The Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps State and National Native Nation Grants provide an opportunity for Indian Tribes to apply for funding to support AmeriCorps members in community service initiatives. These grants are intended to strengthen communities through national service and volunteering by engaging AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions. Members serve with organizations dedicated to community improvement, and upon successful completion of service, they may receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for education or student loan repayment.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to empower tribal communities through a variety of prioritized initiatives. These include civic engagement and youth mental health, STEM education for students in Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Indigenous Urban Centers, as well as initiatives for Indigenous Teacher Preparation and GED support. Additionally, projects that focus on traditional Native languages and cultural practices, sustainable food systems, Indigenous environmental practices, digital skills development, and health-related services, particularly those addressing trauma or Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), are prioritized. Veterans and military families are also highlighted as a focus area for service and support.

Funding provided through this grant supports a variety of cost structures, including Cost Reimbursement and Fixed Amount grants. Match requirements for Cost Reimbursement grants are waived for Native Nations, and Match Replacement Funds may be available for economically distressed communities. Awards vary in amount depending on project scope, with a maximum cost per Member Service Year (MSY) set at $25,000. AmeriCorps plans to make three-year awards with applicants submitting a one-year budget and selecting a project start date after August 15, 2025. Organizations must raise additional funds to support program operation, particularly with Fixed Amount grants.

Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes and tribal organizations that are controlled, authorized, or chartered by federally recognized tribes. Documentation must be provided to demonstrate this status. New applicants, including small community-based or faith-based organizations, are encouraged to apply. Restrictions apply to organizations with unpaid federal taxes or violations of federal criminal statutes. Applications must be submitted electronically via AmeriCorps' system and should include several key components, such as a logic model, performance measures, budget, and narrative sections. Additional documents may be required, particularly for entities applying on behalf of a tribe or proposing previously funded projects.

The review process evaluates applications based on program design, organizational capability, cost-effectiveness, and data evaluation. Applications are due by April 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. AmeriCorps will notify successful applicants by the end of May 2025, with awards issued by mid-July 2025. Reviewers will assess community need, intervention logic, evidence base, member experience, and organizational readiness. Funding decisions will also factor in risk assessments and strategic priorities, such as rural representation or innovative strategies.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage grants effectively and adhere to AmeriCorps regulations, including those regarding member living allowances, criminal history checks, and indirect costs. Continuation funding is available for current awardees in good standing. Technical assistance sessions are offered, and AmeriCorps encourages applicants to participate for support in navigating the application process.