Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion | HHS 2024 ACF ANA NB 0054

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2024 ACF ANA NB 0054

The Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance - Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI) grant is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Native Americans (ANA). Its purpose is to support community-based efforts that keep Native languages alive by funding immersion-based instruction programs. The notice indicates the NOFO was modified to change the application due date because of adjustments to the Grants.gov maintenance schedule, so applicants should pay close attention to the updated deadline information in Grants.gov and the full NOFO.

Projects funded through EMI must fit into one of two program models authorized under the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act. The first model is a Native American Language Nest, which is a site-based early childhood program that combines instruction and child care delivered through a Native American language. To qualify, the program must serve at least 5 children under age 7 and provide an average of at least 500 hours per year per student in the Native language environment. The second model is a Native American Survival School, also site-based, designed for school-age students. To qualify, it must provide an average of at least 500 hours of instruction delivered through one or more Native American languages for at least 10 students, and it must be those students principal place of instruction. In both cases, the central expectation is real immersion rather than occasional language exposure, with defined minimum participation levels in hours and students served.

Eligibility is broad across Native-serving governments and organizations, as laid out under the governing statutes and regulations (including 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 45 CFR 1336.33). Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes (as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs), incorporated non-federally recognized tribes, incorporated state-recognized tribes, and consortia of tribes. It also includes incorporated nonprofit multipurpose community-based Indian organizations, including Urban Indian Organizations, along with Urban Indian Centers and Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs). Alaska-specific eligible entities include Alaska Native villages as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and nonprofit village consortia, nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village-specific projects, incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multipurpose community-based organizations, nonprofit Alaska Native regional corporations or associations with village-specific projects, and other nonprofit Alaska Native community entities or tribal governing bodies (such as IRA or traditional councils) recognized by BIA. The opportunity also allows public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians, and public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Tribal Colleges and Universities and certain colleges and universities located in Hawaii and U.S. Pacific territories are included as eligible as well, where consistent with the NOFO language.

Some applicants are explicitly not eligible. Individuals, including sole proprietorships, cannot apply, and foreign entities are not eligible; applications from either will be disqualified from merit review and funding consideration. Faith-based and community organizations can apply if they otherwise meet the eligibility rules, and the NOFO states that ACF will not discriminate in selection based on an organization religious character or affiliation, consistent with applicable federal protections and requirements (including 45 CFR Part 87 and related statutes).

Key funding details provided in the source data include the opportunity number HHS 2024 ACF ANA NB 0054 and the CFDA/Assistance Listing number 93.587. The stated award ceiling is $900,000, and the agency anticipates making 2 awards. The original closing date is listed as 2024-05-22, but the description emphasizes that the NOFO was modified due to Grants.gov scheduling changes, so applicants should rely on the most current posted deadline. Overall, this grant is designed for organizations that can operate structured, site-based immersion programs at meaningful scale, measured by minimum annual hours of Native-language instruction and minimum enrollment thresholds, with the broader goal of strengthening the long-term vitality of Native languages in their communities.

• The Administration for Children and Families - ANA in the income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.587.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-03-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $900,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: 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, Others.

Apply for HHS 2024 ACF ANA NB 0054

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