Best Grants for Native Americans in Wisconsin

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.