Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program

The Tribal Management Grant Program is administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS) under the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides competitive funding to federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and eligible Urban Indian Organizations to enhance capacity and prepare for assuming management of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975. The program aims to strengthen health management infrastructure, improve governance and administrative systems, and support the planning, evaluation, or implementation of health service management functions. The program offers four project types: Feasibility Study, Planning, Evaluation Study, and Health Management Structure. Each has specific funding and performance period limits. Feasibility Studies may receive up to $70,000 for one year to determine the viability of Tribal management of specific IHS programs. Planning projects are funded up to $50,000 for one year to establish goals, design health programs, and develop management systems. Evaluation Studies, also up to $50,000 for one year, assess the impact and effectiveness of existing programs. Health Management Structure projects can receive an average of $100,000 for one year, with a maximum of $300,000 over three years, to implement systems that improve or correct management operations. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29), which meet nonprofit requirements and are currently administering a contract or receiving an award pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1653. Applicants must provide documentation such as Tribal Resolutions, proof of nonprofit status, and other relevant certifications. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, and applicants may submit only one project type per application cycle. Certain entities, such as individuals and organizations under specific legal restrictions, are ineligible. Applications must include a project abstract, narrative, budget narrative, and various attachments, including work plans, biographical sketches, indirect cost agreements, letters of support, and audit documentation. Proposals are evaluated on introduction and need for assistance, project objectives and approach, program evaluation, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The review process includes initial compliance checks, merit review by a committee, and risk assessment before award decisions are made. The forecasted application opening date is January 26, 2026, with an estimated closing date of March 27, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by May 31, 2026, with projects beginning as early as June 1, 2026. Funding for the 2026 cycle is estimated at $2,761,000, with approximately 16 awards anticipated. All awards are subject to the availability of funds, continued project progress, and federal budget priorities. Applicants are encouraged to subscribe for updates on Grants.gov and should ensure their registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov are current before submission. Contact for program and eligibility inquiries is the Division of Grants Management, reachable at 301-443-5204 or via email at [email protected]. Additional program details and resources can be found on the IHS Division of Grants Management funding webpage.