Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, Field Operations

The objectives of these Office of the Special Trustee (OST) grants will be to support and initiate a wide range of projects that facilitate Trust Improvement and Reform, including but not limited to the areas of Probate/Estates, Individual and Tribal

Although this program is not currently funded, it remains active for future allocations. The OST Trust Improvement and Reform Grants provide funding for projects that improve the management, administration, and oversight of Indian trust assets and services. Supported activities may include probate and estate improvements, financial empowerment initiatives, trust asset management enhancements, investment and fiduciary process improvements, and other reforms that promote effective trust administration. These grants are authorized by the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. § 4025(a))

Eligible applicants are: Indian tribes; Alaska Native Corporations; Indian or Alaska Native Foundations; Indian or Alaska Native non-profits; qualifying corporations; qualifying contractors; qualifying individual consultants, Law Schools accredited by a recognized body or bodies or state agency, Legal Aid organizations and ULCs. Schools must be located in the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

Higher Education (includes Research) Law, Justice, and Legal Services Community Development (includes Federal surplus property) Beneficiaries will include organizations that will provide direct and defined service to Tribal and Individual beneficiaries. Eligible beneficiaries are: Alaska Native Corporations; Indian or Alaska Native Foundations; Indian or Alaska Native non-profits; qualifying corporations; qualifying contractors; Law Schools accredited by a recognized body or bodies or state agency, Legal Aid organizations and ULCs. Schools must be located in the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Project participants must be in an accredited program, a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national of the United States or a foreign national who possesses a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States. Tribal Government Beneficiaries: Federally Recognized Tribal Governments' Legal Aid and Assistance programs that are qualified to perform the work specified in the Grant Notice.

Funds may be used by to support a wide range of Trust Reform initiatives, including will clinics, Estate Planning, development and administration of informational seminars, and development and administration of conventional and alternative asset management processes and other trust reform activities. All funds must be expended on behalf of American Indians or Alaska Natives, as defined in any Federal Statute. Funds may be used for salaries of personnel specifically employed for the project; consultant fees; supplies and equipment necessary to conduct the project; essential travel expenses and student stipends; and other expenses related to the project. Indirect costs are allowed for administrative costs incurred as a result of the project, generally limited to 15 percent of direct costs. It is expected funds expended for salaries will be used in a modest and reasonable manner, using the Federal pay scale as a guide.

Funds may be used by to support a wide range of Trust Reform initiatives, including will clinics, Estate Planning, development and administration of informational seminars, and development and administration of conventional and alternative asset management processes and other trust reform activities. All funds must be expended on behalf of American Indians or Alaska Natives, as defined in any Federal Statute. Funds may be used for salaries of personnel specifically employed for the project; consultant fees; supplies and equipment necessary to conduct the project; essential travel expenses and student stipends; and other expenses related to the project. Indirect costs are allowed for administrative costs incurred as a result of the project, generally limited to 15 percent of direct costs. It is expected funds expended for salaries will be used in a modest and reasonable manner, using the Federal pay scale as a guide.

Awards are made on an annual basis and the funds remain available until expended by the service provider/grantee, or until the end of the Calendar year. Awards can also be made at the beginning of each quarter, depending on availability of funds and project requirements. P

An informal conference with an OST project management representative is recommended. Applications shall include detailed information as required in the Funding Opportunity Notice (Grants Notice). Completed applications should be submitted using the grants.gov website at : http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html .

All complete applications will be considered and the following criteria will be applied prior to an award being issued: Tribal Government Endorsement, Experience of the Applicant in serving the communities identified, Cost/benefit analysis, and Risk/benefit analysis.

The dollar value of the award depends upon the amount that is available for the project and will be set in accordance with project requirements (specified in the Grants Notice). The Interior Business Center will inform the Awardee as to the details of the grant as awarded.

Applications will be processed within 90 days.

Funding agreements may be for a single or multi-year period and renewed indefinitely upon satisfactory performance by the Grantee. However, any renewal is subject to availability of funds.

An unsuccessful applicant may request an informal conference with the deciding official, or may appeal the denial of the application to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.