Call for Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program (United States)

The Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) Program provides grant funding to strengthen the capacity of Native American and Alaska Native communities to develop environmental regulatory systems, enforce environmental laws, and manage natural resources sustainably. The programme supports tribal environmental governance, traditional ecological knowledge, community-driven initiatives, and long-term environmental self-sufficiency.

The programme offers approximately $2 million in total funding, with grants ranging from $100,000 to $900,000 for projects lasting 12, 24, or 36 months.

Overview of the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) Program

The Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) Program supports Native American and Alaska Native communities in strengthening their ability to regulate environmental quality and manage land, water, and air resources.

The programme helps tribal governing bodies develop and implement strategies that improve environmental governance while supporting compliance with federal and tribal environmental laws.

Applicants do not need to own land to be eligible for funding.

The programme focuses on building long-term environmental capacity, promoting sustainable resource management, and supporting community-led solutions that reflect Native community priorities.

Objectives of the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program

The main objective of the ERE Program is to strengthen environmental regulatory capacity and support Native communities in protecting natural resources.

The programme aims to:

• Improve tribal environmental regulatory systems
• Strengthen enforcement of environmental laws
• Support sustainable management of land, water, and air resources
• Promote community-driven environmental solutions
• Encourage responsible stewardship of federal and non-federal resources
• Support environmental sustainability and economic self-sufficiency
• Strengthen the ability of Native communities to address environmental challenges

Key Focus Areas

Strengthening Environmental Regulatory Programs

The programme supports the development and improvement of tribal environmental management systems.

Supported activities may include:

• Planning and developing environmental regulatory programmes
• Improving environmental compliance systems
• Strengthening enforcement capacity
• Developing strategies for environmental protection
• Building institutional capacity within tribal governments

Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge

The programme encourages the inclusion of traditional ecological knowledge in environmental decision-making.

Projects may support:

• Integration of Indigenous knowledge into environmental management
• Protection of cultural and natural resources
• Use of traditional practices for conservation
• Strengthening connections between culture and environmental stewardship

Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

The programme supports responsible management of natural resources, including:

• Land resources
• Water resources
• Air quality resources

Projects may focus on:

• Environmental planning
• Resource protection strategies
• Sustainable management practices
• Long-term conservation approaches

Supporting Community-Driven Initiatives

The programme prioritizes projects designed around the needs and priorities of Native communities.

Supported initiatives should:

• Address local environmental challenges
• Involve community participation
• Develop locally appropriate solutions
• Strengthen community ownership of environmental programmes

Promoting Environmental and Economic Self-Sufficiency

The programme supports initiatives that help communities become more self-sufficient through:

• Stronger environmental management systems
• Improved local capacity
• Sustainable development approaches
• Long-term community resilience

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally recognized Indian tribes
• Incorporated non-federally recognized Indian tribes
• State-recognized Indian tribes
• Tribal organizations
• Tribal consortia
• Eligible Alaska Native organizations
• Alaska Native village governments
• Nonprofit Alaska Native community entities

Eligible faith-based and community organizations may also apply if they meet all programme requirements.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Organizations that are not federally or state-recognized tribes or eligible government agencies must demonstrate that:

• A majority of their board members represent the Native American communities served by the project

Applicants must also meet organizational requirements related to:

• Governance
• Accountability
• Community representation
• Programme capacity

Ineligible Applicants

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Individuals
• Federal government entities
• Foreign organizations

Organizations cannot apply if they currently hold an active Administration for Native Americans (ANA) award under Assistance Listing Number 93.581 at the time of application.

Funding Details

The programme provides an estimated total funding of:

$2 million

The programme expects to support approximately:

Four projects

Grant amounts depend on project duration:

• 12-month projects: Up to $300,000
• 24-month projects: Up to $600,000
• 36-month projects: Up to $900,000

Funding is provided in full at the beginning of the approved project period.

