To be eligible for an award under this NAE Notice of Funding Opportunity, your Native
Community must be Federally recognized and offer library and/or archival services to the
community. Such services may include, but are not limited to providing free access to:
• books, print and electronic media;
• research databases;
• job, employment, and career resources;
• reference desk services;
• space for reading, studying, and meeting; and
• events and activities such as programs, classes, and cultural events for all ages.
For the purposes of funding eligibility for Native Communities under this program, IMLS
adheres to the criteria in our statute which utilizes the defined term “Indian Tribe”. 20 U.S.C.
§ 9161. “Indian Tribe” (or “Tribe” or “Native Community”) means “any tribe, band, nation, or
other organized group or community, including any Alaska native village, regional
corporation, or village corporation (as defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq.)), which is recognized as eligible for
the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their
status as Indians.” Id. at § 9101(5).
The Bureau of Indian Affairs publishes updated lists of Federally recognized Tribal and
Native entities in the Federal Register. This list is periodically updated; the following list was
published to the Federal Register on December 11, 2024: list of Federally recognized Tribes
in the Federal Register.
The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program (NAE) assists eligible
Native Communities in sustaining and improving library services with their communities. As
information needs change, Tribal libraries must be able to serve as knowledge and resource
centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NAE program
supports Native Communities across the country to address their individual information
needs and priorities.
NAE projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities such as:
• educational programming for all ages;
• oral history collection and documentation;
• digital media and technology enhancements;
• institutional planning and policy development;
• professional training, internships, and mentorships;
• supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars;
• research and development of language and cultural material and tools;
• digitization and digital preservation, and
• furnishing of library spaces for staff and public, within existing constructed spaces
(please note that IMLS funds are not allowed for construction).