Tribal Self-Governance Planning

The Tribal Self-Governance Planning (TSGP) grant program is administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program supports federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations, and certain Urban Indian organizations in planning for participation in the TSGP. The TSGP allows Tribes to negotiate with the IHS to assume, in whole or in part, the Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs) currently operated by the federal government. By doing so, Tribes can design, manage, and deliver health care programs tailored to the specific needs of their communities. Under the TSGP, Tribes have three options for health care delivery. They may receive health care services directly from IHS, enter into Title I Self-Determination Contracts to manage individual programs and services on behalf of IHS, or enter into Title V Self-Governance Compacts, assuming control over a broader range of PSFAs. Tribes may choose a combination of these options depending on their community’s needs. This cooperative agreement is designed to assist Tribes and eligible organizations in assessing their capacity, identifying resources, and preparing to assume new or expanded PSFAs. The purpose of this Planning Cooperative Agreement is twofold. First, it provides funding to Tribes that are not currently participating in TSGP but are interested in joining. Second, it supports existing Self-Governance Tribes that wish to expand their control by taking on additional PSFAs. Through the planning process, grantees will have the resources to evaluate administrative structures, legal requirements, and program capabilities to ensure readiness for negotiation with IHS. Eligibility is restricted to federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments, and Urban Indian organizations meeting specific statutory definitions under 25 U.S.C. 1603(29) and 25 U.S.C. 1653. Urban Indian organizations must be nonprofit corporate bodies located in urban centers, governed by urban Indian-controlled boards of directors, and must currently administer a contract or receive an award under 25 U.S.C. 1653. Proof of nonprofit status is required as part of the application process. The forecasted funding amount for the program in Fiscal Year 2026 is estimated at $540,000, with three awards anticipated. The award ceiling and floor amounts are not yet determined. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, and no cost-sharing or matching funds are required. The estimated application period will open on February 4, 2026, and close on May 21, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by July 31, 2026, with funded projects starting on August 1, 2026. As a forecasted opportunity, the grant is not yet open for applications, and the final application due date may change. Interested applicants should monitor the IHS Division of Grants Management website for updates, including when the synopsis and application package become available. Contact for inquiries is the IHS Division of Grants Management, phone 301-443-5204, email DGM@ihs.gov. The program link for further information is https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/.