The Grants Management for Tribal Entities course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and strategies required to effectively manage grants within tribal communities. Designed for tribal leaders, administrators, grant managers, and individuals responsible for overseeing grant-funded projects, this course equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of grant acquisition, administration, compliance, and reporting in a tribal context.
This program will directly address capacity building by creating a curriculum and resources designed to implement skills required for effective grants management and build confidence in students’ role as economic development leaders. NAFOA is committed to utilizing an integrated approach that combines onsite learning experiences that are supplemented with ongoing and relevant virtual lessons and dialogues. This approach will build knowledgeable cohorts and provide continual learning opportunities.
This course is offered through Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico.

Core Topics
Culturally-Informed Grant Acquisition:
Participants will learn to identify relevant funding opportunities, craft culturally sensitive grant proposals, and align project goals with tribal community priorities.
Cultural Sensitivity and Engagement
Participants will learn to foster effective communication with tribal community members, partners, and stakeholders while integrating cultural awareness and values.
Compliance and Reporting Mastery
Learners will understand federal, state, and tribal regulations, ensuring grant-funded projects meet legal requirements and report accurately while respecting tribal sovereignty.
Effective Project Implementation
Participants will develop skills in project planning, budgeting, and timeline management to ensure successful project execution, addressing both risk assessment and stakeholder engagement.
Sustainability and Lasting Impact
Learners will explore strategies for creating sustainable grant-funded projects that extend beyond the grant period, promoting long-term positive outcomes within the tribal community.
Program Information
- Schedule & Credits
- Who Should Participate
- Cost
Dates: January 8 - March 1, 2024
Subscribe to our Institute email list to get notified about enrollment dates.
The course is online and self-paced. Participants should expect 30 contact hours of learning.
Continuing Education Units:
3 CEUs
The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized means to document participation in organized non-credit continuing education. One CEU is defined as 10 contact hours of participation in organized continuing education under qualified instruction. The CEU provides a vehicle for employers, professional groups, and licensing agencies to account for participation in non-credit seminars, workshops, and courses.
Participant must score 70% or higher on exams to receive Digital Badge of Completion.
Grants Management for Tribal Entities is designed to be most helpful for:
- Tribal leaders and council members
- Tribal administrators and program managers
- Grant managers and coordinators within tribal organizations
- Individuals interested in developing skills for effective grant management within tribal contexts
Course Fee: $749.00
UNM Staff, Faculty and Retirees can use their Tuition Remission benefit on professional development programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Participation Questions
No. Please do not register anyone other than yourself.
If you would like to recommend someone else for the program, send us their name and contact information at education@nafoa.org, and we will extend a personal invitation.
Please contact us at education@nafoa.org explaining your interest in Career Basics. In some circumstances, we can allow those below 18 years old or over 26 years old to participate in the program.
However, please note, you will not be able to apply for the Leadership Summit.
You will receive a course invitation from notifications@instructure.com shortly after registration.
Your registration will grant you access to the online curriculum which can be accessed at nafoa.instructure.com.
Participants may proceed at your own page, keeping in mind program closing dates and any upcoming deadlines for the NAFOA Leadership Summit.
Typically, participants spend 8-10 hours to complete the curriculum.
Yes! We encourage all interested youth ages 18 – 26 to register in Career Basics. You can still register and participate for Career Basics during the program dates even if you are unable to attend the Leadership Summit.
General Questions
Yes. In 2019, we received good feedback from Academy participants and have improved our online youth programming. NAFOA Career Basics addresses the same principles as the Academy in a more streamlined manner.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide course materials outside of our online program platform. If you are interested in having your students participate in Career Basics, we encourage you to ask your participants to register online and dedicate time during your program to work on the online curriculum.
Note: individuals must register for themselves using their own emails. Please do not register anyone other than yourself.
Please email education@nafoa.org for any Career Basics questions.
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Foundations of Grants Management for Tribes
NAFOA is currently offering a free virtual introductory training on grants management for tribal communities. This short-form training focuses on introductory topics to help strengthen grant reporting. The self-guided format includes pre-recorded lectures and brief quick questions to assess comprehension. The culturally competent discussions and learning objectives are designed to support those serving tribal communities.
Participants have 14 days to complete the program after enrolling. Seats are limited to 100 enrollees with an option to join the waitlist.
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