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Best Grants for Native Americans

Find grants for Native American programs in education, health, language preservation, culture, and tribal development.

306

Available grants

$97.8M

Total funding

$20K

Median grant

306 grants
$97.8M total
$20K median

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306 Results based on applied filters

Indian Land Tenure Foundation - Legal Reform Grant Program

Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
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.
Native American Culture & Heritage Native American Services Legal Services

SMF: General Purpose - Large Grants

Spirit Mountain Foundation
Private
Benton County, Oregon, Clackamas County, Oregon +20 more
Up to US $100,000
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.
Art & Culture Education Basic Human Needs +30 more

SMF: General Purpose - Small Grants

Spirit Mountain Foundation
Private
Benton County, Oregon, Clackamas County, Oregon +20 more
Up to US $7,500
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.
Art & Culture Native American Services Native American Culture & Heritage +30 more

Kalliopeia Foundation Grant

Kalliopeia Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
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.
Science Communications Environment Ecology +7 more

San Manuel Cares Grant Program

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
State/Local Government
Riverside County, California, San Bernardino County, California
Unspecified amount
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.
Education - Preschool / Early Learning Education - High School After School / Summer Educational Programs +19 more

Bush Fellowship

Bush Foundation
Private
Minnesota, North Dakota +1 more
Up to US $150,000
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.
Native American Services Native American Culture & Heritage

SMF: Oregon Tribal Grants

Spirit Mountain Foundation
Private
Clackamas County, Oregon, Coos County, Oregon +15 more
Up to US $100,000
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.
Indigenous Health Systems Native American Services Native American Culture & Heritage

Three Rivers Foundation Grants

Three Rivers Foundation
Private
Oregon
Unspecified amount
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.
Art & Culture Environment Education +6 more

Red Cliff/Miskwaabikaang Fund Grant

Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Private
Bayfield County, Wisconsin
US $500 - US $5,000
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.
Native American Culture & Heritage Native American Services

The Field Foundation Of Illinois: Journalism
& Storytelling

The Field Foundation Of Illinois
Private
Cook County, Illinois
US $15,000 - US $50,000
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.
Black American Services Racial / Ethnic Justice & Rights Social Justice / Human Rights +11 more

Indian Land Tenure Foundation - Economic Opportunity

Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
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.
Native American Culture & Heritage Native American Services Economic Services & Development

Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Grant - Native Services

Snoqualmie Tribal Organization
Private
Washington
Up to US $50,000
The Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Grant aims to support nonprofits serving the Native community in Washington State. Offering up to $50,000, this grant encourages initiatives in arts, health, and cultural programs. Since 2010, the Snoqualmie Tribe has generously donated over $8 million to various organizations, fostering community development and support across the region. Eligible applicants must be IRS-registered 501c3 nonprofits located within Washington.
Native American Services Native American Culture & Heritage Indigenous Sovereignty & Rights

Bobby Wright Memorial Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Bobby Wright Memorial Scholarship supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing degrees at Montana State University. This scholarship aims to enhance the educational experience by fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The Graduate School is dedicated to advocating for student success and providing exceptional service. Awards vary, reflecting the commitment to meet the needs of eligible students, ensuring they receive the support necessary to achieve their academic goals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Success & Enrichment Academic Scholarship Programs +1 more

Boschee Engineering Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Boschee Engineering Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. Eligible applicants must be Montana high school graduates and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA. This scholarship aims to promote diversity by giving preference to American Indian students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. The award amount varies, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students in the field of engineering.
Education - Higher Education Academic Success & Enrichment Academic Scholarship Programs +4 more

BJA FY 2026 Tribal Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance

US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Federal Government
United States
Up to US $600,000
The BJA FY 2026 Tribal Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance Program offers vital funding to support legal assistance for tribal members and justice systems in rural areas of the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance legal services where they are scarce, providing training and technical assistance for tribal courts and justice operations. Key focuses include veterans' legal aid, addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and implementing the Violence Against Women Act.
Crime & Justice Legal Services Native American Services +1 more

Long-Term Projects

Canada Council for the Arts
Federal Government
Canada
Up to US $300,000
The Long-Term Projects grant by the Canada Council for the Arts supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists and organizations in creating impactful cultural initiatives. This funding, which ranges up to $100,000, facilitates projects that last over one year and up to three years, promoting the arts and cultural heritage. It encourages collaboration and innovation in artistic practices, ensuring the transmission of cultural knowledge to future generations while engaging diverse communities across Canada.
Art & Culture Native American Culture & Heritage

BIE Internship Funding for STEM Students

Native Forward Scholars Fund
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The BIE Internship Funding for STEM Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to Native students for approved internships related to STEM. This initiative helps cover costs such as travel, living expenses, and daily commuting, facilitating valuable professional experiences. By supporting these students, the program aims to enhance Native representation in STEM fields and empower future leaders within their communities, contributing positively to society's growth and diversity.
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Education - Higher Education Teacher Development & Training +5 more

BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students

Native Forward Scholars Fund
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
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.
Education - Higher Education Academic Success & Enrichment Native American Services +4 more

BIE Professional Examination Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
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.
Education - Higher Education Academic Success & Enrichment Native American Services +2 more

