BIA/AMERICORP/VISTA/VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM | A16AP00143

Opportunity Information: Apply for A16AP00143

The BIA/AMERICORP/VISTA/VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM (Funding Opportunity Number A16AP00143) is a Bureau of Indian Affairs grant notice describing a specific, time-limited funding arrangement between the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Conservation Legacy. The core purpose is to provide cost-share funding and operational support for AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members who will carry out community development and conservation-focused projects. Although it is presented in a standard federal opportunity format, the notice explicitly states it is informational only and was not open for new applicants.

The work supported under this program centers on placing and supporting AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers to strengthen community capacity and advance conservation outcomes. In practical terms, this typically means VISTA members help build organizational systems, expand partnerships, develop volunteer networks, improve program coordination, and support long-term community initiatives rather than doing short-term direct service alone. The conservation component is tied to public lands and stewardship goals, while the community development component emphasizes sustainable local capacity, including improvements in planning, outreach, project development, and coordination that can continue after the VISTA term ends.

The notice cites several legal authorities that underpin the federal government’s ability to fund and administer this effort. It references Section 2(c) of Public Law 89-106 (7 U.S.C. 450i(c)), as amended, as well as the Public Lands Corps Program authority (16 U.S.C. 1723). It also references the Snyder Act (25 U.S.C. 13), which authorizes the Secretary to direct, supervise, and expend funds for activities that include industrial assistance and advancement and the general administration of Indian property. Together, these authorities frame the program as a federally supported initiative aimed at community support and stewardship activities connected to Indian affairs and public land conservation.

A key restriction highlighted in the description is that the grant is not eligible for transfer to a tribe under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). The stated reason is that the funding is time-limited and tied to a specific project scope, meaning it is not structured as a recurring or broadly assumable program that could be compacted or contracted for tribal administration under ISDEAA mechanisms.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is categorized as a grant with an environmental funding activity category, and it lists CFDA number 10.200 (Grants for Agricultural Research, Environmental Management, Indian Program). The eligible applicant type is identified as nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), which aligns with the role of organizations like Conservation Legacy in hosting or coordinating AmeriCorps placements. The notice indicates an expected number of awards of one, reinforcing that this was likely a predetermined or partner-specific award announcement rather than a competitive, open solicitation. The posting dates show a creation date of August 9, 2016, with an original closing date of September 9, 2016, though the text makes clear it was not open for applications despite having a closing date field in the system.

Overall, this notice documents a targeted BIA-supported investment to help fund and support AmeriCorps VISTA members working on community development and conservation projects, implemented through a specific nonprofit partner, and governed by authorities connected to public lands service programs and Indian affairs administration. The most important takeaway for potential applicants is that it functioned as a notice of an arrangement rather than an open grant competition.

• The Bureau of Indian Affairs in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BIA/AMERICORP/VISTA/VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.200.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-08-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-09-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

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