Best Grants for Native Americans

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Outreach Initiative Program

The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) provides public funds through the Outreach Initiative Program to support statewide touring and outreach activities that increase opportunities for individuals to experience different forms of artistic and cultural expression and engagement. The program supports the SFCA Strategic Priority Hoʻākoakoa (convene, to call together) to build community capacity for creativity, communication, and learning.

Program Scope

Administer a statewide touring program providing arts and culture outreach activities to under-served communities including, but not limited to, rural, socio-economic disadvantaged, geographically disadvantaged, programs for disadvantaged youth, programs for Native or immigrant populations, and activities involving individuals with varying abilities. The touring and outreach activities must be accessible. Activities must occur in person at public spaces, senior centers, public libraries, public housing communities, or a hybrid of online/streaming. The Outreach Initiative Program must provide activities to at least three (3) islands, including outreach to rural and/or under-served communities.

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Community Arts Grant Program

The Community Arts Grants program (previously called Biennium Grants) supports eligible nonprofit 501(c)3 arts and culture organizations throughout the state. The grant awards funding to organizations supporting programs and projects that advance the arts, culture, and the humanities in the lives of the people of Hawaiʻi.

The legal provisions of the Community Arts Grants are in Sections 9-11 through 9-18 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Each fiscal biennium grant budget is contingent on the State fiscal biennium and appropriations from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants awarded are subject to available funding for the fiscal year.

Grant Categories

Applicants may submit an application for a project to one of the following categories that align with the SFCA Strategic Priorities 2019-2023. Applicants can apply for one or both fiscal years, and the category and project can be the same or different for each year.

• Heritage/Preservation: Heritage and Preservation (Culture) projects are well grounded in the history of Hawaii and the living cultures in Hawaii. Amplify Hawaiian cultural arts, history, and heritage and support communities to advance cultural knowledge, build cultural capacity, and preserve cultural legacies.

• Community Arts, Community Development, Arts and Healing: Community Arts, Community Development, Arts & Healing (Engagement). Art-based community development projects that increase the creative capacity of rural communities and enhance opportunities to experience culture and the arts statewide and within rural communities and underserved populations.

• Arts Education: Arts Education (Education) provides educational opportunities in any arts discipline for arts in the school environment, out-of-school learning, Early Childhood Development, adult life-long learning, and professional development.

• Presenting & Performing Arts: Literacy Arts, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Performing Arts (The Arts). Projects support programs or activities of organizations that present artists in performances, exhibitions, in-residency settings, online format, and televised broadcasts. 

A Community Arts Grant can be requested in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. A 1:1 match is required. This is a reimbursement grant program.

The Sunspot Solar-Mellow & Janet Honek Endowment Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports Native American youth pursuing higher education at NMSU. This scholarship aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and those with disabilities, to achieve their educational goals. With a commitment to enhancing quality of life in the region, the foundation offers various scholarships to cater to different student needs and aspirations.

New Mexico Community Foundation

For over 40 years, New Mexico Foundation (NMF) has worked to improve the quality of life for all residents of New Mexico. The only statewide foundation, NMF was started in 1983 by a small group of dedicated and visionary volunteers who believed in the power of Philanthropy as a tool for inspiring creative, community-based change and prosperity.

NMF has distinguished itself as a leader in philanthropy. Our progressive, grassroots approach to building stronger communities empowers community members to collaborate on critical issues by tapping into local resources and discovering the strength in themselves.

In 2019 we changed our name to better define our purpose and identity as the only community foundation serving the state of New Mexico.

Native American Preparatory Scholars Fund

The Native American Preparatory Scholars (NAPS) Fund was established in 2012 from the remaining assets of the former Native American Preparatory School located in Rowe, NM. The purpose of the fund is to support programs that increase the number of New Mexico Native American students who shall aspire to, be prepared for, and graduate from colleges and universities.

To accomplish this mission, New Mexico Community Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through our NAPS Fund.

