouraged to use strategies that include career pathways, work-based learning, stackable credentials, and registered apprenticeships. These efforts are intended to prepare participants for high-demand jobs and enhance their economic mobility. The funding also supports integration with other tribal and federal programs under frameworks like Public Law 102-477, offering a holistic approach to workforce development. Grants awarded under this program fall into two major components: the Comprehensive Services Program (CSP) for adults and the Supplemental Youth Services Program (SYSP) for youth aged 14 to 24 who live on or near reservations, or in Alaska, Hawaii, or Oklahoma. Approximately $76 million in total funding is anticipated, with $62 million allocated to CSP and $14 million to SYSP. Individual CSP awards may range from $18,024 to $5,998,062 depending on the population size and economic need within the proposed service area. The grant period is 36 months, starting July 1, 2026, and applicants will be eligible for annual renewals for three subsequent years, contingent on funding and satisfactory performance. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. §5304(l), and certain nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must meet specific population and geographic criteria, with exceptions for certain incumbent or grandfathered grantees. Applicants must submit separate applications for CSP and SYSP if applying for both funding streams. Each submission must include an SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, a project budget (SF-424A and budget narrative), and a 4-Year Strategic Plan (project narrative). Attachments may include past performance documentation, MOUs with local workforce development boards, and waiver requests if needed. The application deadline is May 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with applications required to be submitted via Grants.gov. There is no cost sharing or matching funds required under this FOA, although applicants may report leveraged resources. The Department will use a merit review process to evaluate proposals based on factors such as proposed service area strategy, program design, partnerships, fiscal and administrative capacity, and past performance. Successful applicants will be notified prior to the start date and will be subject to both financial and performance reporting requirements during the grant period. Overall, the INAP Employment and Training Grant opportunity offers vital support to Native American communities seeking to improve workforce participation, reduce poverty, and foster local economic development. The program not only prioritizes outcomes like job placement and credential attainment but also encourages systems-level integration with public workforce boards, educational institutions, and tribal service providers to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
Award Range
$18,024 - $5,998,062
Total Program Funding
$76,000,000
Number of Awards
163
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
$76M total; $18K–$6M per award; 3-year period of performance; annual reissuance subject to funding and performance
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
The following organizations are eligible to apply. Please review Section II.A of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for additional information on eligibility.Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education. To be eligible as a Native American tribal organization, an applicant must meet the criteria as defined in 25 U.S.C 5304(l): The recognized governing body of any Indian tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: Provided, that in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian tribe, the approval of each such Indian tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant. Eligible Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status with the IRS are limited to the following organizations: Alaska Native-controlled organizations; Native Hawaiian-controlled organizations; Indian-controlled organizations serving INAs, including Tribal Colleges and Universities; State-recognized tribal organizations that meet the definition of an Indian-controlled organization, as defined in 20 CFR 684.130 and incumbent State-recognized tribes that meet the requirements at 20 CFR 684.130; and a consortium of eligible entities, which meets the legal requirements described in 20 CFR 684.200(a) and (e). Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all eligible organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization"s religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Align with WIOA Section 166; emphasize tribal partnership structures; demonstrate service coverage and capacity; link training to local labor needs.
Application Opens
April 2, 2026
Application Closes
May 22, 2026
Grantor
U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration)
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