May 22, 2025 – WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced $109.42 million in new Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) awards to support housing programs in six western states. This latest round of funding is aimed at addressing housing needs and infrastructure for eligible Native American tribes and tribally designated housing entities in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

North Dakota’s tribal housing recipients include:

• Spirit Lake Tribe: $4.22 million
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: $7.78 million
• Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold: $4.71 million
• Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa: $10.77 million

This is a vital investment in tribal sovereignty, community safety, and long-term wellness. But as with every major award, the funding is only the beginning. What happens after the press release fades determines whether these funds serve their full purpose—or get caught in administrative delays, audit risk, or renewal complications.

So, what comes next?

At Mule Deer Consulting, we’ve supported tribal housing departments through every phase of the grant lifecycle. Here’s what we recommend for tribes receiving IHBG funds in 2025:

1. Build Your Compliance Trail Immediately

Set up your internal controls and documentation protocols *before* funds are drawn. HUD has increased performance tracking and reporting oversight in recent years. We can help you build an audit-proof paper trail—from procurement to payroll—that protects your eligibility for future awards.

2. Align Budgets With Federal Priorities

Ensure your spending plan connects clearly to housing outcomes, community engagement, and infrastructure impact. If you need help writing a defensible budget narrative or submitting a budget revision, Mule Deer can guide you step-by-step.

3. Train Your Housing Team on Grant Readiness

Turnover, burnout, and outdated systems are real threats. We offer tailored training sessions for your staff—covering IHBG regulations, cost allowability, reporting requirements, and system design. That way, your team isn’t just ready for this grant, but the next one too.

4. Prepare for Operational Audits

HUD—and other federal agencies—are increasing scrutiny on operational outcomes. It’s not just about how funds are spent, but how programs are run. We help tribes assess and strengthen internal capacity to withstand a full operational audit without panic or penalties.

These funds are powerful. But only if protected, managed, and deployed with clarity and care.

Mule Deer Consulting is here to support tribal housing authorities in securing not just funds—but long-term sustainability. Let us help you defend your dollars, streamline your systems, and build housing programs that last generations.

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