Social and Economic Development Strategies -SEDS

The Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) program is administered by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), part of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The ANA is charged with supporting self-sufficiency and cultural preservation within Native American communities. This specific opportunity is authorized under Section 803(a) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (NAPA) and aligns with Assistance Listing Number 93.612. The funding announcement number is HHS-2025-ACF-ANA-NA-0114, and applications are due by July 22, 2025, with anticipated project start dates on September 30, 2025. SEDS grants aim to promote social and economic self-sufficiency for Native Americans, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders from U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The program supports community-based projects that develop local economies, support business development, preserve cultures, and enhance infrastructure and social systems. ANA funds project-specific activities rather than ongoing programs and encourages applicants to propose community-driven, sustainable efforts with measurable goals. Funding for this opportunity totals approximately $18,000,000, with an estimated 20 awards. Award ceilings are determined by project duration: $300,000 for 12-month projects, $600,000 for 24-month projects, and $900,000 for 36-month projects. The minimum award is $100,000. ANA requires a 20% match of the total project cost unless a waiver is granted or the applicant is from an eligible insular area (up to $199,999 waived). Matching contributions may be cash or in-kind from the applicant or third parties. All projects are fully funded at the time of award. Eligible applicants include a broad range of tribal governments and organizations such as federally and state-recognized tribes, tribal consortia, Alaska Native villages and nonprofits, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and nonprofit entities serving Native communities in the territories. Applicants that are not government entities must demonstrate Native community representation on their boards. ANA will disqualify applications from individuals, foreign entities, and any organizations that already hold active ANA awards under this Assistance Listing at the start of the new award period. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Required materials include a completed SF-424 application package, project narrative, line-item budget, Objective Work Plan (OWP), organizational capacity materials, and attachments demonstrating board composition and community involvement. Applications must comply with a 100-page limit (excluding specified attachments) and follow format guidelines including font, spacing, and file types. ANA evaluates applications based on project narrative (75 points), organizational capacity (15 points), and budget narrative (10 points), assessing clarity, feasibility, community involvement, and alignment with program goals. Applicants are required to budget for travel to ANA post-award training in the first year and attend annual recipient meetings each year of the project. Following award, recipients will submit semiannual progress and financial reports, and participate in federally mandated site evaluations. Additional requirements include conflict-of-interest disclosures, intellectual property awareness, and adherence to federal and tribal privacy and procurement regulations. Questions regarding the program may be directed to Carmelia Strickland at anacomments@acf.hhs.gov or (877) 922-9262.

ANA recommends early SAM.gov registration, using local data in narratives, and including required travel in budgets.