The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development is accepting donations for its Tribal Tourism Grant Program for the current fiscal year.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeing applications from American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations for Tribal tourism grants, including programs for feasibility studies and Tribal tourism business plan development, according to an Aug. 23 news release. Program organizers hope to fund 20 to 35 grants ranging from about $25,000 to $150,000 aimed at "enabling Tribes and Tribal organizations to hire consultants, perform feasibility studies and develop business plans of proposed tourism projects," the news release said.
"Tourism is a vital part of many Tribal economies, providing jobs and bringing resources to Tribal communities," Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said in the news release. "The Tribal Tourism Grant Program is one way we are investing in Indian Country to promote economic opportunities in and near Tribal communities to make sure that people have the opportunity to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives in their Tribal communities."
Grants may also be used to develop new Tribal tourism business or to explore how a current Tribal tourism business could recover and adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the news release.
Anyone who would like more information about how to apply for the competitive Tribal Tourism Grant Program may look on the Federal Register.
Additionally, interested individuals can contact Dennis Wilson, grants management specialist with the Office of Indian Economic Development, with questions about the Tribal Tourism Grants Program, the release reported. He can be reached at 505-917-3235 or by email at dennis.wilson@bia.gov.
