Native Entities Grant Program
The Native Entities Grant Program offers funding to Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations to support digital equity, with a single application for two grant programs.
Funder: DOC NIST ERA
Due Dates: November 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (Applications)
Funding Amounts: Expected awards of $500,000–$2,500,000 over four years; at least $250 million available
Summary: Supports Native Entities’ projects that increase broadband adoption, digital skills, and internet use in their communities.
Key Information: Projects must serve Native Entity members and may not include general research or academic studies.
Description
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce, administers this competitive program for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizations, and partnerships among eligible entities. It combines Native Entity set-asides from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program into one application process to reduce administrative burden and cost.
The program supports broadband adoption, education and employment opportunities, digital skills and workforce training, low- or no-cost equipment and broadband services, and public access computing centers. NTIA seeks efficient, sustainable projects with measurable outcomes that complement rather than duplicate other federally funded broadband initiatives. Projects supporting Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) investments receive priority, with the goal of improving connectivity and internet use for Native communities.
