New Beginning for Tribal Students Program

Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the NBTS must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 3222e, the Secretary is authorized to make competitive grants to land-grant colleges or universities which includes 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)) to provide support targeted at tribal students. Land-grant colleges and universities include 1862, 1890 and 1994 land-grant institutions. For full listing, please see Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Tribal student is defined in this legislation as a student at a land-grant college or university that is a member of an Indian tribe as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C 5304). The maximum amount allowable per state is $500,000 per year.

NIFA Support Key Information: Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays