Indian Youth Service Corps

The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) provides Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations and eligible nonprofits with grant funding to engage youth and young adults in natural and cultural resource stewardship projects on Tribal and eligible

The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) offers grant opportunities to federally recognized Tribal entities, Alaska Native Corporations and qualified youth serving nonprofit organizations. The program aims to engage youth and young adults in natural and cultural resource stewardship projects on Federal and Tribal lands, enhancing conservation efforts, vocational training, internships, and tribal capacity building.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes Tribal organizations and Tribal consortia Nonprofit organizations within current 501(c)(3) status

The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) program ultimately benefits Indian youth and young adults, ages 16-30, and veterans up to age 35, who participate in workforce development, vocational training, and natural and cultural resource stewardship opportunities. Projects funded under this program also benefit Federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal communities through increased conservation capacity, expanded educational opportunities, and support for cultural and ecological resource management. Non‑Indian youth are also eligible to participate and benefit from program activities.

Applicants must complete required pre‑application registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and ensure all organizational information is current before submission. Applicants should review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for required project details, eligibility documentation, and any Tribal authorization needed.

Proposals will be evaluated through a competitive review process outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Criteria generally include: the clarity and feasibility of the project design; alignment with IYSC objectives; organizational capacity to implement the project; strength of partnerships; youth engagement strategy; budget completeness; and overall potential for positive impact. Final selection will follow the Review and Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria described in the NOFO.

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). After the application deadline, the Division of Workforce and Youth Development (DWYD) conducts an initial eligibility review and forwards complete applications for merit review as described in the NOFO. Following the competitive review, recommended applicants undergo a pre‑award risk assessment in accordance with Department of the Interior financial assistance policy, completed by grants management personnel. Final approval authority rests with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Awarding Official. Once approved, funds are obligated in the Federal financial assistance system, and awards are issued through GrantSolutions.