Ending the HIV/HCV Epidemics in Indian Country

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Indian Health Service, is forecasting a new cooperative agreement program titled Ending the HIV/HCV Epidemics in Indian Country. This initiative is aligned with the federal government’s broader commitment to reducing the burden of infectious diseases and health disparities in Native communities. The program will be funded under the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund (CFDA 93.899) and is expected to distribute approximately $14,000,000 in total program funding, with an anticipated 26 awards. The official forecast date for this opportunity is August 14, 2025, and it is projected to open for applications on May 19, 2026, with submissions due by July 31, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by August 31, 2026, with projects beginning on September 1, 2026. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen the ability of Native American communities to combat HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis through expanded diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services. This effort is designed to directly reduce the incidence of new infections while improving health outcomes and reducing disparities among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The long-term goals include reducing new HIV, HCV, and syphilis infections to fewer than 3,000 cases per year nationwide by 2030, achieving a 90 percent reduction in new HCV infections, and reducing HCV-related mortality by 65 percent, using 2015 as the baseline year. The program’s scope allows for the implementation of innovative strategies, interventions, and community-based services tailored to address the unique challenges in Indian Country. Funding is structured to support comprehensive approaches that integrate prevention and treatment within existing health frameworks. Although specific spending rules are not detailed in the forecast notice, cooperative agreement mechanisms typically involve close collaboration with the federal agency to ensure that funds are applied effectively toward project goals. Eligibility for this program is limited to federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603(29). To qualify, Urban Indian organizations must demonstrate nonprofit corporate status, governance by an urban Indian-controlled board of directors, and ongoing operation under a federal contract or award pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1653. Proof of nonprofit status is required as part of the application. These criteria ensure that funds are directed toward organizations with established capacity and accountability to Native populations. As this is a forecasted opportunity, full application requirements and evaluation criteria are not yet finalized. However, applicants can expect a structured review process once the funding notice is officially posted. Key dates include an estimated application open date of May 19, 2026, a closing date of July 31, 2026, an award announcement by August 31, 2026, and project initiation on September 1, 2026. The opportunity is not offered on a rolling basis, but given the national scope and alignment with long-term epidemic reduction goals, it is anticipated to recur in future funding cycles. Applicants seeking more information should consult the Indian Health Service Division of Grants Management. Contact details include phone number 301-443-5204 and email address dgm@ihs.gov. Additional program details and updates will be posted on the IHS funding webpage at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/. Organizations interested in applying should begin preparing by reviewing eligibility criteria, aligning proposed interventions with program goals, and securing necessary organizational documentation in advance of the expected application release date.