Native Language Immersion Initiative Grant 2023

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-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Native-controlled community organizations with fiscal sponsorship
• Native §7871 Organizations

Please refer to the FAQ section for further insight regarding applicant eligibility.

All applicants must complete the First Nations’ ONLINE grant application, including submission of necessary attachments by WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022, at 5 pm Mountain Time.

Proposal Requirements:

• A brief history of the organization, its mission and primary programmatic focus.
• A concise description of the project and purpose.
• How your program or project meets the immersion requirements under this opportunity.
• An overview of who your program or project will serve.
• At least three specific goals or objectives to be accomplished with the funding.
• A program narrative of 1,000 words or less that describes how goals and objectives will be achieved, and how the activities will benefit your community or increase organizational/ Tribal department capacity.
• Plans for data collection and evaluation of grant activities.
• Additional funding sources and previous work completed through First Nations’ NLII funding.

The following attachments must be uploaded during the online submission process:

• Tax-Status Documentation. A copy of the organization or fiscal sponsor’s IRS Determination Letter if the applicant is a 501(c)(3) organization or a community organization using a fiscal sponsor. Tribal programs and governments may submit proof that they are a federal- or state-recognized tribe. This document should be uploaded as a PDF file.
• Description of Board of Directors. Native-controlled nonprofits should submit a list of their Board of Directors, with tribal affiliation of each director where applicable. Community organizations with fiscal sponsors should submit a list of their leadership team, with tribal affiliation of each team member where applicable. Tribal programs and governments should submit a list of their Tribal Council in lieu of a Board of Directors. This document should be uploaded as a PDF file.
• Description of Key Leadership Staff. Native-controlled nonprofits and community organizations with fiscal sponsors should submit a list of key staff who will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the proposed project. Tribal programs and governments should submit a list of key staff responsible for overseeing and implementing the proposed project. This document should be uploaded as a PDF file.
• Budget. (Sample Budget Form) A budget for the proposed project with a detailed cost breakdown that is reasonable and directly related to proposed grant activities. This document must be uploaded as a PDF or Excel file.
• Timeline. (Sample Timeline Form) A detailed project timeline that documents important project activities for each identified objective. Include staff who will be responsible for the implementation of the project activities and when they will be completed. The document must be uploaded as a PDF or Excel file.

If you require a PDF writer, there are many free options available including Cute PDF Writer and BullZip.  Or you may do a web search to find a writer that fits your needs.

Applicants will be notified in mid to late December 2022 regarding the status of proposals. Notifications will be e-mailed to the project contact listed in the application.  If you do not receive an e-mail by then, please contact grantmaking@firstnations.org.

 Important Note:

Please allow yourself enough time to submit a complete application before the deadline, as the system will shut down automatically at 5 pm Mountain Time on November 2, 2022, and no data may be entered thereafter. Partial, faxed, emailed or mailed applications that are not received on time due to user error will not be considered.

First Nations seeks projects that meet the spirit of this initiative and demonstrate:

• Proper alignment with stated funding priorities and eligibility guidelines.
• A clear plan of action with specific, measurable and realistic goals and objectives.
• Accurate, reasonable and consistent project or program budget.
• Feasibility and sustainability of proposed projects or programs.
• Partnerships and/or direct engagement of target audiences to understand their needs and facilitate planning/implementation of activities.
• Sufficient organizational capacity to implement the proposed project or programs.
• Previous success, progress, and/or innovation in providing Native language immersion.

To see a list of previous NLII recipients, please visit First Nations’ website at:

https://www.firstnations.org/projects/native-language-immersion-initiative/.

Eligible programs must fit the following definition of Native language immersion:

1. Have an existing language-immersion program (one-year minimum).
2. Provide at least 20 hours per week for an entire school year of Native American language instruction.
3. Serve a minimum of 10 students within the target age of 3 to 22 years old.
4. Have a community vision for the future of their language.

Programs should be actively growing new speakers and have assessment and evaluation plans to identify progression in student Native language acquisition. Priority will be given to programs with long-term, community-based language plans.

Allowable Grant Activities

Administrative, programmatic and organizational capacity-building activities must support language-immersion programs. Matching funds are not required under this grant.

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

Examples of unallowable activities under this funding opportunity include:

• Construction
• Facilities purchase
• Land purchase

Capacity-Building and Networking Sessions

One to two team members from each selected grantee organization will be required to attend one capacity-building and networking event designed to strengthen grantee organizations and build a community of practice among grantee cohort members. This convening is tentatively scheduled to occur in Fall 2023.

Should travel and in-person gatherings be deemed unsafe for any of these capacity-building and networking events, grantees will instead meet virtually in place of an in-person event.

Evaluation and Reporting

Grantees will be required to submit one progress report halfway through the grant period and one final report one month after the end of the grant period. Each report will consist of three main items: (1) a narrative section updating on project objectives, successes and challenges; (2) a financial expenditure report; and (3) a data-tracking spreadsheet capturing demographic information on students served and language instruction hours offered.

First Nations will provide grantees with instructions for submitting these reports at the beginning of the grant period and before each report is due. The reports will enable First Nations to (1) tell grantee stories, including accomplishments, challenges, impact, and programming practices; and (2) measure the impact of funding support on grantee programs.

First Nations will host two informational Question & Answer (Q&A) webinars for applicants prior to the application deadline. These Q&A webinars will provide an opportunity for applicants to ask questions about the application, selection criteria, guidelines, or other related questions. Participation in these webinars is NOT mandatory; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to register for and attend one or both of the webinars.

Application Q&A Sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 11 am Mountain Time. Register here.
• Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 1 pm Mountain Time. Register here.

 Informational webinars will be recorded and posted to First Nations website for those unable to attend. Recordings can be accessed at: www.firstnations.org/knowledge-center/webinars/.

Grantseeker Resources

First Nations has compiled a number of free resources related to the grantwriting process. Whether you are a small organization new to grants or an organization with extensive experience, these resources will help with development of your application to First Nations.

Please click here to access First Nations’ free grantseeker resources.

Additional Questions

Should you have any additional questions about the RFP or this specific funding opportunity, please contact Kendall Tallmadge by email at ktallmadge@firstnations.org or by phone at (303) 774-7836.