Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Planning Implementation

The Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Planning & Implementation grant is a forecasted funding opportunity administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative represents part of the federal government's commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for Native American populations. Through the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), IHS aims to extend care into tribal communities across the contiguous United States, adapting the successful model originally implemented in Alaska to meet the diverse needs of tribes in the lower 48 states. This funding opportunity is designed specifically to support Federally recognized Tribes and eligible Tribal Organizations as they plan for and implement a CHAP within their service areas. It recognizes that implementation requires significant regional flexibility and is grounded in a careful evaluation of each tribe's readiness and unique circumstances. The planning and implementation process involves feasibility assessments, identification of workforce and training needs, and development of sustainable program structures that align with tribal governance and healthcare delivery goals. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, making it financially accessible to a broad range of tribal entities. A total of $3 million in funding is expected to be available, with individual awards ranging between $500,000 and $750,000. Up to four awards are anticipated under this funding opportunity, although the exact number will depend on application quality and available funding. The estimated award and start dates are not yet provided, as this is a forecasted opportunity and subject to further updates when formally posted to Grants.gov. Eligibility is limited to Federally recognized Indian Tribes and qualifying Tribal Organizations as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603 and 25 U.S.C. 5304(l). Notably, individual applicants, foreign organizations, and entities barred under the Alaska Moratorium are ineligible. Additionally, applicants must submit tribal resolutions or letters of support from the tribes they intend to serve, particularly if the proposal involves benefits to multiple tribal entities. The IHS emphasizes that entities may not receive concurrent funding for the same program under this or future announcements while an active grant is in place. As this is only a forecasted opportunity, the official application package, submission deadlines, and full program guidelines have not yet been finalized or published. Once live, the opportunity will appear on Grants.gov with a detailed synopsis and application instructions. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for updates, including the release of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which is expected to be published on or around May 1, 2025. The application due date will be clarified at that time. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact the Indian Health Service Division of Grants Management at 301-443-5204. No email contact or downloadable PDF is currently available. The program’s archive date is February 13, 2026, after which the opportunity and its materials may no longer be publicly accessible via Grants.gov.