Bureau of Indian Affairs solicits proposals for tourism grants

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Indianz.Com

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is soliciting proposals for $1.4 million in federal tourism grants.

Under the Tribal Tourism Grant Program, tribes can receive money to plan, develop and manage tourism and related infrastructure in their communities. The money was authorized by Congress through the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, also known as the NATIVE Act. [S.1579 – 114th Congress]

“Our Tribal Tourism Grant Program supports Tribal economic self-determination by helping Tribes build their capacity to develop and grow their tourism industry as part of an overall economic development strategy,” said Newland, a political appointee who oversees the BIA, an agency at the Department of the Interior.

Proposals are due by 5pm Eastern on October 25, 2024. More information can be found at bia.gov/service/grants/ttgp

The grants are intended to support building Tribal capacity to plan, develop and manage #tourism and related infrastructure in support of economic development to elevate the living standards of the community. 🪶
Deadline to apply is October 25 at 5 PM ET: https://t.co/f8XGpu3V14
— Indian Affairs (@USIndianAffairs) August 20, 2024

Indian Affairs announces Tribal tourism grant opportunity

The following is the text of an August 20, 2024, news release from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development announced the availability of $1.4 million for the Tribal Tourism Grant Program.

“Revitalizing Tribal economies and promoting Tribal self-determination are key to our aiding Tribes in their efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities,’ said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “Our Tribal Tourism Grant Program supports Tribal economic self-determination by helping Tribes build their capacity to develop and grow their tourism industry as part of an overall economic development strategy.”

Indian Affairs expects to select 10 to 15 projects which will receive between $75,000 to $150,000 each over two years. The grants are intended to support building Tribal capacity to plan, develop and manage tourism and related infrastructure in support of economic development to elevate the living standards of the community.

The grants are authorized under the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, or NATIVE Act.

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 25, 2024. Details on how to apply can be found at https://www.bia.gov/service/grants/ttgp. Questions about this solicitation may be addressed to Mr. Dennis Wilson, OIED-DED Grant Management Specialist, at 505-917-3235 and by e-mail at DEDGrants@bia.gov.

Image: U.S. Indian Affairs (USIndianAffairs) on social media

The Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs advises the Secretary of the Interior on Indian Affairs policy issues; communicates policy to and oversees the programs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration; provides leadership in consultations with tribes; and serves as the DOI official for intra- and inter-departmental coordination and liaison within the Executive Branch on matters concerning American Indians and Alaska Natives and the federally recognized Tribes in the United States. The Office of Indian Economic Development is located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

Indian Affairs OIED supports the economic development of American Indian and Alaska Native communities by offering access to capital through grant opportunities and loan guarantees, and by providing technical assistance to federally recognized Tribes. The OIED administers the Tribal Tourism Grant Program through its Division of Economic Development. For more information about OIED’s mission and programs, visit the OIED website.