Best Grants for Native Americans

The Native American Community Activities and Contributions Grant supports tribal community projects that enhance education, health, cultural preservation, economic development, and environmental protection. With awards ranging from $250 to $2,500, organizations addressing priority issues, including women's development and elder engagement, are encouraged to apply. Eligible tribes include Hualapai, Pascua Yaqui, and others working collaboratively with nonprofits. The maximum funding per tribe is capped at $20,000 annually.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation offers General Purpose - Large Grants, which support 501c3 nonprofit organizations and government agencies in an 11-county service area in Oregon. Grant amounts can reach up to $50,000 for programmatic work or $100,000 for capital projects. The application process involves a Letter of Inquiry followed by a full application if selected. Priority is given to projects in Education, Environmental Preservation, and Health, aligning with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation offers the SMF: General Purpose - Small Grants program, which supports 501c3 nonprofits in 11 Oregon counties. With a maximum funding request of $7,500, this program emphasizes flexibility across various sectors, including education and environmental preservation. Eligibility is limited to organizations that haven't completed previous grants and do not exceed 50% of the total project budget. Priority is given to projects aligning with the foundation's key areas.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation provides funding to Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes through the Oregon Tribal Grants program. Each tribe can apply for a maximum of $100,000 for projects in diverse program areas, including Arts, Education, Environmental Preservation, and Health. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's priorities, while certain projects, such as debt retirement and sporting complexes, are not funded. This initiative supports the tribes' community development and cultural preservation.

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.

The San Manuel Cares Grant Program, offered by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, focuses on empowering communities in the Inland Empire and Indian Country. The program supports educational initiatives, community development, and cultural preservation, emphasizing positive social change. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and local government agencies. Funding is directed towards programs that enhance education, provide basic needs, and promote resilience among underserved populations, fostering a healthier, culturally rich community.

The Bush Fellowship empowers individuals across various sectors to amplify their leadership and drive community change. Offering up to $150,000 over two years, it supports personal growth and networking for selected Fellows. Applicants must be at least 24 years old and residents of specific states or Native nations. The program is competitive, with over 600 applications in recent years. It emphasizes equitable leadership and a commitment to making impactful changes within communities.

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.

The Three Rivers Foundation, established in 2011, focuses on improving the health and welfare of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians' historical homelands. It invites funding applications for innovative projects in education, health, public safety, and more, especially those benefiting Native Americans in Oregon or having a statewide impact. The foundation prioritizes grassroots efforts and collaborative approaches, ensuring that the needs of local communities are met through responsive grant-making.

The Red Cliff/Miskwaabikaang Fund Grant supports programs that uphold the Ojibwe culture through arts, language, and health initiatives in Red Cliff, Wisconsin. This fund enhances the quality of life for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa by funding nonprofit organizations that serve the community. Key funding priorities include cultural revitalization, health programs, artistic services, and environmental conservation efforts, encouraging collaborations to maximize impact.

The Field Foundation of Illinois focuses on funding organizations that address systemic issues in under-resourced communities, particularly prioritizing BIPOC-led initiatives. With a commitment to racial equity, they aim to invest 60% of their portfolio in BIPOC organizations across Chicago, supporting efforts in justice and storytelling. Grant requests typically range from $15,000 to $50,000, fostering local partnerships to create impactful social change.

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance cultural heritage tourism through collaboration with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. By providing technical assistance and capacity-building support, this initiative seeks to increase visitation and enrich tourism activities while respecting native traditions and values. The selected recipient will coordinate with federal agencies to ensure effective implementation, with funding available for an initial year and potential continuation for up to five years based on performance.

The Native American Advised Fund, established in 1993 by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, supports Indigenous communities in New Mexico through grants recommended by an all-Native advisory committee. With over $825,000 awarded to date, this fund provides vital resources for organizations based in or serving Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Mora counties. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, ensuring continued support for Native-led initiatives.

The Muckleshoot Charity Fund supports community organizations in Washington, offering grants between $1,500 and $5,000. Priorities include education, health services, culture, and advocacy for communities of color and Native American programs. Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed quarterly, and funds are sourced from Muckleshoot Casino profits. Eligible applicants must be non-profits or government agencies addressing identified community needs, ensuring impactful contributions without exceeding one grant per year.

The BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, supports training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for TCU faculty, staff, and students. This funding assists with costs related to professional development including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Eligible applicants include educators at BIE-funded or controlled schools, as well as those at institutions with significant Native American populations, fostering increased representation and support for Native scholars.

The BIE Professional Examination Funding, provided by Native Forward Scholars Fund in partnership with BIE, offers financial assistance to support Native students in taking professional examinations, including Bar Examination funding. This award covers registration fees, preparatory course costs, and other exam-related expenses. Applicants must have graduated within one year and can only receive assistance for one exam. This initiative aims to empower Native scholars and enhance their professional visibility and opportunities.

The Miller Indigenous Economic Development Fellowship, established by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native doctoral candidates engaged in economic research impacting Native communities. This fellowship supports costs associated with data collection, analysis, and travel. It aims to enhance the representation of Native scholars in economics, addressing the current underrepresentation in the field. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to further their research and contribute to their communities.

