Best Grants for Native Americans in American Samoa

Research institutions and eligible organizations working to improve Native American health can apply for NIH funding up to US $275,000 for exploratory and developmental health intervention studies in American Samoa and other U.S. jurisdictions. Projects may address health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, or service delivery for Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Native Hawaiians.

Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian knowledge holders working to advance Indigenous knowledge can receive up to US $75,000 through the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, including those based in American Samoa. Focused on Indigenous culture and knowledge systems, this two-year, self-directed fellowship supports individual leaders whose work benefits Native communities across the U.S. and territories.

American Samoa organizations serving Native American populations can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to conduct intervention research improving Native American health. Grants up to US $2,500,000 support etiologic studies, culturally informed health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and dissemination or implementation research that builds on community strengths to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Health research institutions and organizations serving Native American populations can seek up to US $450,000 to develop, adapt, test, or implement health interventions in American Samoa and other eligible areas. Focused on intervention research, the National Institutes of Health supports culturally informed approaches that address health disparities, prevention, treatment, and sustainable community-based solutions.

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is offering funding for innovative research aimed at improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. This grant will support preparatory and pilot activities that focus on understanding health disparities, testing interventions for chronic diseases, and promoting health behavior changes in collaboration with community partners. Projects should address critical health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and maternal health.

Native-led arts organizations, businesses, and collectives in American Samoa can receive unrestricted general operating support to strengthen Native arts and cultural work. Focused on Native American culture and heritage, First Peoples Fund’s Rooted Pathways program supports U.S.-based groups serving Native artists and culture bearers, with awards up to US $55,000 and participation in a learning cohort.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from American Samoa, can receive US $5,000 per year for academic study through the AISES Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship. Funded by Indian Motorcycle and the Polaris Foundation, this program supports AISES student members pursuing mechanical engineering, IT, manufacturing, supply chain, or related STEM disciplines.

Legal aid organizations, qualified attorneys, and entities providing civil legal services to low-income people in American Samoa can apply for Legal Services Corporation’s Basic Field Grant; awards approximately US $20,000 for full-service legal assistance. Native American service areas focus on issues tied to Native American status and Indian law within designated service areas nationwide.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

Focused on intervention research, this opportunity invites research organizations serving Native American communities, including Alaska Natives and American Indians, in American Samoa and other U.S. territories to develop or test health interventions. The National Institutes of Health funds etiologic, prevention, treatment, and implementation studies to address acute and chronic disease inequities with culturally informed, sustainable approaches, offering up to US $450,000.

Health researchers and institutions working to improve Native American health, including in American Samoa, can apply for intervention research funding via the National Institutes of Health. Focus areas include etiologic studies, culturally informed health promotion and disease prevention, treatment and recovery interventions, and dissemination and implementation research addressing health disparities and social determinants in Native communities.

Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes, tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations in American Samoa and other U.S. territories can apply for NIH’s TURTLE program to develop and run doctoral-level biomedical research training and mentoring. Funding supports cultivating AI/AN scientists focused on culturally appropriate health and health disparities research.

Federally recognized Tribal entities in American Samoa working in biomedical education and Native American health research can apply for the Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) program from the National Institutes of Health. This phased UE5/T34 award supports creating and running undergraduate training and mentoring that prepares AI/AN students for biomedical research careers across the U.S. and territories.

Grants in American Samoa help Native American and other eligible youth-focused organizations advance food justice for children through Indigenous food justice and school-based nutrition programs. Nonprofits, public schools, tribes, and eligible governmental entities can seek up to US $100,000 from Newman’s Own Foundation for launched projects serving kids under 18 across the U.S. and its territories.

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

U.S. nonprofit academic, research, cultural heritage institutions, government cultural units, and eligible tribal entities in American Samoa can apply for Council on Library and Information Resources’ Recordings at Risk grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for outsourced digital reformatting of fragile or obsolete audio and audiovisual media. Projects preserving Native American culture and heritage may be especially competitive.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Legal Reform Grant Program aims to empower American Indian nations by addressing systemic barriers to land ownership and control. This initiative promotes collaboration on projects like estate planning, land policy reform, and engaging government leaders in discussions about tribal sovereignty. By focusing on legal reforms, the program seeks to rectify longstanding inequities and enhance the ability of tribes to manage their land effectively.

The Vadon Foundation Grant supports innovative, community-based initiatives aimed at sustaining healthy indigenous nations. By empowering visionary changemakers, the foundation addresses multi-generational challenges through focused programming in areas like language revitalization, community leadership, and addressing crises such as food insecurity. The foundation seeks to foster self-determination and sustainability within native communities, ensuring that future generations can thrive culturally and socially.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The American Indian College Fund Scholarship supports high school students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or their descendants, pursuing higher education. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. This merit-based scholarship provides an opportunity for students to receive awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 to help fund their college education. Eligible students should apply during their last semester of high school.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Eligible students can apply for various merit-based scholarships, with awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000. The College Fund encourages applications by the priority deadline for a better chance of funding.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships for non-Tribal college students, providing financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure priority review for available scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and success for Indigenous youth.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Economic Opportunity Grant aims to empower American Indian nations by enhancing their control over reservation lands. This initiative addresses historical challenges in land ownership and economic development, providing essential resources and tools for communities to manage land effectively. By focusing on land acquisition and productive land use, the Foundation supports sustainable growth and cultural preservation, ultimately fostering economic self-sufficiency among Indigenous populations.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations can seek support for health-related research and research infrastructure. Focused on Native American health, the National Institutes of Health invites eligible Tribal entities, including those connected to American Samoa, to pursue research and career enhancement projects through the NARCH program.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, supports future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and health care fields. With 55 scholarships of $7,000 each expected in 2025, this highly competitive program requires students to participate in their schools' internal competitions. Scholars benefit from networking opportunities and access to the Udall Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and growth in their respective fields.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.