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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Cathern Tufts Memorial Scholarship

Cathern Tufts, affectionately known as “Cat” in the offices of the CTSI administrative offices and Tribal elder woodcuts, was the Tribal Attorney for fourteen and a half years until she passed in 2018 following a short illness. She was a Siletz Tribal member who graduated from Arizona State University School of Law. She served an internship in Washington D.C. prior to going to work as an attorney. Her parents and friends wished to honor her life and achievements through this memorial scholarship. This scholarship is for students in pre-law, law, or in a natural resource field.

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.

Arthur S. Bensell Memorial Scholarship

Arthur S. Bensell was an educator, civic leader, Tribal Council member and Tribal Chairman. He spent many years in service to his community and Tribe as Mayor of the City of Siletz and tribal leader.

Art attended Ohio State University and graduated from Heidelberg College in 1934. During his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he served as a teacher, principal and reservation principal in Minnesota, Alaska and North Dakota. Upon returning to Siletz, Art became involved in tribal business affairs and served many years on the Tribe’s Education Committee and always strived for better educational opportunities for Tribal members.

A memorial scholarship fund was established through the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians to honor and award Tribal members in education. The $1000 scholarship is administered by the Tribal Education Committee and strengthened by various fund raising activities throughout the year.

What We Do

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.

Our Philanthropic Network

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.

Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services , is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The provision of health services to members of federally-recognized tribes grew out of the special government-to-government relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. This relationship, established in 1787, is based on Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, and has been given form and substance by numerous treaties, laws, Supreme Court decisions, and Executive Orders. The IHS is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for Indian people, and its goal is to raise their health status to the highest possible level. The IHS provides a comprehensive health service.

IHS Extern Program

Become an IHS Extern

The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers IHS scholarship recipients and other qualified students the opportunity to participate in a hands-on instructive experience that will complement the knowledge and skills developed in school. This experience will help to enhance pre-professional training, while also familiarizing yourself with Native communities that are of interest to you when you begin your health professions career.

IHS externs are employed for 30 to 120 workdays per calendar year during non-academic periods

Salary

Externs received a salary based on experience and years of academic training that is comparable to industry standards. IHS will waive your salary if the externship fulfills a required academic field placement or an internship.

Housing

Externs are responsible for securing their own housing arrangements. Host sites may be able to provide information or resources to assist in identifying housing options within the community. Externs are encouraged to maintain communication with their Extern Coordinator and host site to ensure all arrangements are confirmed prior to travel. This preparation supports a smooth transition into the externship experience and enables externs to focus on contributing to the Indian Health.

Eligible degree programs for Summer 2025 (must be accepted into program at time of application):

• Pre-Nursing (Sophomore Level, leading to a Bachelor Degree of Science)
• Pre- Medicine (Junior/Senior Level, leading to a Bachelor Degree of Science)
• Pre-Dentistry (Junior/Senior Level, leading to a Bachelor Degree of Science)

Must be enrolled in the Bachelor Degree program by January 1, 2025:

• Nursing
• Environmental Health
• Engineering (Civil or Environmental - Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Radiology

Must be enrolled in the Master Degree program by January 1, 2025:

• Nurse Midwife
• Social Work (LCSW)
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician Assistant
• Occupational Therapy

Must be enrolled in the Doctoral Degree program by January 1, 2025:

• Clinical Psychology
• Dentistry
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Physician, Allopathy
• Physician, Osteopathy
• Physical Therapy
• Podiatry

Duties include:

• Gain working knowledge and experience in your chosen health profession or field with Indian Health Service during non-academic periods for up to 120 workdays per calendar year.
• Assist preceptor in daily duties in their academic field.
• Assist and prepare reports on assigned projects.
• Assist on day-to-day administrative operations by performing tasks related to their department functions.

Udall Foundation

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships, and internships for study in fields related to the environment and to American Indians and Alaska Natives in fields related to health care and tribal public policy; provides funding to the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and to the Native Nations Institute to conduct environmental policy research, research on American Indian and Alaska Native health care issues and tribal public policy issues, and training; and provides assessment, mediation, training, and other related services through the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (National Center or NCECR).

Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy

The Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy (Native American Graduate Fellowship) recognizes outstanding Native American and Alaska Native graduate students who are currently pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields—including, but not limited to, health administration, health education, public health, medical practice, policy, research, or related-degrees—and who have demonstrated a commitment to Native health care. The Native American Graduate Fellowship Program honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III.

The Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP) aims to enhance research capacity at Tribal colleges, focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. By fostering leadership skills and knowledge, the program prepares students for competitive careers in agriculture and related fields. Projects involving innovative agricultural technologies, such as AI and data science, are encouraged. TCRGP also emphasizes training opportunities for undergraduate students to equip them for success in a digital society and explore pathways in AI for food and agricultural sciences.

The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) Program for Fiscal Year 2026 aims to empower residents of Public and Indian Housing by addressing barriers to economic self-sufficiency. Through grant funding from HUD, Service Coordinators assess individual needs, linking residents to educational, professional, and health resources. This support enables participants to achieve financial stability and independence, facilitating their journey towards self-sufficiency and enhancing their quality of life.

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.