The Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance - Esther Martinez Immersion program provides funding for projects that help keep Native languages alive through immersion-based education. This includes programs like Language Nests for young children and Survival Schools for older students, focusing on using Native languages as the main medium of instruction.
Who it's for: This grant is for federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, private institutions of higher education, and other Native American tribal organizations that are interested in creating or maintaining language immersion programs.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a federally recognized Indian tribal government or eligible organization
- Failure to provide a matching contribution
- Proposing a program that does not meet the minimum hours of language instruction
- Not focusing on Native American language immersion
- Incomplete application submission
What You May Need
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., 501(c)(3) status)
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan including cost-sharing details
- Documentation of language program structure
- Letters of support from community or tribal leaders
- Plan for measuring program success
- Organizational financial statements
- List of key personnel and their qualifications
- Timeline of project activities
- Registration with the System for Award Management (SAM)
Cautions
- Must provide a matching contribution
- Programs must meet specific instructional hour requirements
- Ensure compliance with the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act
- Strict deadlines for application submission
- Funds are limited and competitive
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, private institutions of higher education, and other Native American tribal organizations. These entities must be interested in establishing or maintaining Native language immersion programs as defined by the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act.
Overview
This grant is for federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, private institutions of higher education, and other Native American tribal organizations that are interested in creating or maintaining language immersion programs.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a federally recognized Indian tribal government or eligible organization
- Failure to provide a matching contribution
- Proposing a program that does not meet the minimum hours of language instruction
- Not focusing on Native American language immersion
- Incomplete application submission
Use of Funds
The funds can be used to develop and implement educational programs that provide Native language instruction to children and students. This includes costs associated with staffing, materials, facilities, and other resources necessary for running a language nest or survival school.
Total Program Funding
$4,500,000
Expected Awards
6
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jul 8, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 7, 2026(29 days)
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as a federally recognized tribal government or eligible organization
- Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Prepare a detailed project proposal with a focus on language immersion
- Develop a budget plan including cost-sharing details
- Gather letters of support from community or tribal leaders
- Outline a plan for program evaluation and success measurement
- Compile organizational financial statements
- List qualifications of key personnel involved in the project
- Create a timeline for project activities
- Submit the complete application by the deadline