Tribal Services

NEC Tribal Services works to ensure that tribal members have essential needs met and are trained, job-ready and qualified for employment. We provide a broad spectrum of services and opportunities to achieve this goal. Please note that NEC can provide assistance to enrolled NEC Tribal Members or other tribal members of a federally recognized tribe who reside in Nome, AK. If your tribe is served by Kawerak, Inc., please seek assistance from Kawerak’s Welfare Assistance Programs. 

GENERAL (WELFARE) ASSISTANCE: Families sometimes fall into hard times and need financial help. NEC’s general assistance program provides temporary financial assistance to meet essential basic needs (food, shelter, clothing) and is income-based. Eligible applicants must reside in the vicinity of Nome.

• General Assistance Application

DIRECT EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE is available to low-income based eligible applicants who need financial assistance for work attire, personal hygiene products, or transitional needs to secure and/or retain employment. Eligible applicants must reside in the vicinity of Nome.

• Direct Employment Assistance Application

BURIAL ASSISTANCE: Losing a family member can be a stressful time for the family and their community. NEC’s burial assistance program is available for Nome residents, is income-based and provides financial assistance up to $2,500 for funeral expenses when other financial resources are unavailable. Applicants must apply for the State of Alaska burial assistance prior to applying for our program.

• Burial Assistance Application

CONDOLENCE PROGRAM: Nome Eskimo Community provides up to $150 to the immediate family of a deceased tribal member for funeral costs they may incur. All of our membership can participate in this program regardless of residency and income.

• Condolence Program Application

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE is available to eligible applicants who need help with food, shelter, or clothing after a flood, or burn out up to $1,000. This program is income-based and a last resort assistance program. Applicants must call the Red Cross of Alaska at 1-800-451-8267 prior to applying with NEC.

• Emergency Assistance Application

SUBSISTENCE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM: NEC offers reimbursement, depending on the approved budget, in applicable expenses related to subsistence activities for Tribal Members who reside in the Nome service area. 
Examples include but are not limited to:
a. Fuel
b. Hunting and fishing supplies such as lures, rods, ammo, boots, hip waders, etc.
c. Gathering supplies such as berry buckets, zip lock bags, etc.
Due to limited funding, reimbursement is only available to one member per household on a first come first serve basis. Payments will be made directly to the Tribal Member.

• Subsistence Reimbursement Application

VOCATIONAL TRAINING financial assistance is available for eligible applicants who pursue the job skills necessary to get or keep a job. This program is available to all NEC Members. Please use the contact form to request more information or to submit a scholarship application.

HIGHER EDUCATION provides scholarship funds to NEC members who pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program. Master’s degree awards are based on the availability of funds. This program is available for all NEC members. Please use the contact form to request more information or to submit a scholarship application.

NEC has joined MyCache and is now one of six Nome and regional organizations sharing this simple and convenient scholarship application website. Please apply online at MyCache (my-cache.org)

NEC HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES: