The Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance (P&M) Program, funded by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), provides financial support for community-based projects designed to ensure the survival and vitality of Native American languages. This initiative aims to support the revitalization, preservation, and education efforts of Native communities by funding projects that establish, improve, or enhance Native language programs.

The total expected funding for this grant is $12,000,000, with approximately 15 awards anticipated. Grant applicants can choose between three funding periods based on project duration: 12 months ($300,000 ceiling), 24 months ($600,000 ceiling), or 36 months ($900,000 ceiling). Awards will be fully funded at the start of the project period, ensuring recipients have immediate access to resources. However, funding is contingent on congressional appropriations, and projects must adhere to spending limitations, including restrictions on construction, real property purchases, and major renovations.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized and state-recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, nonprofit Native organizations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and public and nonprofit agencies serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Entities applying must ensure their governing boards include majority representation from the Native communities they serve. Faith-based and community organizations are also eligible if they meet these criteria. Individuals, foreign entities, and organizations with an active ANA award under Assistance Listing 93.587 are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet a 20% cost-sharing requirement, although certain U.S. territories may qualify for waivers up to $199,999.

The application deadline is April 14, 2025, with a project start date expected on July 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, unless an exemption for paper submission is granted. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov in advance, as registration can take several weeks. ANA strongly encourages participation in pre-application webinars and technical assistance sessions.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive project narrative, including a description of the current state of their community’s Native language, a clear project goal, and measurable objectives. Additionally, proposals must include a line-item budget, an organizational capacity statement, and an objective work plan (OWP) detailing project milestones. Successful applications will demonstrate community involvement, sustainability planning, and alignment with ANA’s mission.

Proposals will be evaluated based on a 100-point merit review, covering project feasibility, expected outcomes, community engagement, organizational capacity, and budget justification. ANA will prioritize projects that promote intergenerational language transmission, teacher training, and language material development, particularly in underserved communities. The final award decisions will be at the discretion of the ANA Commissioner.

For further assistance, applicants can contact Carmelia Strickland at (202) 690-7441 or via email at anacomments@acf.hhs.gov for program-related inquiries. Grants management questions should be directed to Tim Chappelle at tim.chappelle@acf.hhs.gov. Technical assistance and training resources are available through ANA’s regional Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Centers.