Hello and welcome to RD’s Tribal Relations Page!
USDA Rural Development (RD) places a high value in its relationship with Tribes, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. We collaborate and partner with Tribes to realize a brighter future for families, children, and Tribal communities. We make critical investments in infrastructure, schools, health clinics, housing, and businesses, to benefit Native families and communities across rural America.
Our RD Tribal Relations Team champions and coordinates our work with Tribes. Through consultation, coordination, and collaboration, we honor our government-to-government relationships with Tribes and enhance access to our various programs and services to Tribes, Tribal members, and Tribal organizations.
Tribal Events and Technical Assistance
Programs & Set Asides
Tribal College Initiative Grants
This program provides funding to 1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) to make capital improvements to their educational facilities and to purchase equipment.
Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands
This program helps get safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities that face significant health risks.
Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages
This program helps remote Alaskan villages provide safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal systems for households and businesses.
Intermediary Relending Program
This program provides 1 percent low-interest loans to local lenders or “intermediaries” that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities.
ReConnect Loan and Grant Program
This program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
Rural Business Development Grants
this program promotes economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities.
Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant
The IAG supports traditional animal harvesting methods and community-based protein processing operations. It funds projects for facility construction or improvement, equipment purchase, and addressing food insecurity or market gaps.
Native Community Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program
The Native Community Development Financial Institution (Native CDFI) Relending Demonstration Program is designed to improve homeownership opportunities for Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Communities, and Native Hawaiian Communities in rural areas.
Access to Capital Clearinghouse
A multi-agency strategy to improve awareness of, access to, and utilization of federal funding resources for Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises, Native entrepreneurs, and Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).