The *Region XI American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) Collaboration Office* funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2025-ACF-OHS-HC-R11-0161) provides $350,000 annually to establish and operate a Region XI AIAN Collaboration Office. This initiative, administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), aims to enhance coordination and collaboration between Region XI AIAN Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs, early care and education providers, and stakeholders serving AIAN children and families. The program seeks to promote partnerships, improve workforce development, analyze program data, and support successful transitions for children into elementary school systems.

The primary goals of the Region XI AIAN Collaboration Office include conducting an annual needs assessment to identify program challenges and opportunities, developing a strategic plan to address those needs, establishing an Advisory Council to provide guidance, and fostering collaborative relationships with key national, state, and local partners. These efforts should focus on improving access to early childhood education, health, mental health, and family services for AIAN communities. The recipient will work closely with OHS to align its activities with national priorities, including workforce development, language preservation, and culturally responsive education.

The successful applicant will be required to conduct specific activities, including an annual needs assessment using data from sources such as program information reports, school readiness goals, and federal monitoring reviews. A strategic plan must be developed based on these findings, outlining strategies to improve service delivery and collaboration. The recipient must also form and convene an Advisory Council, consisting of 6–8 members with direct knowledge of AIAN Head Start programs, to provide ongoing input. Collaborative partnerships will be established with national and regional organizations, such as Indian Health Services, the Bureau of Indian Education, and higher education institutions, to address workforce challenges and improve service delivery.

The funding for this program is provided as a cooperative agreement, allowing substantial involvement from OHS, which includes reviewing and approving key program components such as strategic plans and Advisory Council memberships. The award is for a five-year project period, divided into five 12-month budget periods, with an annual funding ceiling and floor of $350,000. The project is expected to be fully operational within 60 days of the award, with key staff required to attend an initial project briefing with OHS and provide updates within 45 days of that meeting.

Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments, tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and faith-based organizations. Applications from individuals or foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate the organizational capacity to conduct the required activities, including staffing a qualified Collaboration Director and providing administrative support.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by January 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Submissions must adhere to strict formatting requirements, including a 100-page limit for the project description and appendices, and must be organized into two files. Required documents include a project summary, strategic approach, budget justification, proof of legal status, and organizational capacity documentation such as resumes and organizational charts. Non-compliance with formatting or submission requirements will result in disqualification. The anticipated project start date is September 30, 2025.