Indigenous Animals Grant (IAG)

The Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program (IAG) is designed to support the priorities of Tribal Nations in meeting the needs of traditional harvesting methods and indigenous animals. This project intends to fund projects which invest in Tribal Nations’ supply chain resiliency, indigenous animals, restoring local indigenous food systems, and indigenous processing methods, and expanding local capacity for the harvesting, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution (communal or commercial) of meat, poultry, seafood, and other animals that provide culturally appropriate food and food security to tribal communities. The primary purpose of all projects must be to expand or enhance indigenous animals and meat processing capacity in Indian Country.

Tribal Governments of Indian Tribes as defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act (List Act) of 1994 (Pub. L. No. 103-454), their wholly owned arms and instrumentalities, and joint or multi-tribal government entities are eligible to apply.

Grant applications may propose activities related to:

• Amenable species, including Siluriformes, that fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

• Non-amenable species, including but not limited to bison, reindeer, game meat, etc. Seafood processing, including wild-caught fish, and other ‘exotic’ species that may fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, Applicants will follow applicable Tribal, local, state or federal laws and regulations for harvesting, hunting and gathering of indigenous animals.

1. Prior to submitting an application, confirm that your organization is registered with Grants.gov and the System for Award Management (SAM).

2. Follow the application instructions and submission requirements in the RFA and Grants.gov Application Guide (pdf).

3. To be considered for funding, all required forms must be submitted as part of a complete application package. Your application will not be considered if all required forms are not submitted together, you should review AMS’ Late Applications, Denials and/or Appeal Procedures (pdf) for further information.

4. Submit application through Grants.gov

Review the AMS How to Apply page for more details.

• 2023 IAG Request for Application (RFA)

• Project Narrative Template

• IAG Fact Sheet

• IAG Frequently Asked Questions