The Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) Grant, funded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), is designed to empower Native American and Alaska Native communities in managing environmental quality. The program aims to support tribal governing bodies in regulating air, water, and land resources within their regions. The grant assists in the development and enforcement of environmental laws, ensuring compliance with both federal and tribal environmental regulations.

The ERE program funds projects that enhance environmental regulatory programs, integrate traditional ecological knowledge into environmental management, and advance land co-management efforts. These projects must align with community priorities and cultural values while promoting sustainability. The program provides financial assistance for project periods of 12, 24, or 36 months, with funding ceilings varying accordingly: $300,000 for 12 months, $600,000 for 24 months, and $900,000 for 36 months. The total available funding for the program is $2,000,000, with an expected three awards to be granted.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes, incorporated non-federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, tribal organizations, tribal consortia, Alaska Native villages, and nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible. Additionally, applicants with an active award under Assistance Listing Number 93.581 are ineligible for new funding. A 20% cost-sharing match is required unless the applicant qualifies for a waiver.

Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by April 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with a project start date expected on September 30, 2025. Required components of the application include a project narrative, objective work plan (OWP), budget narrative, organizational capacity documentation, and board representation assurance (if applicable). Applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov before submission. Additionally, all projects must participate in a federal evaluation to measure program impact and compliance.

The application review process consists of an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit review where projects are evaluated based on community need, project design, capacity, budget, and expected outcomes. The final funding decisions rest with ANA’s Commissioner, who considers geographic distribution and community-driven approaches in awarding grants. Award notices will be issued to selected applicants, and funding will be contingent on compliance with federal reporting and administrative requirements.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact Carmelia Strickland at anacomments@acf.hhs.gov for program-related questions or Tim Chappelle at tim.chappelle@acf.hhs.gov for grants management concerns. The ANA also offers pre-application training and technical assistance to prospective applicants.