Best Grants for Native Americans in Oregon

The Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Assessment and Planning aims to assist Tribes and Tribal Organizations in assessing the feasibility of implementing a Community Health Aide Program tailored to their unique community needs. This initiative, supported by the Indian Health Service, emphasizes regional flexibility and empowers Tribes to identify critical factors for successful program design, ensuring effective health solutions are delivered where they are most needed.

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.

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.

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

The CDC Foundation invites proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs), and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate the implementation of 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.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

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.

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.

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 Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship offers a renewable $10,000 award for non-graduating Indigenous students pursuing art or architecture at Portland State University. Established in 2022 to honor Lillian Pitt, this scholarship supports students who identify as Indigenous from U.S. states and territories. Recipients must be enrolled full-time or three-quarters time and are expected to attend a spring event for award presentations, fostering opportunities for Indigenous youth to excel in their studies.

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 Native Forward Direct Scholarship supports American Indian and Alaska Native students by providing mid-year funding opportunities to alleviate educational costs. With over 50 years of experience, Native Forward has empowered more than 22,000 students from diverse backgrounds. This scholarship recognizes the limited access these students face in higher education and aims to enhance their academic journeys while fostering community engagement and mentorship through a strong alumni network.

The Native Forward CPA Examination Funding provides crucial financial assistance to American Indians and Alaska Natives for covering the costs associated with the CPA examination. This initiative empowers students and professionals to pursue CPA licensure by assisting with application, registration, and exam fees. Eligible applicants can receive support for one section of the exam at a time, ensuring access to essential resources for advancing their careers and contributing positively to their communities.

The Native Forward Community Impact Research Funding supports doctoral candidates conducting research that addresses issues affecting Indian Country. This initiative provides essential financial assistance for data collection, analysis, and research travel, ensuring that Native perspectives are included in academic discourse. By fostering the next generation of Native leaders, this funding aims to empower scholars and enhance community impact through education and advocacy, ultimately preserving and enriching Native cultures.

The Miller Indigenous Economic Development Fellowship, established by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native doctoral candidates engaged in economic research impacting Native communities. This fellowship supports costs associated with data collection, analysis, and travel. It aims to enhance the representation of Native scholars in economics, addressing the current underrepresentation in the field. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to further their research and contribute to their communities.

The BIE Professional Examination Funding, provided by Native Forward Scholars Fund in partnership with BIE, offers financial assistance to support Native students in taking professional examinations, including Bar Examination funding. This award covers registration fees, preparatory course costs, and other exam-related expenses. Applicants must have graduated within one year and can only receive assistance for one exam. This initiative aims to empower Native scholars and enhance their professional visibility and opportunities.

The BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, supports training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for TCU faculty, staff, and students. This funding assists with costs related to professional development including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Eligible applicants include educators at BIE-funded or controlled schools, as well as those at institutions with significant Native American populations, fostering increased representation and support for Native scholars.

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 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 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.

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.

The Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Aftercare program aims to combat substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It focuses on enhancing care coordination, expanding culturally competent behavioral health services, and implementing early intervention strategies for at-risk youth. By supporting Tribal and community-led initiatives, the program fosters collaboration among families, youth, and community partners to create effective prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions.

The Healthy Lifestyles in Youth program, funded by the Indian Health Service, aims to empower Tribes and Tribal Organizations to deliver essential public health services. This new cohort of NPHR awards supports initiatives that foster healthier lifestyles among youth in Indigenous communities, addressing critical health disparities and promoting well-being through culturally relevant programs and services.

The Zero Suicide Initiative aims to enhance suicide prevention within Indian health systems by implementing the Zero Suicide framework. This program focuses on culturally informed strategies to empower Tribal health systems, fostering leadership, workforce development, and effective suicide risk identification. It emphasizes timely engagement and evidence-based treatment, ensuring continuity of care and quality improvement, ultimately enhancing outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals at risk for suicide.

The Behavioral Health Integration Initiative aims to enhance the health of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals by expanding access to integrated behavioral health care. It supports Tribal and Urban Indian Organization health systems in providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. The initiative focuses on improving care coordination, promoting early identification of mental health issues, and integrating various health services to improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for AI/AN communities.

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program aims to enhance educational capacity in food and agricultural sciences for Native Alaskan and American Indian students. This initiative marks the start of a new four-year funding cycle focused on key priorities such as curriculum development, faculty training, student experiential learning, and essential teaching tools. By fostering recruitment and retention, the program seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships within tribal education systems.