The Native Forward Community Impact Research Funding supports doctoral candidates conducting research that addresses issues affecting Indian Country. This initiative provides essential financial assistance for data collection, analysis, and research travel, ensuring that Native perspectives are included in academic discourse. By fostering the next generation of Native leaders, this funding aims to empower scholars and enhance community impact through education and advocacy, ultimately preserving and enriching Native cultures.

The Native Forward CPA Examination Funding provides crucial financial assistance to American Indians and Alaska Natives for covering the costs associated with the CPA examination. This initiative empowers students and professionals to pursue CPA licensure by assisting with application, registration, and exam fees. Eligible applicants can receive support for one section of the exam at a time, ensuring access to essential resources for advancing their careers and contributing positively to their communities.

The Native Forward Direct Scholarship supports American Indian and Alaska Native students by providing mid-year funding opportunities to alleviate educational costs. With over 50 years of experience, Native Forward has empowered more than 22,000 students from diverse backgrounds. This scholarship recognizes the limited access these students face in higher education and aims to enhance their academic journeys while fostering community engagement and mentorship through a strong alumni network.

The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, focusing on habitat restoration and wildlife preservation. Established in 1987, it aims to support community-based projects and collaborative initiatives that emphasize cultural and natural history. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, with a preference for marginalized communities. The foundation does not fund research projects or media production and is particularly interested in those with limited access to traditional funding sources.

Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Archives Training Fellowship

The American Philosophical Society's Library & Museum (APS) in Philadelphia invites applications for a two-year, residential Archives Training Fellowship for applicants at any stage of their careers who would like to develop or advance their professional skills in collections care and best practices surrounding Native American and Indigenous collections in archives, libraries, and museums. This funding opportunity is part of the Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI), supported by the Mellon Foundation. An award will be made pending availability of funding.

The Fellow will be based at the APS Library & Museum’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR). Over the two years, the Fellow will spend 80% of their time as a contributing member of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, working alongside archivists and other staff on tasks and projects relating to CNAIR’s work promoting access and use of the APS Library & Museum’s archival collections relating to Indigenous peoples and languages of the Americas, which is one of the largest such archival collections on the continent. The other 20% of the Fellow’s time will be devoted to pursuing an independent project of their own proposing.

This opportunity is intended to give the Fellow broad exposure to and direct experience working with archival collections in a professional context through working in parallel with archivists, curators, and other staff at CNAIR. The makeup of the Fellow’s work may include multiple areas of archival practice, such as processing, digitization, metadata work, resource development, exhibition planning, and reference, with the combination of tasks and responsibilities constructed partly in light of the Fellow’s experiences and interests, and partly in light of CNAIR’s current project priorities. The Fellow will also work on a significant, sustained project with CNAIR focused on one of the above areas.

This 24-month residential fellowship is intended for a master’s degree graduate in archives or library/information science, a recent doctoral graduate in any field, or an independent postdoctoral scholar. The applicant should be working or planning to work with Native American and Indigenous collections in an archive, library, or museum setting. Applications from those who have lived experience or sustained personal engagement with Indigenous communities, including as a member of an Indigenous community, are particularly encouraged. Key criteria for evaluation include the nature of the applicant’s past work and the articulated goals of professional training in relation to the applicant's career development.

The purpose of this fellowship is to provide information professionals and scholars with training and experiences that will diversify their skillset by working alongside archivists and staff at CNAIR, as well as to the opportunity to do an independent project of their own on the side.

The Fellow will also be expected to participate in the vibrant intellectual community at the Society, including monthly lunches at the Library with visiting scholars, daytime workshops and programming with other residential fellows, and evening programs with specialists in a wide range of fields.

Terms

• Compensation is $50,000 a year plus benefits, along with additional funds for research support, travel, and relocation. The Fellow is expected to be on site full time for the duration of the fellowship, excepting approved travel for professional development. The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with any other fellowship or grant.
• 24 month residential fellowship
• $50,000 annual salary
• $5,000 travel/research fund
• $750 relocation cost

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is honored to provide a wealth of financial support to qualified students and nonprofit organizations throughout Hawai‘i.

HCF invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs are designed to support a stronger nonprofit sector as we believe that these organizations are one cornerstone of a vibrant civic society. We administer a number of grant making programs with targeted purposes or an island-based focus. We create grant programs that deliver solid results efficiently while informing our impact work and knowledge assets.

Rocheleau Scholarship 2

This fund was established in 2025 to provide scholarship grants to Native Hawaiian students seeking higher education.

The Jack Cassidy Scholarship Endowment, offered by Montana State University, supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing a degree in engineering. This scholarship aims to enhance the academic experience by addressing financial needs, ensuring access to quality education. With a mission to advocate for student success, the Graduate School fosters an environment conducive to innovation and scholarly achievement. Awards vary, reflecting the commitment to empower underrepresented communities in higher education.

The Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship offers a renewable $10,000 award for non-graduating Indigenous students pursuing art or architecture at Portland State University. Established in 2022 to honor Lillian Pitt, this scholarship supports students who identify as Indigenous from U.S. states and territories. Recipients must be enrolled full-time or three-quarters time and are expected to attend a spring event for award presentations, fostering opportunities for Indigenous youth to excel in their studies.