Environmental Regulatory Enhancement

The Environmental Regulatory Enhancement program, administered by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, supports tribal efforts to build environmental regulatory capacity. This discretionary grant initiative aligns with ANA’s broader mission to promote self-sufficiency and cultural preservation among Native American communities by strengthening their governance and environmental oversight capabilities. The program specifically targets tribal governing bodies seeking to plan, develop, and implement environmental regulatory programs in accordance with federal and tribal environmental laws. The primary purpose of this grant is to empower tribal communities to enhance their ability to regulate and enforce environmental standards on tribal lands. Projects funded under this opportunity are expected to address environmental issues by developing and implementing tribal codes, ordinances, and regulations. This includes activities such as conducting environmental assessments, establishing environmental review processes, and creating administrative procedures to support regulatory enforcement. The program is designed to help tribal governments operate as effective stewards of their natural resources and public health, responding to local priorities through culturally relevant approaches. The funding scope covers planning, development, and implementation costs of eligible programs. While specific spending rules beyond alignment with regulatory enhancement are not detailed, applicants must demonstrate that their proposals contribute to increasing tribal regulatory capabilities in environmental quality. The program anticipates making four awards, with individual award ceilings of up to $900,000 and a floor of $100,000, drawing from a total estimated program funding of $2 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Cost sharing or matching is required for all successful applicants, although the exact amount or formula is not specified in the forecast notice. Eligibility for the program is inclusive but specific. Federally recognized Indian tribes, incorporated non-federally recognized tribes, state-recognized Indian tribes, non-profit Alaska Native community entities, and other tribal organizations, including village consortia and regional associations with village-specific projects, are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations that meet or do not meet 501(c)(3) IRS status are also eligible, provided they are not institutions of higher education. Faith-based and community organizations may also apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Applications from individuals and foreign entities are strictly disqualified. Submissions must be completed electronically through Grants.gov, with applications due by June 25, 2026, no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time. While the estimated posting date is May 8, 2026, the award and project start dates are both anticipated for September 30, 2026. No pre-application requirements such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers are indicated in the forecast. Applicants are advised to follow standard Grants.gov procedures and timelines to ensure compliance. For more information or clarification, applicants may contact Carmelia Strickland at (202) 401-6741 or via email at [email protected]. As a forecasted opportunity, the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement program is likely to recur annually, making this a key time for interested organizations to prepare for the upcoming release. Based on a base due date of June 25 and the language of the listing, the program is expected to recur on an annual basis, with the next expected cycle due in June 2027.