Best Grants for Native Americans in Mississippi

Arts organizations and tribal governments in Mississippi serving communities of color can apply for South Arts’ Cultural Sustainability grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $150,000 for general operating support. Native American arts and culture groups with under $500,000 in annual revenue and at least three years of programming may be eligible, alongside peer organizations across the South Arts region.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in Mississippi working on Native American services, culture, and sovereignty can access funding through the Vadon Foundation. Grants support language revitalization, responses to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, innovative community leadership, and COVID-19-related food insecurity and essential needs for indigenous communities.

Mississippi Native American governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on tribal land rights and legal systems can access funding through Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance legal reform projects. Eligible initiatives include estate planning and probate reform, land policy development, landowner associations, and efforts to improve the legal landscape for owning and managing Indian land.

Tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mississippi working with American Indian communities can apply for Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants to improve use and control of reservation lands. Funding supports projects that prioritize land acquisition planning, develop productive land use opportunities, and expand direct owner management for long-term community benefit.

Federally recognized Tribal governments in Mississippi can seek funding for wildlife, fish, and habitat conservation programs, including projects tied to Native American cultural or traditional values. US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service offers US $25,000 - US $200,000 for activities like habitat restoration, research, monitoring, mapping, and conservation education.

Native American-serving organizations in Mississippi working on education, health and wellness, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, or Native rights may be eligible for support through the Yocha Dehe Community Fund. Grants from Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation can help programs that assist Native communities and advance Tribal sovereignty and well-being.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Mississippi pursuing certificates or degrees at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges can access scholarships from the American Indian College Fund, averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000. Grants from American Indian College Fund help Native students nationwide with tuition and related educational expenses at non-Tribal institutions.

American Indian and Alaska Native students at Tribal Colleges and Universities across the U.S., including Mississippi, can apply for American Indian College Fund scholarships averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000 to support their studies. Grants from American Indian College Fund help Native students in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs with annual, merit-based educational funding.

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.

Tribal governments, Native American organizations, and Native American serving schools in Mississippi can seek funding for cultural programming, education, health, infrastructure, and other community projects, including capital efforts. Grants from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community help Native communities across the U.S., so Mississippi-based Native-focused entities may be eligible for monetary or non-cash support.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in Mississippi planning full-time study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges or Tribal Colleges and Universities can receive scholarship support for higher education. The American Indian College Fund provides merit-based awards averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000 through a single annual application that considers students for its full scholarship portfolio.

Native American organizations across the U.S. can seek funding for education, health, housing, cultural activities, historic preservation, public safety, addiction treatment, and other charitable programs through the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund. Focused on Native American services and culture, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians invite eligible groups, including those serving Mississippi, to apply.

Native American and Alaska Native undergraduates in Mississippi focused on tribal public policy or Native health care, as well as students committed to environmental issues, can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses. With a mission to support future leaders, the Udall Foundation provides scholarships plus orientation and access to its national alumni network.

Native-led organizations focused on Indigenous culture, land care, and ecological renewal in Mississippi and across the U.S. can seek support for projects rooted in reverent connection to the Earth. Kalliopeia Foundation funds land-based initiatives, Indigenous leadership, language and tradition preservation, and intergenerational community healing, prioritizing US-based groups with strong, visionary leadership and broad, inspiring impact.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations in Mississippi can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support health-related research and infrastructure. Programs serving Native American communities may benefit from support for research projects and research career development activities.

Individuals working on Wabanaki cultural preservation, Native arts, or environmental stewardship, including those from Mississippi, can seek support for projects advancing traditional knowledge, research, or advocacy. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants—especially Wabanaki and other Indigenous people—to fund apprenticeships, scholarship, publications, and protection of culturally important natural spaces.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation in the U.S., including Mississippi, can seek project-specific funding for their programs. Focused on Native American services and culture, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants on a quarterly cycle for clearly defined initiatives.

Native-led grassroots organizations in Mississippi working on community organizing and advocacy can seek general operating support to strengthen leadership, civic engagement, and progressive social change efforts. Grants from Common Counsel Foundation’s Native Voices Rising initiative support U.S.-based Native groups rooted in their communities, with accountable leadership and programs that mobilize members to improve policies and systems.

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At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

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We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Bill Taylor Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

Enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or their spouses, children or other immediate family members attending a two- or four-year college or university.

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.

The Elizabeth Furber Scholarship honors the legacy of Elizabeth Furber by providing financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students. This scholarship supports students pursuing full-time degrees in various fields, including fine arts, music, and creative writing. As a need-based award, it requires applicants to demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This opportunity empowers eligible students to achieve their academic goals.

The Funding the Future of Finance in Indian Country/Johnson Scholarship offers financial support to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing full-time degrees in business, accounting, or finance. The program aims to enhance diversity in these fields and provides awards of up to $10,000 per academic year based on need. Applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

The BIE Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing full-time degrees in STEM fields at accredited institutions. This need-based award ranges from $100 to $30,000 per academic year, based on financial aid information provided by the institution's Financial Aid Office. Eligible students must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

The BIE Special Higher Education Program offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native graduate and professional students enrolled full-time in accredited institutions across various fields. Awards fluctuate annually based on applicant qualifications and available funding, ensuring support aligns with need-based criteria. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This initiative aims to empower Indigenous scholars in their academic pursuits.

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.

Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations in Mississippi can apply for CDC Foundation support to implement and evaluate Healthy Native Babies Project materials, strengthening culturally relevant infant safe sleep education. Funding helps adapt, disseminate, and assess these materials, train staff and partners, and gather community feedback to reduce sleep-related infant deaths.

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.