Native Entities Grant Program

The Native Entities Grant Program, solicitation number 2026-NTIA-NEGP, is a federal grant opportunity administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the U.S. Department of Commerce. Authorized by the Digital Equity Act of 2021, this program provides competitive funding specifically set aside for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations to expand broadband access and promote digital equity. The program combines funds from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program into a single application process, with a total set-aside of at least 250 million dollars. Individual awards are expected to range between 500,000 and 2,500,000 dollars, though applicants may justify requests outside this range. Eligible entities must submit a single application by November 17, 2026, including a project narrative, a consolidated budget form, and required federal forms such as the SF-424. Applications are evaluated on a 100-point scale focusing on project purpose and need, implementation plan and budget, organizational capability, and performance measures. Successful recipients must expend grant funds within four years of the award date, with an additional year allowed for evaluation. Key requirements include maintaining an active SAM registration, adhering to the Build America, Buy America Act for infrastructure projects, and following NIST and CISA cybersecurity frameworks. Cost sharing is required for this program.