Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska-SEDS-AK

The Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska (SEDS-AK) grant is administered by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), a division of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This grant opportunity is designed to strengthen Alaska Native tribal governments by funding village-specific projects that promote self-sufficiency through integrated social and economic development. ANA operates under the statutory authority of section 803(a) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2991b) and lists this funding under Assistance Listing Number 93.612. The SEDS-AK program recognizes that Alaska Native communities have unique governmental structures and face distinct challenges. To that end, the program supports initiatives that develop tribal governance infrastructure, promote community-based economic initiatives, and enhance social service programs that preserve culture and improve quality of life. Funded projects must incorporate strategies that address at least one of three foundational goals: social development, economic development, or governance capacity. Projects can include efforts like tribal court system development, community master planning, or the formation of Native Community Development Financial Institutions. Eligible applicants include a wide range of Alaska Native entities, such as federally recognized Indian tribes in Alaska, Alaska Native villages, nonprofit village consortia, Native organizations in Alaska, incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multipurpose community-based organizations, and Alaska Native Regional Corporations or Associations proposing village-specific projects. Urban Indian Centers and Native Community Development Financial Institutions in Alaska are also eligible. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible, and applicants must ensure that a majority of their board represents the Native communities served, if not applying as a tribal government. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2025. The expected project start date is September 30, 2025. Applicants must also be registered with SAM.gov and maintain that registration throughout the project period. Cost sharing is required, amounting to 20% of the total project cost, though waivers may be requested under specified conditions outlined in 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3). All funds will be awarded at the beginning of the project period, and projects may span 12, 24, or 36 months. The maximum award amount is $900,000 for a 36-month project, with a minimum award amount of $100,000. The application package includes a detailed project narrative, objective work plan, budget narrative, and several attachments including board representation assurances and letters of support. The project narrative must articulate a current community condition, a clearly stated goal, specific objectives, and a robust implementation plan. Additional requirements include a data management plan, staffing plan, oversight plan, and protection protocols for sensitive data. Projects must be feasible, community-driven, and sustainable beyond the federal funding period. Grant applications will undergo a merit-based review scored out of 100 points, with the project narrative accounting for 75 points. Evaluation will consider factors such as clarity of the community condition being addressed, feasibility of implementation, meaningful community involvement, and logical connections between objectives, outcomes, and project goals. Required post-award commitments include attending an ANA recipient meeting each project year and post-award training in the first year. For assistance, applicants may contact Carmelia Strickland at anacomments@acf.hhs.gov or (877) 922-9262. Grants management contact is Tim Chappelle at tim.chappelle@acf.hhs.gov. ANA technical assistance providers are also available for support during the application process.

Use ANA templates and examples for clarity. Avoid vague objectives and ensure all narrative elements align.