Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program

The Tribal Management Grant program, administered by the Indian Health Service under the Department of Health and Human Services, provides competitive grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations to build capacity for assuming control of IHS programs, functions, services, and activities under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The program supports four project types: feasibility studies up to $70,000, planning projects up to $50,000, evaluation studies up to $50,000, and health management system implementation up to $300,000, with individual applicants eligible for funding between $75,000 and $150,000 in the first budget period. A total of five to sixteen awards are anticipated, with program funding totaling up to $2,761,000. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by August 28, 2026, and require strict adherence to formatting guidelines, including 12-point font, single spacing, one-inch margins, and specific page limits for narratives. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov with an active Unique Entity Identifier and maintain registration throughout the award period. A signed Tribal resolution is mandatory and failure to submit one results in automatic disqualification. Applications undergo a merit review with evaluation factors weighted as follows: project objectives and work plan (40 points), introduction and need (20 points), program evaluation (20 points), organizational capabilities (15 points), and budget narrative (5 points). Additional criteria include compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws, adherence to the 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, and the HHS Policy on Promoting Efficient Spending, which governs use of funds for conferences, food, and printing. Salary rates for key personnel are capped at $228,000 annually. Awards may be granted in whole or in part, with funding prioritized for tribes recognized within the last five years, entities addressing audit material weaknesses, and those with prior Title I or V ISDEAA contracts. Risk reviews are a pass/fail gate for applications over $250,000, involving SAM.gov checks for responsibility, qualifications, and exclusions. Program income must be used consistent with award purposes under 2 CFR 200.307, and all recipients are responsible for ensuring compliance by subrecipients and contractors.