Best Grants for Native Americans

Nonprofits that are eligible to win grants for Native Americans include tribal governments, Native-led nonprofits, cultural organizations, and education or economic development programs serving Native American communities. Many grants require applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits in specific geographic locations, or Indian tribal governments, and may prioritize projects that promote self-sufficiency, cultural preservation, and health equity for Indigenous communities.

Grants for Native Americans typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 31.2% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q3.

Native Americans grants are offered to nonprofit programs that support initiatives that enhance tribal independence, improve access to healthcare, expand educational opportunities, and preserve Indigenous culture and language within Indigenous communities. Funders also aim to reduce economic disparities and systemic inequities, promote sustainable development and sovereignty, enhance community well-being, and protect Native lands. There are a little more than 90 grants available and $41.1 million in funding for nonprofit groups that address these challenges.

Funding for Native Americans grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $300 to a maximum of $46,000,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $50,000, while the average grant awarded is $1,274,271. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Of the $41.1 million available, most comes from private funders like the Common Counsel Foundation, Three Rivers Foundation, Social Justice Fund, and The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation. In addition, there are many federal and state/local government funders. On the federal side, funding is available through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, to name a few. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Alaska State Council on the Arts, and Maryland State Arts Council are examples of funding available on a state and local level.

Native American organizations can enhance their success rate by concentrating on all of these key areas:

• Align with funder priorities – Align projects with funder priorities and showcase cultural and community impact.
• Use measurable outcomes – Provide strong data on economic or health disparities.
• Build strategic partnerships – Collaborate with tribal leaders.
• Develop a compelling narrative – Tell real-life narratives of individuals living in Indigenous communities who have been supported by your efforts to highlight the significance of the programs.

Not sure how much to request in a grant application? Learn how to calculate the right amount with our grant request sizing guide.