Feds aim to cut Native American grant red tape—with new rules
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Administration for Native Americans is making rules simpler to cut down on paperwork and hassle for Native communities applying for grants. These changes will help speed up support and make it easier to get funding for social and economic projects. Comments on the proposal are open until November 13, 2026, so Native groups and others can share their thoughts before it’s finalized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Less paperwork for Native grant applicants
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) proposes to simplify 45 CFR part 1336 to reduce paperwork and make rules easier to read so Native communities can apply for grants with less administrative hassle. The agency says it will remove duplicative text, delete template letter requirements, and provide training and technical assistance to keep grantees aware of requirements. ANA reported awarding $50,738,495 in Federal Fiscal Year 2025, which shows the program size to which these simplifications apply.
Clarified 20% matching-waiver process
Recipients and applicants for financial assistance under sections 803, 804, and 805 of the Act are still subject to a 20 percent non-Federal matching share but may request a waiver. For initial or non-competing continuation applications, a waiver request must be submitted with the application including a revised SF-424A and a written justification explaining the amount to be waived and why. Emergency waiver requests may be submitted during a budget period when an adverse effect is known. To qualify, applicants must document inability to meet the match (for example via an audit or full disclosure of assets/liabilities) and show that efforts to obtain third-party contributions were unsuccessful. ANA will approve waivers only if the waiver will not prevent other desirable awards, and any waiver applies only to the budget period.
ANA funds cannot buy real property
The proposed rule states that ANA funds may not be used by recipients to purchase real property. This prohibition applies to recipients of ANA financial assistance under part 1336.
Appeals handled by HHS Departmental Appeals Board
If an applicant is found ineligible, or a recipient has their financial assistance suspended, terminated, or non-competing continuation funding denied, they may appeal to the HHS Departmental Appeals Board (DAB) following the process in 45 CFR part 16. The proposed rule removes separate appeals language from part 1336 and directs such appeals to the DAB.
Delegation to subgrantees requires ANA approval
If a recipient wants to delegate project activities to a delegate agency (subgrant), each subgrant must have specific prior approval by ANA and be formalized by a written agreement. The agreement must specify activities, schedule, policies, dollar limits, costs allowed, and include a budget for each delegate agency.
Tribal chief executive costs can be charged
The proposed rule allows costs of salaries and expenses of the Office of the Chief Executive of a federally recognized Indian tribal government to be charged to ANA grants, provided those costs exclude any portion that is a cost of general government and are related to a project assisted under this part.
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