First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) is seeking applications for its 2023 Native Language Immersion Initiative Grant to build the capacity of and support Native language immersion education programs in tribal communities.
Donor Name: First Nations Development Institute (First Nations)
State: All States
County: All Counties
U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/02/2022
Size of the Grant: $45,000 to $75,000
Grant Duration: 1 year
Details:
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. With generous support from several foundations and numerous individual donors across the U.S., the NLII program has continued beyond the initial investment. Support for the 2023 grant cycle is made possible through funding from the NoVo Foundation and the Sunderland Foundation.
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.
Grant Award Ceilings
Total requested funds in project budgets under this funding opportunity should not exceed $75,000.
Grant Period
The grant period for this funding opportunity is January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
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-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofits
- Native-controlled community organizations with fiscal sponsorship
- Native §7871 Organizations
Language Immersion Program Requirements
Eligible programs must fit the following definition of Native language immersion:
- Have an existing language-immersion program (one-year minimum).
- Provide at least 20 hours per week for an entire school year of Native American language instruction.
- Serve a minimum of 10 students within the target age of 3 to 22 years old.
- 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.
Selection Criteria
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.
For more information, visit Native Language Immersion Initiative Grant.
