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.

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.

Federally recognized Tribal governments in Wisconsin can seek funding for wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and related research and education projects. Focused on tribal wildlife and habitat priorities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites applications for US $25,000 - US $200,000 to support planning, on-the-ground actions, monitoring, and conservation education benefiting culturally important species.

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.

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 Wisconsin can seek funding for cultural programming, education, health, infrastructure, and other Native American services. Grants from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community support both non-cash donations and monetary awards for projects ranging from program support to larger capital and economic development initiatives, with one monetary and one non-cash request allowed per fiscal year.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE) program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to enhance the socioeconomic and cultural vitality of Native communities. It supports initiatives in regenerative agriculture, artificial intelligence, and community resilience. Key goals include fostering Native capacity, sustainable economic growth, and optimizing governance. With a commitment to fully fund these grants for three years, EAGLE promotes innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

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.

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 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.