Best Grants for Native Americans in Wisconsin

Native-led organizations and 501(c)(3) groups in Wisconsin serving Native American communities can apply for Wisconsin Arts Board’s Woodland Indian Arts grants, awarding US $1,500 - US $6,000 for traditional or contemporary arts projects. Funding supports administration, documentation, technical assistance, promotion, and planning that build long-term cultural and economic support for Native arts.

Federally recognized tribal governments in Wisconsin can receive matching support for summer programs that engage Native youth ages 13–19 in natural resource conservation projects. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources funds hands-on, educational experiences including staff salaries, youth stipends, training, equipment and vehicle rental, materials, and limited construction, with awards up to US $22,727.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives working on language revitalization, MMIWG2S, innovative community leadership, or COVID-19-related food insecurity can access funding through Vadon Foundation to strengthen indigenous communities. Programs in Wisconsin may be eligible as part of the foundation’s broader support for Native communities in the U.S. and Canada.

Tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on Native American land issues in Wisconsin can apply for grants supporting legal and policy reforms. Grants from Indian Land Tenure Foundation help advance estate planning, land policy development, landowner associations, and initiatives that strengthen tribal sovereignty and control over Indian land.

Wisconsin Native American communities and supporting governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding to improve the use and control of reservation lands. Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants back projects that prioritize land acquisition planning, expand productive land use, and develop mechanisms for increased direct owner management in Indian Country nationwide.

Wisconsin Native American organizations and programs supporting Native services, culture, education, health, or environmental protection can access funding through Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Community Fund. Grants prioritize initiatives that help people help themselves, especially in Native arts and culture, Indigenous health and wellness, environmental protection, and the advancement of Native rights and Tribal sovereignty across the U.S.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Wisconsin pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges and universities can receive merit-based scholarships supporting their education, averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000. The American Indian College Fund accepts one annual application to consider students for its full portfolio of Native-focused awards.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Wisconsin enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities can apply for scholarships awarding US $2,000 - US $3,000 for their studies. Offered by the American Indian College Fund, one annual application considers TCU students for a broad portfolio of merit-based scholarship opportunities across the U.S.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in Wisconsin planning full-time study at an accredited nonprofit U.S. college or Tribal College can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. The American Indian College Fund awards US $2,000 - US $3,000 merit-based scholarships through a single annual application covering its full portfolio of opportunities.

Native American organizations across the U.S. and charitable organizations or local governments in the Siletz Tribe’s Oregon service area can receive funding for education, health, housing, public safety, addiction treatment, arts, environment, and cultural or historic preservation projects. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians provide these grants, which may benefit Native-focused programs serving communities like Wisconsin.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of operations can seek project funding for Native American services and culture, youth, elders, health, environment, and community development in several Wisconsin counties. With a mission to fight poverty and promote opportunity, Forest County Potawatomi Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-income communities; apply once every 12 months, at least four months before projects begin.

Native-led grassroots organizations in Wisconsin and across the U.S. that organize and advocate for Native communities can apply for Native Voices Rising general operating support grants. Administered by Common Counsel Foundation, this funding strengthens leadership development, community-driven campaigns, and collective action to improve policies and conditions in Native communities.

Sophomore and junior undergraduates focused on environmental issues, Tribal public policy, or Native American and Alaska Native health care can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses, plus leadership development. With a mission to support future leaders, the Udall Foundation provides U.S. students, including those from Wisconsin, with scholarships and access to an active alumni network.

The Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program supports federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations in advancing health-related research. It aims to enhance research careers and infrastructure through a competitive application process. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this initiative invites eligible entities to apply, ensuring that only high-quality proposals undergo peer review for potential funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation can seek project-specific funding, typically US $10,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to advance American Indian communities, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation provides grants that may benefit Wisconsin programs serving Native Americans.

Native artists, scholars, educators, and environmental advocates working on Wabanaki culture and environmental stewardship can apply for support preserving traditional knowledge, resources, and spaces. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants nationwide, including Wisconsin, to pursue apprenticeships, research, publications, and projects honoring David Moses Bridges’ legacy.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations serving residents of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Wisconsin can seek $500 - $5,000 for cultural, health, environmental, and artistic programs. The Red Cliff/Miskwaabikaang Fund, via Boreal Waters Community Foundation, supports Native American language and culture revitalization, traditional arts, social services, and environmental protection projects.

U.S.-based organizations working on Indigenous land care, ecological renewal, and cultural or spiritual connection to the Earth, including those serving Native communities in Wisconsin, can seek support for land-based, intergenerational projects. Kalliopeia Foundation provides funding to visionary, well-managed initiatives that uplift Indigenous leadership, especially women, and foster broader community inspiration and healing.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.