ASCA: Youth Cultural Heritage Fast Track Grants

Alaska State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Alaska
Up to US $3,000
The ASCA Youth Cultural Heritage Fast Track Grants support Alaskan organizations that provide cultural heritage programming for children and youth. Funded by the Rasmuson Foundation, this initiative aims to strengthen cultural knowledge and self-awareness among young Alaskans through arts-based activities. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for eligible applicants, including nonprofits and schools, to engage youth with artists and culture bearers, promoting cross-cultural understanding and community engagement.
Youth Involvement in the Arts Native American Culture & Heritage Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges

Heather Dayton Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond
Private
Charles City County, Virginia, King and Queen County, Virginia +1 more
US $3,000
The Heather Dayton Memorial Scholarship, established by Heather's family in 2001, honors her memory by providing post-secondary financial support to students of Native American descent. This scholarship emphasizes diversity, community service, and a commitment to benefiting Native Americans. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school seniors with a demonstrated commitment to their community, and preference is given to students from select high schools in Virginia. The scholarship aims to promote educational opportunities and support for underrepresented students.
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation College Success / Persistence +1 more

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

Creative West
Private
Alaska, Arizona +10 more
US $2,500

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

The Native Arts + Heritage Fund (NAHF) is a community-rooted award program created to support Native American and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners across the Creative West region.

Co-designed with Native-centered artists, advisors, and community leaders, NAHF centers care, cultural continuity, and self-determination. The fund honors Indigenous ways of knowing and values process over product, relationship over compliance, and well-being as a meaningful measure of impact. In addition to unrestricted funding, selected artists will participate in a three-month virtual cohort experience designed for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

NAHF is administered by Creative West, an organization that uplifts artists and culture bearers across the Creative West region by providing funding, mentorship, and culturally rooted support.

This is not a project-based grant.

This is an invitation into funding and relationships.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from an Alaska Native or Native American community member who can speak to their relationship to community and cultural work.

Unrestricted Funds May Be Used For:

  • Taking time to create, reflect, or rest
  • Purchasing tools, materials, or supplies
  • Covering food, rent, childcare, or transportation
  • Supporting wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, or cultural
  • Participating in cultural exchanges, mentorship, or learning
  • Creating space to gather, teach, or share knowledge

Native American Culture & Heritage Artist Training & Development

Native Language Revitalization Grant

Minnesota Department of Education
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Up to US $500,000

Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.

Native Language Revitalization Grant

Grant purpose

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes funding available to school districts, charter schools, and Tribal contract schools in Minnesota to provide language instruction in Dakota and Anishinaabe languages or another language indigenous to the United States or Canada, pursuant to Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Sess. chapter 10, article 6, section 6, subdivision 5.

Funding

Funding is made available through Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Sess. chapter 10, article 6, section 6, subdivision 5. MDE estimates that up to $13,500,000 is available for the initial grant round. Any funds remaining after the initial round will be available for subsequent grant rounds. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the initial round as the timing and funding available for subsequent rounds will be determined after the first round is complete.

Applicants are encouraged to request no more than $500,000 for the two-year grant period. However, applicants may request more than $500,000 if they can clearly demonstrate the need for such funding.

Native American Culture & Heritage Indigenous Services

Marjorie A. Rifenburg Scholarship

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Private
Dutchess County, New York
Up to US $4,000

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.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation Native American Services +2 more

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

Native Forward Scholars Fund
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Environmental Conservation Asian / Pacific Island Culture & Heritage Native American Culture & Heritage +1 more

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

American Philosophical Society
Association/Society
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Up to US $1,005,750

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
Library & Information Science Native American Culture & Heritage

Rocheleau Scholarship 2

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Maui County, Hawaii
Unspecified amount

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.

Education - High School Native American Services Academic Scholarship Programs +1 more

Grants for Native Americans Highlights

Grants for Native Americans provide funding to support education, healthcare, and cultural preservation within Indigenous communities. The following grants help nonprofits address systemic inequities, promote sovereignty, and enhance community well-being.


Search Instrumentl's Native Americans Grants Database


Discover 81 funding opportunities for Native American initiatives, with $67.5M available. Instrumentl supports nonprofits with tailored grant recommendations, funding insights, and deadline management to strengthen Indigenous-led programs and projects.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Grants for Native Americans

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.

81 Grants for Native Americans grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

33 Grants for Native Americans over $25K in average grant size

28 Grants for Native Americans over $50K in average grant size

13 Grants for Native Americans supporting general operating expenses

66 Grants for Native Americans supporting programs / projects

200+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Native American Services

200+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Native American Culture & Heritage

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Native Americans?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
31.2%
Q2
20.9%
Q3
19.9%
Q4
27.9%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Native Americans?

Grants are most commonly $50,000.

$300 $300 Min.
$50,000 $50 K Median
$1,274,271 $1.3 M Average
$46,000,000 $46 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Instrumentl helps Native American-led nonprofits streamline their grant researching by simplifying the grant application process. Not only does the platform help nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline and detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities. See how the Los Angeles LGBT Center cut down weekly admin time from 2-4 hours to less than 30 minutes.