Best Grants for Native Americans in Connecticut

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in Connecticut and beyond can access funding to strengthen indigenous nations through language revitalization, safety for women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, innovative community leadership, and COVID-19 food and essential needs. Grants from Vadon Foundation help Native American services and culture programs, including 501(c)(3)s and tribal or governmental entities, advance long-term self-determination.

Connecticut Native American organizations and tribal or local governments working on legal reforms around Indian land rights can access funding through the Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance land control and sovereignty. Eligible projects include estate planning, land policy reform, landowner associations, and initiatives to improve the legal framework for owning and managing Indian land.

Tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut working on Indian land use and control can apply for Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants. Funding supports projects that improve productive use of reservation lands, prioritize land acquisition strategies, and expand direct owner management for long-term community benefit.

Federally recognized Tribal governments in Connecticut can receive US $25,000 - US $200,000 to plan and implement fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation programs. US Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service funding may support research, habitat restoration, conservation education, and culturally important species work, including salaries, equipment, consultants, materials, subawards, and travel.

Native American-serving organizations in Connecticut working in education, health and wellness, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, or Native rights and Tribal sovereignty can seek support through the Yocha Dehe Community Fund. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation prioritizes programs that help people help themselves and has funded hundreds of organizations across the U.S.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Connecticut pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges can receive scholarship support for their education. Grants from American Indian College Fund help Native students nationwide, including Connecticut residents, with awards of US $2,000 - US $3,000 through a single annual application for multiple opportunities.

Native American and Alaska Native students at Tribal Colleges and Universities across the U.S., including those from Connecticut, can apply for scholarship support to pursue certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs. Grants from American Indian College Fund average US $2,000 - US $3,000 and are awarded through a single annual application covering multiple scholarship 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 Connecticut can seek larger project grants for cultural, educational, health, environmental, and economic development initiatives. Grants from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community also support equipment and general program needs, and Connecticut Native-focused programs may be eligible within its broader U.S. funding scope.

Native American and Alaska Native high school seniors in Connecticut planning full-time study at accredited nonprofit colleges can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 scholarships for higher education costs. The American Indian College Fund supports students enrolling at Tribal Colleges and Universities or other accredited U.S. institutions through a single application covering multiple scholarship opportunities.

Nonprofit charitable organizations and local governments working on Native American services, culture, health, education, housing, safety, and related needs can apply for funding from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Focused on community benefit, this program supports Native American organizations across the U.S., which may include those serving Native communities in Connecticut.

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 and leadership development, including in Connecticut. With a mission to support future leaders, Udall Foundation provides U.S. students with scholarships plus access to an alumni network and scholar orientation.

Native-led organizations in Connecticut working on culturally rooted land care, Indigenous leadership, and ecological renewal may be eligible for support dedicated to cultural and ecological renewal. Kalliopeia Foundation supports Native American services and culture projects in the U.S. that center spiritual connection to Earth, intergenerational leadership, and land-based projects regenerating soil, soul, and community.

Individuals working on Wabanaki cultural preservation, Native arts, or environmental stewardship, including those in Connecticut, can seek support for projects that sustain traditional knowledge and sacred natural spaces. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants for the David Moses Bridges Scholarship, with preference for Wabanaki and other Indigenous applicants.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, tribal colleges or universities, tribal health programs, and tribal organizations conducting health-related research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health’s Native American Research Centers for Health program. Connecticut tribal entities may be eligible for research projects, career development, and infrastructure to strengthen Native health research capacity.

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 Native American services and culture, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation may benefit Connecticut organizations serving these communities.

Native-led grassroots organizations in the U.S. focused on community organizing and advocacy can use these general operating support grants to strengthen leadership and drive progressive social change. Grants from Common Counsel Foundation help groups rooted in Native communities, including those serving Connecticut, engage members in collective action and improve policies impacting their communities.

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.

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

This RFP request proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs) and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate 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. 

This project is a rapid turnaround project to support T/TSOs/UIOs in:

• Implementing HNBP materials in clinical, community, and family setting
• Training staff and community partners
• Evaluating reach, effectiveness, and community feedback
• Identifying barriers, facilitators, lessons learned, and best practices for future replication

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.