(a)There is in state government the Tribal Nation Grant Fund Program whereby the panel is authorized to award grants from available moneys within the fund and make other distributions from the fund to eligible tribes as set forth in this article.
(b)Grants may be made as specific distribution grants to fund a specifically described purpose or project, or as equal shares grants for distribution to eligible tribes in equal amounts. An eligible tribe may apply for both types of grants.
(c)(1) A request for a specific distribution grant shall be made by submitting a specific distribution grant
application on a form developed by the panel
pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 12019.45.
(2)Unless prohibited by a tribal-state gaming compact, class III gaming secretarial procedures, or the panel, an eligible tribe may apply for more than one specific distribution grant, but shall submit a separate specific distribution grant application for
each grant proposal. Two or more eligible tribes may apply for one specific distribution grant by submitting a joint application.
(3)A specific distribution grant shall be used to fund a specifically described purpose or project generally relating to self-governance, developing or sustaining a self-determined community, and economic
development. Eligible purposes or projects for specific distribution grants may include, but are not limited to, development of curricula in a tribal language or culture, housing, support for compliance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, vocational training, community development, investments in tribal schools and colleges, support of tribal government institutions and tribal courts, nongaming economic diversification, or investment in public health, information technology, renewable energy, water conservation, cultural preservation or awareness, educational programs, or scholarships.
(d)(1) (A) A request for an equal shares grant shall initially be made by submitting an equal shares grant application on a form developed by the panel pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (c) of
Section 12019.45.
(B) Each year thereafter, the eligible tribe’s equal shares grant application shall automatically renew for the eligible tribe to receive equal shares grants on a rolling basis, subject to the panel’s annual independent verification that the applicant is an eligible tribe as of the application deadline set by the panel.
(2)An equal shares grant shall be used to fund purposes generally related to self-governance, developing or sustaining a self-determined community, and economic development.
(e)A grant shall not be used to pay a per capita distribution to tribal members or an investment in a purpose or project related to any gaming operation or activity.