Best Grants for Native Americans in Kansas

Tribal governments, community language programs, tribal schools, colleges, and enrolled tribal members can seek funding for Native language documentation and revitalization projects, including in Kansas. Focused on preserving eligible Lewis and Clark Expedition–contact languages, Endangered Language Fund offers up to US $20,000 for salaries, equipment, travel, curricula, recordings, and related project costs.

Kansas federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations can access funding through the Native American Research Centers for Health program to support health-related research and research infrastructure. Administered by the National Institutes of Health, this program may benefit Native American services and cultural initiatives that include health research components.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in Kansas working on Native American services, culture, and sovereignty can seek support for programs that strengthen Indigenous communities. Grants from Vadon Foundation help efforts in language revitalization, addressing MMIWG2S, innovative community leadership, and COVID-19-related food insecurity and essential needs across Native nations in the U.S. and Canada.

Native-serving organizations working on education, health, culture, environmental protection, or Native rights in Kansas can seek support for programs aiding people in need. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Yocha Dehe Community Fund prioritizes initiatives in health and wellness, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, and the advancement of Native rights and Tribal sovereignty across the U.S.

Native American and Alaska Native students in Kansas pursuing full-time study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges or universities can receive scholarships averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000 to support their education. Grants from American Indian College Fund use one annual application to consider students for multiple opportunities focused on Native American services, culture, and heritage nationwide.

American Indian and Alaska Native students attending Tribal Colleges and Universities can receive scholarship support averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000 for certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study in the U.S., including Kansas. Grants from American Indian College Fund help Native students cover educational costs through a single annual application for multiple scholarship opportunities.

Kansas tribal governments, local and state agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working with Native communities can access funding through Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance legal and policy reforms around Indian land. Projects may address estate planning, land policy development, landowner associations, or initiatives strengthening tribal sovereignty and control over land assets.

Tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kansas can apply for Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants to improve Indian land use and control. Funding supports projects that prioritize land acquisition planning, expand productive reservation land use, and develop mechanisms for increased direct owner management benefiting Native communities.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in Kansas planning full-time study at accredited nonprofit colleges or Tribal Colleges and Universities can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 in merit-based scholarship support. The American Indian College Fund uses a single application to consider students for its full portfolio of Native-focused scholarships nationwide.

Native American organizations across the U.S. and charitable organizations or local governments in select Oregon counties can seek funding for education, health, public safety, addiction treatment, housing, arts, environment, cultural and historic preservation, and related charitable work. Focused on Native American services and culture, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians invite applicants, including those serving Native communities in Kansas.

Native-led grassroots organizations in Kansas and across the U.S. working on community organizing and advocacy can apply for general operating support to strengthen leadership and collective action. Grants from Common Counsel Foundation’s Native Voices Rising initiative back groups rooted in Native communities that engage members to improve policies and conditions affecting their people.

Individuals working on Wabanaki cultural preservation, Native arts, or environmental stewardship, including those in Kansas, can seek support for projects that sustain traditional knowledge, spaces, and resources. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants for the David Moses Bridges Scholarship to fund master-apprentice work, research, publications, and protection of culturally important places.

Native-led organizations and projects in Kansas that advance cultural and ecological renewal through connection to land may be eligible for funding to support land care and Indigenous leadership work. Kalliopeia Foundation supports U.S.-based efforts that regenerate soil, soul, and community, uphold Indigenous values and sovereignty, and foster intergenerational leadership and community healing.

With a mission to support future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and Native health care fields, the Udall Foundation provides Kansas undergraduate students with scholarships for academic expenses. Eligible U.S. sophomores and juniors, including Native American and Alaska Native students, can receive up to US $7,500 plus access to an alumni network and scholar orientation.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation in the U.S. can apply for project-specific grants of US $10,000 - US $20,000. Focused on advancing American Indian entrepreneurism, higher education, and culture, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation may benefit Native American programs serving communities in Kansas.

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.

The Native Forward Student Access Funding supports American Indian and Alaska Native students by providing financial assistance for graduate and professional examination costs. With over 50 years of experience, Native Forward has empowered more than 22,000 students across the United States. This funding not only covers exam fees but also related preparatory expenses, ensuring that students can pursue their educational goals without financial barriers. The initiative aims to enhance representation and visibility of Native scholars in higher education.

CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health system save and improve lives by unleashing the power of partnerships to protect the health, safety and security of all communities, everywhere. The CDC Foundation is authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners, corporations, organizations and individuals to support the critical health protection mission of CDC and the public health system.

The CDC Foundation manages hundreds of programs each year aimed at protecting communities across the country from a variety of health threats—from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like malaria and HIV to emergency responses, such as Ebola and Zika.

Contractor for Implementation and Evaluation of Healthy Native Babies Project Materials

The CDC Foundation invites proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs), and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate the implementation of the updated Healthy Native Babies Project (HNBP) materials within their service areas. This initiative aims to strengthen culturally relevant infant safe sleep education, increase community awareness and support Native families in reducing sleep related infant deaths. Selected T/TSOs/UIOs will adapt, disseminate and assess the use of HNBP materials in ways that reflect the cultural, linguistic and community-specific needs of the Native populations they serve.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.