Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Administration for Native Americans, within ACF, is seeking applications for the Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion grant to support community-based projects that sustain Native languages through immersion-based instruction. The program funds projects that meet the requirements of either a Native American Language Nest or a Native American Survival School, including site-based educational programs that provide Native language instruction and, for language nests, child care for young children. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, certain Native and Alaska Native organizations, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-serving entities, and tribal colleges and universities, and funded projects must meet the program’s 500-hour instructional requirements and a cost-sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity is discretionary, with an estimated $4.5 million total program funding, an award range of $100,000 to $900,000, about six awards expected, and electronic applications due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on June 25, 2026.
Eligible Applicants
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §2991b and 45 CFR §1336.33, eligible applicants under this funding opportunity are:Federally recognized Indian tribes, as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); Incorporated non-federally recognized tribes; Incorporated state-recognized Indian tribes; Consortia of Indian tribes; Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations (Including Urban Indian Organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. § 1603(29)); Urban Indian Centers; Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs); Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia; Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village-specific projects; Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multipurpose, community-based organizations; Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations in Alaska with village- specific projects; Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as recognized by the BIA; Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians; National or regional incorporated non-profit Native American organizations with Native American community-specific objectives; Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Tribal Colleges and Universities, and colleges and universities located in Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that serve Native American Pacfic Islanders. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.