Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities

The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled "Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities." This grant aims to support Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs), as well as the Tribes, Tribal Organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and Intertribal Consortiums they serve. It will assist in carrying out the seven statutory functions of TECs as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) at 25 U.S.C. 1621m(b). The forecasted opportunity number is HHS-2026-IHS-EP1-0001. The purpose of this grant is to enhance public health capacity across American Indian and Alaska Native communities by funding epidemiological infrastructure and services. IHS intends to fund sufficient TECs to ensure comprehensive coverage across all 12 IHS administrative areas, with the Urban Indian population considered as a consolidated Area. The supported activities must address all seven statutory TEC functions, though applicants may propose additional activities aligned with program goals. The program is designed as a cooperative agreement with an anticipated total program funding of $35,000,000. The estimated number of awards is 12, although exact figures for the award ceiling and floor have not yet been finalized. Funds are expected to be disbursed starting July 1, 2026, which is also the projected project start date. The funding falls under Assistance Listing 93.231—Epidemiology Program and is classified under the Health category. Eligible applicants include Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized governments), Urban Indian organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29), and Intertribal Consortiums as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1621m(d)(2). Urban Indian organizations must be nonprofit corporate entities located in urban centers and governed by boards that are controlled by Urban Indian communities. Intertribal Consortiums must be representative of Tribes or Urban Indian communities in the areas they serve and incorporated for the purpose of improving Indian health. Applicants must also represent or serve at least 60,000 AI/AN individuals or 70 percent of Tribal governments in their area. Proof of nonprofit status is required, and applicants should refer to the attachments for additional documentation requirements. The forecast estimates the grant will be posted on January 16, 2026, with applications due by April 17, 2026. These dates are subject to change as this is currently a forecasted opportunity. No cost-sharing or matching requirements are in place for this funding opportunity. Once published, further details, including the full application package, will be available through Grants.gov. For questions or additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact the Division of Grants Management at 301-443-5204 or via email at dgm@ihs.gov. Further updates and application guidance will be posted at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/.