Best Grants for Minorities in Minnesota

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

We the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are the most diverse confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the United States. Our ancestors spoke 10 completely different languages, each of which had multiple dialects. Our ancestors brought with them deep connections to more than 20 million acres of ancestral territory combined, including all of Western Oregon from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific and extending into what’s now SW Washington State and northern California. Our ancestors signed many treaties with the United States. We were promised the 1.1 million acres Siletz Reservation as our permanent home, but following massive reservation reductions Congress passed the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1954 (took effect in 1956), and our federally recognized status as a tribe was also taken. In 1977 our lobbying of Congress to repeal our Termination was successful, and we became the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

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.

NWIHA – Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship applications will be reviewed to meet the following minimum eligibility before any further review of the application will be done.

• Applicant must either have an application pending or a letter of acceptance from a higher education institution such as a four (4) year college or a two (2) year community college prior to the funds being sent to the higher educational institution.
• Applicant must be less than twenty four (24) years old on the deadline submission date.
• Applicant must be an enrolled member from one of the NWIHA member Tribes.
• Payments are made directly to the school, organization, etc. and not to the Applicant or their families.
• All of these items must be postmarked on or before March 31st of each year, or the Application will be automatically rejected.
• Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
• All Applications become the property of NWIHA. NWIHA reserves the right to publish essays.

Our Impact

UNCF was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college.

Since then, we've helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship

The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship is a need-based, recurring scholarship for active-duty, retired U.S. military veterans, or their dependents who are enrolled full time and pursuing undergraduate STEM degrees at an accredited HBCU. Recipients will receive a renewable award of up to $4,250 to support them in obtaining their undergraduate degree.

This scholarship is in honor of CPO Arthur A. Cook and Capt. Delbert E. Colwell, the fathers of the Grantors who served honorably during WWII.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

BIPOC LGBTQ+ Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program)

PFund Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program) are for BIPOC LGBTQ+ small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest. The program includes $5,000 in grant funding per year for two years and business membership to Quorum, the LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, and to the PFund Small Business Cohort which includes monthly learning and networking sessions.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

2026-2027 Lincoln Financial Scholars Program

The Lincoln Financial Scholars program provides college students with professional development and scholarship assistance to help prepare them for internships and early career opportunities

The Experience

Through engagement in live webinars and online learning management system, scholars will receive training in the following key areas to prepare for internship opportunities and early career opportunities

• Exploring the True Colors Personality Lens 
• Exploring Transferable Skills: Emotional Intelligence 
• Cultivation of Professional Skills: Networking - Branding - Managing Up 
• Financial Wellness

Each eligible student will be awarded a one-time, scholarship award of up to $3,000.

The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting applications for the FY26 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) to streamline the grant process for federally recognized tribes. This initiative combines various competitive funding opportunities into a single application, allowing tribes to address public safety and victimization comprehensively. Eligible areas include criminal justice, substance use, and support for victims of domestic violence. The deadline for applications is October 22, 2026.

The MCTS Legacy Scholarship Program, established by the Mobile County Training School Alumni Association in collaboration with UNCF, offers ten $3,500 need-based scholarships for MCTS attendees or their descendants. This initiative aims to support educational pursuits among students connected to MCTS, enhancing access to higher education. Recipients will be notified within eight weeks after the application deadline, promoting academic success and community engagement. The program reflects UNCF's commitment to empowering minority students and fostering leadership.

 Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

The Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing college degrees in nursing and health care fields to support their readiness to contribute to and grow within the Cherokee Nation reservation labor market. 

The WE Communications Scholarship, established by Waggener Edstrom Worldwide in partnership with UNCF, aims to support female undergraduate students in STEM fields at UNCF Member Institutions. With a focus on academic excellence, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects UNCF's commitment to fostering minority education and empowering future leaders, contributing to the overall rise in graduation rates among African American students.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship offers $5,000 merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in nursing or health sciences. Applicants must be juniors or seniors enrolled at accredited UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year institutions, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative supports the mission of UNCF, which has raised over $6 billion to help minority students thrive in higher education, advocating for the importance of education and community engagement.

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.

The CDC is providing supplemental funding to 34 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations through the Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services initiative. Eligible recipients can apply for new project plans for FY 2027. This funding aims to align measurable outcomes with the Healthy People 2030 goals, enhancing public health services and systems in Indian Country.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Holly Dick Scholarship Fund for California Students

A scholarship fund in support of post-high school education including vocational training that will provide a future career. This scholarship fund was created by Holly Dick who learned from her own life experiences how education can change lives.

Holly WaiHung Dick left mainland China with her family in 1947 for a better life in Hong Kong. Her life experiences taught her that education changes lives. After completing school in China, Holly was hired by Japan Airlines, where she met her future husband, an American, Mike Dick. Holly and Mike lived in Anchorage, where they loved to fish and enjoy friends, family, and their Alaskan life. Holly loved to help others along their path in life. She volunteered as a translator for immigrants and helped children in daycare settings.

