The Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska (SEDS-AK) program is administered by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), a division of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is designed to support the development and enhancement of the core capacity of Alaska Native Village governments. These governments are considered essential to promoting economic and social self-sufficiency among Alaska Natives. This initiative recognizes the unique governmental structures and social needs within Alaska and seeks to address them through targeted, community-driven efforts.

The purpose of the SEDS-AK program is to fund community-based projects that foster both social and economic development in Alaska Native communities. ANA supports the integration of these development strategies to build sustainable Native communities. The program specifically emphasizes capacity-building projects that enhance the administration and management capabilities of Alaska Native Village governments, thus enabling them to independently support long-term development goals and community needs.

For Fiscal Year 2025, an estimated total program funding of $2,000,000 will be made available. Grant awards will range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $900,000. It is expected that approximately three awards will be granted under this opportunity. Cost sharing or matching is required for this program. Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on April 14, 2025. The anticipated post date for the funding opportunity is January 13, 2025, with awards projected to be made by August 29, 2025. Selected projects are expected to begin on September 30, 2025.

Eligibility is limited to specific entities that serve Alaska Native communities. These include Federally-recognized Indian tribes in Alaska, Alaska Native villages, non-profit village consortia, and other non-profit Native organizations with village-specific projects. Additional eligible entities include incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations, Urban Indian Organizations and Centers, Native Community Development Financial Institutions, and Alaska Native Regional Corporations or Associations with village-specific initiatives. Applicants that are not Federally-recognized tribal governments must demonstrate that a majority of their governing board represents the Alaska Native community they propose to serve. Individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations may apply if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Applicants will be required to submit a full proposal electronically, and all applications must comply with the requirements set forth in 45 CFR §1336.33. Evaluation criteria are not specified in the forecast notice but will be included in the final funding announcement. Additional information about the SEDS-AK program and ANA’s goals can be found on the ANA’s official webpage at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana.

The primary contact for this grant opportunity is Carmelia Strickland, who can be reached by phone at (202) 401-6741 or via email at Carmelia.Strickland@acf.hhs.gov. The estimated forecast date for this opportunity was July 22, 2024, which is also the most recent update date. The grant opportunity is currently in a forecasted status, and further details will be available once the final funding announcement is posted.