Native Entities Grant Program | 2026 NTIA NEGP

Native Entities Grant Program (NTIA) - FAQs

What is the Native Entities Grant Program?

The Native Entities Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It is designed to support digital equity work specifically for Native communities by funding efforts that expand digital inclusion and reduce barriers to meaningful internet access and use.

What is the purpose of this grant opportunity?

The core purpose is to direct dedicated funding to Native communities so eligible Native entities can strengthen their capacity and carry out projects that improve digital inclusion and address barriers to using the internet in meaningful ways.

Which law authorizes this program?

This opportunity is authorized under the Digital Equity Act of 2021. That Act was created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) and codified in federal law at 47 U.S.C. 1701, 1721, and related sections.

Who runs or sponsors the grant?

The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), with NTIA identified as the program office referenced in the opportunity description.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to "Native Entities" as defined by the program, or groups formed by those eligible entities. Based on the opportunity description, eligible applicants may include:

• An Indian Tribe
• An Alaska Native entity
• A Native Hawaiian organization
• A partnership or consortium made up of eligible entities

Can a consortium or partnership apply?

Yes. The opportunity indicates that a partnership or consortium made up of eligible Native entities may apply. Additional eligibility details and any consortium-specific requirements are referenced as being in Section III of the official NOFO.

Where can applicants confirm the official eligibility definitions and documentation requirements?

The announcement points applicants to Section III of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the controlling eligibility details, including definitions, documentation expectations, and conditions attached to consortium applications.

Is this a formula program or a competitive/discretionary grant?

This is listed as a discretionary grant program (not a formula entitlement). Funding is issued through a grant instrument.

What makes this funding opportunity different from having to apply to multiple programs?

A key feature is that NTIA combines funding tied to two Digital Equity Act set-asides into a single application process. The intent is to reduce administrative burden and cost by allowing Native applicants to use one application pathway instead of preparing separate applications.

Which two set-aside funding streams are combined into this single application pathway?

The opportunity description states that the application process combines funds associated with:

• The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program set-aside for Native Entities
• The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program set-aside for Native Entities

What types of activities does the program aim to support?

In practical terms, the program is intended to help Native governments and Native-serving organizations plan, build, and implement digital equity efforts in their communities. The announcement emphasizes digital inclusion and reducing barriers to meaningful internet access and use.

Where should applicants look for the definitive list of allowable (fundable) activities?

The controlling document for what is fundable is the official NOFO referenced in the announcement. It should be used to confirm eligible activities, required application components, and any other program rules.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is listed as "2026 NTIA NEGP."

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA/Assistance Listing 11.036.

When was this opportunity created?

The posted opportunity data indicates it was created on 2026-06-17.

What is the application deadline?

The original application deadline shown in the posted opportunity data is 2026-09-17.

How many awards does the program expect to make?

The listing anticipates around 100 awards.

Is there a maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?

The award ceiling is not specified in the provided opportunity data. The maximum award amount would need to be confirmed in the full NOFO.

Does the announcement specify matching or cost share requirements?

Matching or cost share expectations (if any) are not specified in the provided information. The announcement indicates the NOFO is the controlling document for confirming these requirements.

Does the announcement specify reporting obligations?

Reporting obligations are not detailed in the provided information. The announcement notes that reporting requirements should be confirmed in the NOFO.

Where can applicants find the required application components and selection criteria?

The announcement indicates that required application components, selection criteria, and other detailed program requirements are contained in the official NOFO.