Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Native Nations Grants

The AmeriCorps State and National Native Nation Grants program offers a significant funding opportunity specifically designed to support Indian Tribes in strengthening their communities through service. Administered by AmeriCorps, the federal agency dedicated to promoting national service and volunteerism, this grant program enables eligible tribal entities to deploy AmeriCorps members in community-focused initiatives. The program aims to improve lives, foster civic engagement, and address some of the most pressing challenges faced by Native communities across the United States. This initiative continues the federal government’s broader commitment to uplifting tribal sovereignty and wellbeing by investing in evidence-based, community-driven interventions. The program places strong emphasis on a wide array of priority areas including civic engagement, youth mental health, Indigenous education (particularly in STEM disciplines), traditional language and cultural preservation, Indigenous food systems, economic opportunity, environmental resilience, and public health services. AmeriCorps encourages applicants to propose initiatives that not only engage AmeriCorps members in meaningful service but also result in measurable, sustainable benefits for the tribal communities served. Preference is given to programs that offer substantial opportunities for member development, including skill-building, workforce readiness, and community connection. Funding under this program is awarded through three-year grants, with an initial one-year budget required at submission. Applicants can propose a start date on or after August 1, 2026. The estimated award amounts vary by project scope and the type of grant pursued, with a maximum cost per Member Service Year (MSY) set at $25,000 for cost reimbursement and full-cost fixed amount grants. There is no matching funds requirement for cost reimbursement or fixed amount grants, though applicants designated as “severely economically distressed communities” may be eligible for match replacement funds. Programs must also adhere to AmeriCorps guidelines for member living allowances and service hour requirements. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations authorized, controlled, or chartered by such Tribes. Documentation proving authorization or charter status is required. The application must include several standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424), along with detailed narrative sections covering program design, organizational capacity, cost-effectiveness, and an evaluation plan for recompeting applicants. Performance measures, a logic model, and a detailed budget are also mandatory components. Applications must be submitted electronically through the AmeriCorps online system. Applications for this grant are due by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Successful applicants will be notified by early July 2026, with awards issued by the end of that month. While AmeriCorps anticipates making awards for a three-year performance period, future-year continuation awards are contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of congressional appropriations. Programs are expected to begin after August 1, 2026. All awarded programs must comply with AmeriCorps’ administrative policies, criminal background checks, reporting requirements, and terms and conditions. Applicants are encouraged to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), related application instructions, and supplemental documents available on the AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities webpage. For assistance, prospective applicants may contact AmeriCorps via email at [email protected] or by phone at (202) 606-7508. Technical assistance webinars will be hosted and are strongly recommended. AmeriCorps also reserves the right to adjust funding priorities in response to emergencies or evolving community needs, reinforcing the program’s flexibility and responsiveness to tribal realities.

Priority consideration requires showing that the focus area is a significant part of the intended outcomes. No funding is guaranteed solely based on priority alignment.