# NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/bia-nativeact-2026-oied-native-act-tribal-tourism-cooperative-agreement/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363399

> Bureau of Indian Affairs offered grants of up to $1.5 million (at least $1.5 million) to nonprofits, colleges and universities and tribes. It expected to make one award worth $1.5 million in total. Applications closed on August 28, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | BIA-NATIVEACT-2026-OIED |
| Agency | Bureau of Indian Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | August 28, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $1.5 million |
| Award floor | $1.5 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | $1.5 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 15.032 |

## Who can apply

- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Eligible ApplicantsPublic and State controlled institutions of higher educationNative American tribal governments (Federally recognized)Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher educationNonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher educationAdditional Information on EligibilityEligibility is limited to: Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations, as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) (25 U.S.C. 5304), including Tribal Consortia; Tribal Colleges or Universities qualifying under 25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq, 25 U.S.C. 640a note, and section 532 of 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Institute of higher education in any State admitting students as per 20 U.S.C. 1091(d); Private institutions of higher education; and Nonprofits.

## What the grant funds

The NATIVE Act cooperative agreement will support Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP) and Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) applicants, which is comprised of Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, by identifying technical assistance needs and delivering targeted capacity-building support to expand cultural heritage tourism and increase visitation. The selected recipient will provide tools, strategies, and expertise to enhance and grow tourism activities and destinations, while facilitating coordination between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce in planning and implementation. The NATIVE Act requires identification of a means for delivering and coordinating Federal technical assistance and resources for cultural heritage tourism in collaboration with Federal partners, including the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce and other Federal agencies and entities with tourism expertise. The NATIVE Act provides authority so the "Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values."Native Hawaiian organization means a nonprofit organization: (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions, and; (C) that are recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism. Awards are made for an initial one-year budget period and may receive continuation funding for up to four additional one-year budget periods, for a total period of performance not to exceed five years. Continuation funding is contingent upon satisfactory performance, the availability of funds, and agency priorities.

## Questions people ask

### Is BIA-NATIVEACT-2026-OIED still open?

No. It closed on August 28, 2026.

### Who can apply for NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement?

Bureau of Indian Affairs accepted applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities and tribes. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement?

Closed August 28, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $1.5 million each. About $1.5 million in total for one award.

### Who has won Indian Economic Development grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, Quechan Indian Tribe, Cherokee Nation. The program made 192 awards worth $49.4 million in that time.