Eligible Project Duration

Projects may have the following implementation periods:

• 12 months
• 24 months
• 36 months

Eligible Project Activities

Funded projects may include:

Environmental Planning and Capacity Building

Activities may include:

• Developing environmental management strategies
• Creating regulatory frameworks
• Improving tribal environmental programmes
• Training environmental personnel

Environmental Law Compliance and Enforcement

Projects may support:

• Improving compliance systems
• Developing monitoring approaches
• Strengthening enforcement processes
• Increasing institutional capacity

Land, Water, and Air Resource Management

Activities may include:

• Land conservation planning
• Water resource protection
• Air quality improvement initiatives
• Environmental sustainability programmes

Traditional Ecological Knowledge Activities

Projects may support:

• Documenting Indigenous environmental knowledge
• Applying traditional practices in resource management
• Connecting cultural knowledge with environmental protection

Community Sustainability Activities

Projects may include:

• Community environmental planning
• Local environmental education
• Sustainable development initiatives
• Long-term resource management strategies

Activities Not Supported

The programme provides funding for specific community needs and does not support general operational expenses.

Projects should not focus only on:

• Routine organizational costs
• Unrelated activities
• Activities without clear environmental governance outcomes

How to Apply

Organizations applying for the programme should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that they:

• Meet Native community or organizational eligibility requirements
• Have appropriate governance structures
• Do not have conflicting active ANA awards

Step 2: Identify Environmental Challenges

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The environmental issue affecting the community
• Existing regulatory challenges
• Community priorities
• Desired improvements

Step 3: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Project goals
• Planned activities
• Implementation timeline
• Expected outcomes
• Community involvement strategy
• Budget details

Step 4: Explain Sustainability Plans

Applicants should describe:

• How project benefits will continue after funding ends
• How local capacity will be strengthened
• How the community will maintain environmental programmes

Step 5: Submit Application

Applications must be submitted according to the official programme guidelines and application requirements.

Selection Priorities

The Administration for Native Americans gives preference to projects that:

Demonstrate Community Leadership

Strong projects should:

• Be developed based on community needs
• Include local participation
• Reflect Native community priorities

Show Clear Connection Between Activities and Outcomes

Applications should demonstrate:

• Clear objectives
• Realistic activities
• Measurable results

Include Sustainability Plans

Applicants should explain how the project will create lasting benefits.

Support Long-Term Self-Sufficiency

Projects should strengthen:

• Local environmental capacity
• Community independence
• Sustainable resource management

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly describe the environmental challenge
• Show strong community involvement
• Connect activities with expected outcomes
• Include realistic project timelines
• Explain sustainability after funding ends
• Highlight traditional ecological knowledge where relevant
• Provide a clear and justified budget

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to environmental regulation
• Requesting funding for general operations
• Failing to demonstrate community involvement
• Providing unclear goals or outcomes
• Ignoring eligibility requirements
• Not explaining long-term sustainability

Expected Impact of Funded Projects

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

• Stronger tribal environmental governance
• Improved environmental law enforcement
• Better protection of natural resources
• Increased use of traditional ecological knowledge
• Greater community participation
• Improved sustainability and resilience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program?

The ERE Program provides funding to Native American and Alaska Native communities to strengthen environmental governance, improve regulatory systems, and support sustainable resource management.

Do applicants need to own land to apply?

No. Land ownership is not required for eligibility.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides approximately $2 million in total funding, with individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $900,000.

Who can apply for the programme?

Eligible applicants include tribal governments, tribal organizations, Alaska Native organizations, village governments, and eligible nonprofit Native community entities.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals are not eligible for funding.

What project durations are allowed?

Projects can last:

• 12 months
• 24 months
• 36 months

What types of projects receive priority?

Priority is given to community-driven projects that strengthen environmental governance, integrate traditional ecological knowledge, and support long-term community self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

The Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) Program provides important funding support for Native American and Alaska Native communities working to improve environmental governance and protect natural resources.

By supporting tribal regulatory capacity, sustainable resource management, traditional ecological knowledge, and community-led environmental solutions, the programme helps Native communities build stronger environmental systems and achieve long-term sustainability.