science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOC-DOCNISTERA

Native Entities Grant Program

DOC NIST ERA · 2026-NTIA-NEGP

88 days left

Expected Awards

100

Deadline

November 17, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

NTIA's Native Entities Grant Program provides 100 grants (with cost-sharing) to Native entities for broadband planning, adoption, and deployment. Part of the Internet for All initiative, this helps tribal governments and Native entities develop broadband strategies, assess connectivity needs, and build digital inclusion programs. It's a companion to the larger Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.

Who Should Apply

Federally recognized tribal governments, Alaska Native corporations, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and tribal colleges with broadband connectivity challenges.

Who Should NOT Apply

Non-Native entities, state/local governments, private ISPs (unless partnering with eligible Native entities), or organizations without tribal community connections.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must be a Native entity (tribal government, Alaska Native corporation, Native Hawaiian org, tribal college)
•Must address broadband planning, adoption, or deployment on Native lands
•100 awards expected
•Cost-sharing IS required
•Must demonstrate unserved or underserved connectivity status
•Must develop sustainable broadband strategies

💡 GrantQuick Tip

100 awards for Native entities is generous — most tribes that apply with a solid plan get funded. Focus on demonstrating your community's connectivity gaps with FCC broadband maps and your plan to close them. If you're not ready to BUILD broadband, apply for planning funds to develop a comprehensive broadband strategy. NTIA wants to fund your next step, wherever you are in the process.

Competitiveness: Low — 100 awards for ~574 tribes plus other Native entities. Most qualifying applicants with complete applications receive funding.

What This Grant Funds

NTIA is soliciting applications for the Native Entities Grant Program (“Program”), authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division F, Title III, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1209 (November 15, 2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1701, 1721, et seq.) (the “Digital Equity Act of 2021” or “Act”). The Act authorizes two programs that set aside funds for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations (collectively “Native Entities”): the “State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program” and the “Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.” To reduce administrative burden and cost, NTIA is releasing the funds for both programs through a single application process.

Attachments

PDF

2026-NTIA-NEGP

NTIA_Amended_NEGP_NOFO_2026.pdf

PDF

TBCP3 and NEGP NOFO Technical Amendment 2026

TBCP3_NEGP_NOFO_Technical_Amendment_2026.pdf

Who Can Apply

The following entities are eligible to receive grants under the Native Entities Grant Program: 1. An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization (“Native Entity”); or 2. A partnership between Eligible Entities (“Consortium”). See Section III of this NOFO for additional information concerning the eligibility requirements for this program.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Expected Number of Awards: 100
Cost Sharing Required?: Yes
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 17, 2026

Application Deadline: November 17, 2026 (88 days remaining)

Agency Contact

Shanell Williams

shanell.williams@nist.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov