Best Grants for Native Americans in New York

New York tribal governments, local and state agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on Native American land issues can access funding through Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance legal and policy reforms. Projects may involve estate planning, land policy development, landowner associations, or initiatives strengthening tribal sovereignty and control over Indian land.

Tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working with Native communities in New York can apply for Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants to improve Indian use and control of reservation lands. Funding supports projects that prioritize land acquisition planning, expand productive land use, and increase direct owner management for long-term community benefit.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in New York working on language revitalization, MMIWG2S, innovative community leadership, or COVID-19-related food insecurity can seek support from the Vadon Foundation. Grants help strengthen Native communities and sustain healthy, thriving indigenous nations across the U.S. and Canada through visionary, multi-generational change efforts.

Native-serving organizations working on education, health and wellness, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, or Indigenous rights may be eligible for Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Yocha Dehe Community Fund, which supports work across the U.S., including New York. Funding can help programs that assist Native communities and promote Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in New York pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges or universities can receive scholarships of US $2,000 - US $3,000 to support their education. Grants from American Indian College Fund help eligible students with at least a 2.0 GPA studying full-time at non-Tribal institutions nationwide.

Native American and Alaska Native students at Tribal Colleges and Universities across the U.S., including New York, can apply for scholarships supporting certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study. Grants from American Indian College Fund average US $2,000 - US $3,000 and use one annual application to consider students for multiple scholarship opportunities.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in New York planning full-time study at accredited nonprofit colleges or Tribal Colleges and Universities can receive merit-based scholarships averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000. The American Indian College Fund uses a single annual application to consider students for its full portfolio of Native-focused scholarships.

Native-led grassroots organizations focused on community organizing and advocacy can use these grants for general operating support across the U.S., including New York. Grants from Common Counsel Foundation’s Native Voices Rising initiative strengthen Native community leadership, policy change efforts, and collective action that improves conditions for Native American communities and Indigenous peoples.

Focused on Native American services and culture, this program invites charitable organizations and local governments to seek funding for education, health, public safety, housing, addiction treatment, the arts, environmental and cultural preservation, and related needs. Organizations in specified Oregon counties and Native American organizations across the U.S., including New York, may be eligible.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation can seek project-specific funding through the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation, with awards of US $10,000 - US $20,000. Focused on entrepreneurism, higher education, and cultural programs, this national funder may benefit Native American initiatives based in New York.

Individuals working on Wabanaki cultural preservation, Native arts, heritage studies, or environmental stewardship, including those from New York, can seek support for projects advancing traditional knowledge and spaces. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants to pursue apprenticeships, research, publications, and protection of culturally important natural areas honoring David Moses Bridges’ legacy.

Sophomore and junior undergraduates in the U.S. studying environment, Tribal public policy, or Native health care can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses and leadership development, including students from New York. With a mission to support future leaders, the Udall Foundation provides scholarships plus access to an alumni network and scholar orientation.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations in the U.S., including New York, can access funding through the Native American Research Centers for Health program to support health-related research and research infrastructure. Administered by the National Institutes of Health, it also supports research career enhancement activities.

Indigenous-led organizations and projects working on cultural and ecological renewal with strong land connection in New York may be eligible for support, primarily if they are U.S.-based. Kalliopeia Foundation supports Native communities through land care and Indigenous leadership initiatives that honor traditional knowledge, intergenerational leadership, and spiritually grounded stewardship of lands and waters.

Native American educators and TCU or college students seeking STEM-related professional development can access funding for training, conferences, certifications, and related travel costs in New York and nationwide. New York Native American services organizations with eligible staff at BIE-funded, reservation, or high Native-enrollment schools may benefit from Native Forward Scholars Fund support.

Steven Thayer Hopi Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Steven Thayer to provide scholarship funding for young Hopi artists to develop their talents and artistic skill.

The Charles Hamlin Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must hold a current RN license and demonstrate a commitment to nursing leadership, particularly in orthopedic care and the well-being of Native American communities. The scholarship honors Dr. Charles Hamlin's legacy, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. This award aims to empower future nursing leaders and enhance diversity in the field.

Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing STEM-related internships can receive funding for travel, housing, and commuting costs, including those from New York. Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with the BIE, supports internships with Department of Interior agencies or other approved STEM placements, with preference for training that will be used in education fields.

The BIE Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing full-time degrees in STEM fields at accredited institutions. This need-based award ranges from $100 to $30,000 per academic year, based on financial aid information provided by the institution's Financial Aid Office. Eligible students must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

The Funding the Future of Finance in Indian Country/Johnson Scholarship offers financial support to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing full-time degrees in business, accounting, or finance. The program aims to enhance diversity in these fields and provides awards of up to $10,000 per academic year based on need. Applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

The Elizabeth Furber Scholarship honors the legacy of Elizabeth Furber by providing financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students. This scholarship supports students pursuing full-time degrees in various fields, including fine arts, music, and creative writing. As a need-based award, it requires applicants to demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This opportunity empowers eligible students to achieve their academic goals.

The BIE Special Higher Education Program offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native graduate and professional students enrolled full-time in accredited institutions across various fields. Awards fluctuate annually based on applicant qualifications and available funding, ensuring support aligns with need-based criteria. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This initiative aims to empower Indigenous scholars in their academic pursuits.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.

CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health system save and improve lives by unleashing the power of partnerships to protect the health, safety and security of all communities, everywhere. The CDC Foundation is authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners, corporations, organizations and individuals to support the critical health protection mission of CDC and the public health system.

The CDC Foundation manages hundreds of programs each year aimed at protecting communities across the country from a variety of health threats—from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like malaria and HIV to emergency responses, such as Ebola and Zika.

Contractor for Implementation and Evaluation of Healthy Native Babies Project Materials

This RFP request proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs) and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate the updated Healthy Native Babies Project (HNBP) materials within their service areas. This initiative aims to strengthen culturally relevant infant safe sleep education, increase community awareness and support Native families in reducing sleep related infant deaths. Selected T/TSOs/UIOs will adapt, disseminate and assess the use of HNBP materials in ways that reflect the cultural, linguistic and community-specific needs of the Native populations they serve. 

This project is a rapid turnaround project to support T/TSOs/UIOs in:

• Implementing HNBP materials in clinical, community, and family setting
• Training staff and community partners
• Evaluating reach, effectiveness, and community feedback
• Identifying barriers, facilitators, lessons learned, and best practices for future replication

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Bill Taylor Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

Enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or their spouses, children or other immediate family members attending a two- or four-year college or university.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Marjorie A. Rifenburg Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial assistance with college expenses for individuals of Native American, American Indian, First Nation, or Indigenous descent. Eligible applicants include graduating seniors or past graduates of Dutchess County high schools, as well as students currently enrolled in Dutchess County colleges. Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition at an accredited college, university, or trade school. Awards are one-time, payable directly to the school, with amounts of up to $4,000 and the number of awards varying each year. While the scholarship is not renewable, eligible students may reapply annually for each year of their undergraduate degree program.

Recent Native American graduates in New York preparing for a single professional exam, including the Bar, can receive support for registration, prep courses, and related costs. With a mission to empower Native scholars, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides this funding to Fellows currently supported by specified BIE scholarship and higher education programs.