Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program

The Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program (Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2025-IHS-TSGP-0002) is administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant program is part of the IHS's effort to support Tribes in developing the necessary legal, financial, and operational infrastructure to enter into or expand participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). The TSGP allows Tribes to assume control over Indian Health Service programs, services, functions, and activities (PSFAs) to deliver healthcare in ways that are better tailored to the unique needs of their communities. The goal of the Planning Cooperative Agreement is to support eligible Tribes and Tribal organizations in fulfilling the planning phase required under Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). This phase includes conducting legal and budgetary research, evaluating organizational and financial readiness, and engaging in internal governance planning. These planning activities help recipients make informed decisions about assuming PSFAs and ensure that they are prepared to take on program responsibilities effectively and sustainably. For the fiscal year 2025, the IHS expects to allocate a total of $540,000 in funding under this opportunity. The agency anticipates making three awards of $180,000 each, with a performance period of one year. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, which involve substantial federal involvement throughout the grant period, including technical assistance and provision of regulatory and policy guidance by IHS. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, although voluntary contributions must still be reported and accounted for. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603. Applicants must demonstrate a history of financial stability over the past three fiscal years and must submit draft or final Tribal Resolutions supporting their application. Tribes already participating in TSGP and having completed the required planning phase are not eligible to apply. Entities affected by the Alaska Moratorium or those prohibited from receiving ISDEAA funds are also excluded. Applications are due by August 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Submission must occur through Grants.gov, and applicants must maintain active registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov throughout the life of the award. No late applications will be considered unless a waiver is requested and approved prior to the deadline due to emergency conditions. The earliest project start date is September 1, 2025, with awards expected to be made the same day. Applications must include a project narrative, budget narrative, Tribal resolution, audit documentation, key personnel biographies, and standard federal forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A. The application will be evaluated based on five criteria: need for assistance (25 points), objectives and work plan (25 points), evaluation strategy (25 points), organizational capabilities (15 points), and budget narrative (10 points). Unsuccessful applications will be notified by letter or email, and successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award through GrantSolutions. For additional assistance, prospective applicants may contact Program Officer Jessaka Nakai at Jessaka.Nakai@ihs.gov or by phone at 301-526-6624.

Submit draft resolutions if final versions are not available; provide detailed, measurable objectives and clear budget justifications; follow formatting guidelines precisely.