Grant Focus Areas

• Programs that assist Native students with college acceptance.
• Programs whose goal is to increase college matriculation of Native students.
• Programs that support Native students for career readiness.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Full Circle Scholarship

For American Indian and Alaskan Native students pursuing under-graduate and graduate degrees from Tribal colleges, non-profit and accredited schools.

The Tribal Management Grant program is designed to empower tribes and tribal organizations by enabling them to take over functions and services of the Indian Health Service. Under the Public Law 93-638, this initiative aims to enhance their health management capabilities, fostering self-determination and improved healthcare delivery. The Indian Health Service plans to provide between five and sixteen awards to support this vital development in tribal health management.

The Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements are designed to assist tribes in planning and preparing to manage healthcare services for their members through the Tribal Self Governance Program. The Indian Health Service will provide three awards under this initiative, aiming to empower tribal organizations in their efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and self-determination.

The Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention program aims to reduce suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By enhancing care coordination and culturally relevant behavioral health services, it targets at-risk youth with early intervention strategies. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and collaboration among families, youth, and partners, fostering a comprehensive approach to prevention and support for those affected by suicide.

The Urban Indian Health Program - Education & Research collaborates with the US Dept. of Health & Human Services to enhance educational and research opportunities for urban Indian populations. This initiative aims to address health disparities and ensure that urban Indians have access to quality health services and information. By partnering with various urban Indian organizations, the program fosters community engagement and empowers individuals through education and research, ultimately improving health outcomes.

The Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Program aims to support American Indian and Alaska Native youth in maintaining safety, sobriety, and success post-discharge from Youth Regional Treatment Centers. This initiative enhances culturally relevant, community-based aftercare by fostering care coordination, building partnerships, and addressing barriers to improve youth outcomes.

The Urban Indian Health 4-in-1 Program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of urban Native Americans through targeted initiatives in immunization, health promotion, disease prevention, mental health support, and addressing alcohol and substance abuse issues. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this program aims to improve access to essential health services and foster healthier communities among urban Indian populations.

The Public Health Nursing initiative aims to enhance the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native men by implementing a culturally sensitive case management model. Through this program, Public Health Nurses will provide preventive health services, facilitate access to care, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By promoting early identification and management of health issues, the initiative strives to improve overall community health outcomes through targeted, collaborative interventions.

The Tribal Epidemiology Centers initiative aims to support currently unserved areas through a new cohort of TEC sites. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Indian Health Service, this program seeks to enhance public health capacity within tribal communities, ensuring access to essential health services and resources. The initiative underscores a commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting wellness among Native populations.

The CDC is providing supplemental funding to 34 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations through the Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services initiative. Eligible recipients can apply for new project plans for FY 2027. This funding aims to align measurable outcomes with the Healthy People 2030 goals, enhancing public health services and systems in Indian Country.

The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting applications for the FY26 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) to streamline the grant process for federally recognized tribes. This initiative combines various competitive funding opportunities into a single application, allowing tribes to address public safety and victimization comprehensively. Eligible areas include criminal justice, substance use, and support for victims of domestic violence. The deadline for applications is October 22, 2026.

The Osmann Family Native American Scholarship supports South Dakota high school seniors who are enrolled members of a Native American tribe. Managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, this scholarship is aimed at students planning to attend a four-year college or technical school in the state. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate commitment to academic success and community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, providing crucial financial support for education.

The Indian Highway Safety Traffic Records Forum Grant is exclusively available for federally recognized tribes without an existing grant for FY 2027. This program, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, supports initiatives aimed at enhancing traffic safety through data collection and analysis. Eligible tribal employees can apply for funding to cover registration and travel expenses for attending the Traffic Records Forum from August 3-5, 2027, promoting improved traffic records and safety measures.

The Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program, funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, aims to address high traffic fatality rates among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. With a $2 million budget over three years, the program will create a university-led consortium to develop a strategic safety plan using artificial intelligence for risk analysis, culminating in a pilot project that showcases effective safety infrastructure in a Tribal community.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program (IHBG-COMP) for FY 2026 offers competitive grants to eligible recipients under NAHASDA. This program aims to support affordable housing initiatives benefiting low-income Tribal families, enhancing their living conditions and community well-being. Funded by the US HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, the IHBG-COMP encourages the development of sustainable housing solutions within Native American communities.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program is designed to empower Tribal governments in enhancing their criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. This initiative, funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, aims to support Tribal communities in creating safer environments through targeted funding and resources. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Pepsi – Craig Whitehead Scholarship

Pepsi, Inc. donates scholarship funds to the Siletz Tribe and has asked that this be the Pepsi-Craig Whitehead Scholarship in honor of Craig Whitehead, Tribal member and Pow-Wow Coordinator at the time of his death in 2004.

Craig was also the Tribal Whip Man for Pow-Wows, coordinated a dance troupe that visited schools and was the Peace Keeper for the Citizen’s Advisory Board (CAB). He was a dear friend and loved by all who knew him.

This scholarship is open to any field of study.

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 Native American Artist-in-Residence Program, hosted by the Minnesota Historical Society, aims to support Native American artists in preserving traditional arts. Established in 2013, the program offers financial assistance, access to cultural collections, and opportunities for community engagement. Artists participate in a six to twelve month residency, advancing their artistic practice while sharing knowledge with their communities. This initiative promotes intergenerational learning and helps sustain endangered art forms, fostering a deeper connection to cultural heritage.

Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society preserves Minnesota's past, shares our state's stories and connects people with history in meaningful ways, for today and for tomorrow. Because history matters!

We're part of Minnesota's rich history. Since 1849, we've grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious historical societies in the country. We play an important role in our state's historic preservation, education and tourism; and provide the public with award-winning programs, exhibitions and events.

We owe it to future generations to be good stewards of the past.

Native American Museum Fellowship

The Native American Museum Fellowship (NAMF) Program is a ten-week paid fellowship that will introduce Native community members to the museum field through three weeks of seminar and workshops and seven weeks of an MNHS internship program. These ten weeks are designed to engage and expose fellows to relevant cultural resources within MNHS and partnership sites, the broader public history of Minnesota and neighboring states, and professional opportunities within the museum field– ranging from Tribal historic preservation to exhibit curation. Fellows will learn about career paths and the various requirements for working in museum spaces, both on and off of reservation lands, as well as the particular challenges faced by Native American communities in terms of preserving tribal history and disturbing the institutionalized historical narratives of who Native people were and are.

The first three weeks of the program will be an in-depth seminar that will focus on the function of museums, cultural resources, public history, and tribal historic preservation fields. Through a mix of readings, podcasts, videos, discussions, exhibit analyses and guest speakers, fellows will come to have a better understanding of the day-to-day workings of museums and historic sites, and the values and practices that inform these institutions. The cohort will travel often to MNHS partnering sites and will have the opportunity to visit various Native organizations in or around the Twin Cities. Fellows will be placed within the Minnesota Historical Society network for the remainder of the fellowship where they will complete a hands-on internship experience of their choice.

Participants in the program will receive a living expense stipend for the duration of the program as well as travel expense reimbursement, a stipend pending completion of the seminar portion of the program, and a paid internship for the remaining seven weeks.

Topics covered

• Collections
• Conservation
• Tribal and Institutional Partnerships
• Tribal Historic Preservation
• Cultural Resource Stewardship
• Exhibitions
• ​Archaeology/NAGPRA
• Section 106
• And more!

Program Requirements

NAMF is designed as a ten week hybrid program with a home base of the Minnesota History Center, located in St. Paul. The 3-week seminar portion of the program has mandatory in-person attendance to receive the full stipend. A 20-hour per week paid internship could be all in-person or hybrid, depending on the internship supervisor. Travel to historic sites and communities will be required throughout the program period with travel arranged through program staff. 

Please Note: Fellows are expected to find their own housing upon accepting their letter of admittance. Mileage accumulated from out-of-town trips and lodging used during seminar will be reimbursed (within reason) to eliminate financial barriers during your time as a NAMF fellow. 

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.