Living Language Grant Program (LLGP)

For programmatic or technical questions:
Dennis Wilson
505.917.3235
dennis.wilson@bia.gov

For questions about the application process:
Jo Ann Metcalfe
410.703.3390
jo.metcalfe@bia.gov

The Living Language Grant Program (LLGP) provides grants for native language instruction and immersion programs for Native students not enrolled at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, including those tribes and organizations in states without Bureau funded schools.

The program is based on a federal draft framework for a 10-year National Plan on Native Language Revitalization. The framework is built on 4 pillars:

• Awareness – Creating national awareness of the importance of native languages
• Recognition – Policy recognition of the U.S. policies to eradicate native languages and the need to devote resources toward native language revitalization
• Integration – Determine ways to integrate native languages into mainstream society and federal policy
• Support – Identify and increase funding for native language revitalization

LLGP's objective is to focus on language immersion from an "all-of-community" model. The model implemented should encompass and interconnect tribal community needs by addressing:

• Agriculture
• Art and culture
• Conservation
• Economic development
• Education
• Healthcare
• Job training
• Public safety

A list of known models is provided in the application instructions.

Since this program is designed to work within multiple sectors and involve many members of the community, awardees may strive to address social issues at the ground level. The language program can look at these instances as opportunities to provide help and support for individuals and families in a new setting. Social challenges include, but are not limited to:

• Economic depression
• Substance use
• Mental health
• Broadband connectivity and digital divides
• Food scarcity
• Employment
• COVID-19 impacts

Eligible applicants are federally recognized tribal governments and tribal organizations.

Award ceiling: $300,000 per year
Award floor: $250,000 per year
Project period: 3 years
Estimated number of awards: 18-22
Estimated total program funding: $5,676,000

Links to the full announcement and online application process are available through grants.gov. The application instructions will be found on the related documents tab.