Native Language Immersion Initiative Grant

_NOTE: First Nations recognizes that some of our most rural and remote applicants may have  imited access to high-speed internet. Any exceptions to use of the online system must be made at least two weeks in advance of the application deadline._

With the support of individuals, foundations, corporate and tribal donors, First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance & training, advocacy & policy, and direct financial grants in multiple key areas:

Founded in 1980, First Nations began its national grantmaking program in 1993. Through year end 2023, we have successfully managed 3,385 grants totaling $79.9 million to Native American projects and organizations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S.

Native Language Immersion Initiative

First Nations originally launched the Native Language Immersion Initiative (NLII) in 2017 as a three-year project to build on longtime efforts to support the revitalization and perpetuation of Native languages. The NLII program is designed specifically to build the capacity of and support Native language immersion education programs in tribal communities. With generous support from several foundations and numerous individual donors across the U.S., the NLII program has continued beyond the initial investment.

During this funding cycle, First Nations will award 10 grants ranging from $45,000 to $75,000 to build the capacity of and directly support Native-controlled nonprofit organizations and tribal government programs actively advancing Native language immersion programs.

Language is the foundation through which traditions are deeply rooted and values – such as respect for elders, community, and the Earth – are taught. Research has shown that learning a language increases the social, emotional, intellectual, cultural, and physical development of children. Fortified by learning their Native language, Native youth build a positive cultural identity and resiliency to face life’s challenges.

Since the NLII began, more than 30 Native organizations and tribes have received over $4 million in funding to build the capacity of and directly support their Native language immersion programs. In addition to direct financial resources, this initiative seeks to build a dialogue and community of practice among Native language immersion grantees and momentum for supporting Native language programs.

Funding under this grant will support capacity-building activities designed to improve and enhance the language immersion program’s ability to achieve its mission. This may include curriculum development, technology access, instructional courses and materials, mentorships, teacher training and other kinds of organizational infrastructure.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Type of Eligible Entities:
  • Tribes, Native-controlled nonprofits, and Native-controlled community organizations with active Native language immersion programs located in the United States or U.S. territories are eligible to apply.
  • First Nations considers “Native-controlled” to mean that the majority (more than 50%) of the organization’s Board of Directors is tribally-affiliated.
  • Types of eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
  • Federal- and State-Recognized Tribal Governments and Departments
  • Native §7871 Organizations
  • Native-Controlled 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
  • Native-Controlled Community Organizations with fiscal sponsorship
• Language Immersion Program Requirements:
  • Eligible programs must fit at least two or more of the following criteria for Native language immersion:
  • Have an existing language-immersion program (one-year minimum).
  • Provide at least 20 hours of Native language instruction per week in a year
  • Serve a minimum of 10 students; open for all age groups but youth serving and intergenerational teaching is preferred
  • Have a community vision for the future of their language
  • Programs should be actively growing new speakers and have assessment and evaluation plans in order to identify progression in student Native language acquisition.
• Applicants must serve a rural- or reservation-based community unless otherwise specified.
• Allowable Grant Activities:
• Administrative, programmatic and organizational capacity-building activities must support language-immersion programs.
• Examples of allowable activities under this funding opportunity include, but are not limited to:
• Curriculum development
• Language and culture summer and after-school camps
• Professional development
• Mentorships
• Internships
• Leadership succession planning
• Strengthening technological and informational systems
• Conducting audits
• Program evaluation consulting
• Optional activities may include, but are not limited to, program development, implementation, and ongoing support.
  • All activities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in correlation to proposed project objectives.

Ineligibility

• First Nations does not currently provide funding for individuals, public schools or organizations serving American Indians that are not Native-controlled or tribally operated.
• First Nations cannot fund any public or BIE (Bureau of Indian Education) schools.
  • First Nations can fund schools that are Native-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and schools that are tribally-operated such as tribal colleges and universities (TCUs).
• Furthermore, urban groups that serve only off-reservation tribal members are unlikely to be funded outside of specifically-targeted opportunities.
• Organizations located and/or serving communities outside of the United States or U.S. Territories are not eligible to apply.