Joint MOU Templates (Nation Plan)

These are reference clauses you can copy and customize for inter-tribal grant applications. GrantsPath does not generate MOU documents — you'll copy the text below, replace the placeholders with your details, and have counsel review before signing.

How to use these templates

1. Copy the clause you need from the sections below.

2. Replace placeholders: {LEAD_TRIBE}, {PARTNER_TRIBE}, {GRANT_NAME}.

3. Review with legal counsel and partner leadership before signing.

4. Upload the signed MOU to the Sovereign Vault for 7-year record keeping.

The strategy

Federal agencies want one lead applicant who handles the money and reports while the partner tribe keeps oversight. These clauses make that structure clear without weakening sovereignty.

Using Consortium Mode

The Nation tier includes Consortium Mode, which complements MOU workflows:

Multi-tribe search — Search grants across partner tribes simultaneously

Territory overlap analysis — See where partner tribal boundaries overlap with grant service areas

Lead tribe configuration — Designate lead and partner tribes for coordination

Set up your consortium partners in Settings before drafting the MOU.

Clause 1: Lead-Tribe Authority

Defines the financial lead, SF-424 authority, and pass-through compliance for state-managed funds.

Fiduciary Authority Clause:

> The parties designate {LEAD_TRIBE} as the Lead Tribe for the {GRANT_NAME} application. The Lead Tribe shall submit the SF-424, serve as the primary fiduciary, and act as the official recipient of grant funds on behalf of the joint project. As Lead Tribe, {LEAD_TRIBE} is authorized to execute all federal financial reports (SF-425) and maintain the master Sovereign Vault for the duration of the 7-year audit window (2 CFR 200.334).

> {PARTNER_TRIBE} retains full sovereign authority over its lands, programs, and governance and will provide oversight, reporting input, and project collaboration as set forth in this MOU. This Lead Tribe designation is an administrative structure for grant compliance and does not diminish the sovereign status of any party.

Clause 2: Joint Records and Retention

Establishes the shared documentation protocol and audit defense window.

Joint Records and Retention Clause:

> Both parties agree that all project records, digital dossiers, protection notes, and financial reports related to {GRANT_NAME} will be preserved in the GrantsPath Sovereign Vault for the full 7-year audit window (2 CFR 200.334). Each party may access its records for audit response, continuity, and successor handoff purposes, consistent with inter-tribal data governance procedures.

Clause 3: Sovereign Immunity (No-Waiver)

Protects sovereignty while confirming collaboration.

No Waiver of Sovereign Immunity:

> Nothing in this MOU shall be construed as a waiver, in whole or in part, of the sovereign immunity of either {LEAD_TRIBE} or {PARTNER_TRIBE}. This MOU is an agreement between sovereign governments and does not create jurisdiction in any state or federal court unless expressly agreed in writing by both parties.

Tips

These three clauses cover the essentials. For additional clause types (equal partner models, regional council structures, dispute resolution, audit cooperation), contact support.

Save the final signed MOU in your Sovereign Vault so the next program manager can respond to audits or amendments without delay.

Run territory overlap analysis before the MOU to confirm geographic coverage between partner tribes.

Joint MOU Templates