The Tribal Epidemiology Centers initiative aims to support currently unserved areas through a new cohort of TEC sites. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Indian Health Service, this program seeks to enhance public health capacity within tribal communities, ensuring access to essential health services and resources. The initiative underscores a commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting wellness among Native populations.

The Public Health Nursing initiative aims to enhance the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native men by implementing a culturally sensitive case management model. Through this program, Public Health Nurses will provide preventive health services, facilitate access to care, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By promoting early identification and management of health issues, the initiative strives to improve overall community health outcomes through targeted, collaborative interventions.

The Urban Indian Health 4-in-1 Program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of urban Native Americans through targeted initiatives in immunization, health promotion, disease prevention, mental health support, and addressing alcohol and substance abuse issues. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this program aims to improve access to essential health services and foster healthier communities among urban Indian populations.

The Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Program aims to support American Indian and Alaska Native youth in maintaining safety, sobriety, and success post-discharge from Youth Regional Treatment Centers. This initiative enhances culturally relevant, community-based aftercare by fostering care coordination, building partnerships, and addressing barriers to improve youth outcomes.

The Urban Indian Health Program - Education & Research collaborates with the US Dept. of Health & Human Services to enhance educational and research opportunities for urban Indian populations. This initiative aims to address health disparities and ensure that urban Indians have access to quality health services and information. By partnering with various urban Indian organizations, the program fosters community engagement and empowers individuals through education and research, ultimately improving health outcomes.

The Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention program aims to reduce suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By enhancing care coordination and culturally relevant behavioral health services, it targets at-risk youth with early intervention strategies. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and collaboration among families, youth, and partners, fostering a comprehensive approach to prevention and support for those affected by suicide.

The Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements are designed to assist tribes in planning and preparing to manage healthcare services for their members through the Tribal Self Governance Program. The Indian Health Service will provide three awards under this initiative, aiming to empower tribal organizations in their efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and self-determination.

The Tribal Management Grant program is designed to empower tribes and tribal organizations by enabling them to take over functions and services of the Indian Health Service. Under the Public Law 93-638, this initiative aims to enhance their health management capabilities, fostering self-determination and improved healthcare delivery. The Indian Health Service plans to provide between five and sixteen awards to support this vital development in tribal health management.

The Tribal Self Governance - Planning program provides essential support for tribes to prepare for managing healthcare services for their communities. Through the Cooperative Agreements, the Indian Health Service aims to empower tribal organizations to take charge of their health needs, facilitating a smoother transition to self-governance in healthcare. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing tribal autonomy and improving health outcomes, with three awards available to eligible applicants.

Osborn scholarship

The Osborn scholarship is for BIPOC students with demonstrated financial need, who are enrolled in or planning to pursue an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program in landscape architecture or civil engineering. Priority will be given to students with a demonstrated a commitment to developing public infrastructure and/or public places in the State of Washington. The intention of the scholarship is to create opportunities for those who have faced historic barriers to access to these professions in the United States. The scholarship founders believe that the design challenges of the 21st century require diverse voices to solve. They look forward to the stronger design solutions to which future scholarship recipients will contribute. Scholarship applicants must demonstrate the grit, resiliency and aptitude that is necessary for success in these professions. This may be demonstrated by any combination of at least two of the following characteristics: overcame a significant personal challenge to maintain at least a B average at school, honor roll grade point average, demonstrated ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, demonstrated service contributions to their community.

Awards

• $5,000 - $10,000

Rene Hernandez Scholarship Fund

Hispanic graduating seniors in Travis and Williamson county.

Awards

• (1) $2,000.00

The Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship supports exceptional African American nurses pursuing master's degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a current RN license. This scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., honors Estelle Massey Osborne, the first African American nurse to earn a master's degree in the U.S. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

Robert Couche Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 1988 by Robert Couche to give scholarships to deserving Black high school graduates living in the Gainesville-Hall County area seeking higher education.

To complete this scholarship, applicants must answer the following essay question: Please describe what you believe are the three most important qualities of a good leader. How have you displayed these qualities in your own life?

In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

Fund the Dream Scholarship

The Fund the Dream Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by the Hispanic Alliance, GA. The purpose of this scholarship is to ‘Build the Dream, One Graduate at a Time.’ Minority students from first-generation/low-income backgrounds face systemic roadblocks while navigating the college admissions process. Graduating seniors coming from low-income families are seven times more likely to drop out than those from families with higher income. In addition, 74% of Latino students enrolled in colleges and universities in the U.S. cut their education short due to the financial pressures of supporting their families. To help mitigate the educational opportunity gap and student debt crisis, the Hispanic Alliance Georgia Fund the Dream Scholarship will support one student who has huge aspirations for their life and is willing to work through anything to achieve them. This scholarship is funded by proceeds from the annual Latino Fest in Gainesville, Georgia and is part of our commitment to making academic and scholarship support more accessible for all students.

When choosing a recipient, the selection committee will take into consideration factors such as the applicant’s academic achievement, financial need, immigration status, volunteering efforts, future educational goals, and responses to essay question. Special consideration will be given to students participating in the Latino Youth Leadership Academy. The 2026 scholarship will be a one-time award of $1,500.