Best Grants for Native Americans in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 in program support from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund. With a mission to advance charitable and educational purposes, this fund backs year-round, measurable programs, including those serving Native communities connected to Pennsylvania and other designated regions.

Tribal governments, community language programs, tribal schools, colleges, and eligible individual tribal members can receive up to US $20,000 for Native language documentation and revitalization projects in Pennsylvania and other Lewis and Clark–connected areas. Focused on endangered Indigenous languages, Endangered Language Fund supports curricula, recordings, education programs, and training that preserve Native American culture and heritage.

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.

Federally recognized Tribal governments in Pennsylvania can receive US $25,000 - US $200,000 to plan and implement fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation programs, including culturally important species and conservation education. The US Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service funds salaries, equipment, research, habitat projects, and related costs through its Tribal Wildlife Grants program.

Pennsylvania federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support health-related research and research capacity. This Native American Research Centers for Health opportunity may benefit Native-serving entities building research programs and careers in AI/AN communities.

Individuals working on Native cultural, artistic, or environmental preservation projects in Pennsylvania may be eligible for this scholarship supporting Wabanaki-focused and Indigenous initiatives. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants pursuing Wabanaki culture, Native American heritage, research, or environmental stewardship inspired by David Moses Bridges’ legacy across the U.S.

Native American organizations across the U.S. can seek funding for education, health, housing, cultural activities, and other charitable programs through the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Pennsylvania Native-led groups working in these areas may be eligible if they qualify as Native American organizations under this charitable contribution fund.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in Pennsylvania planning full-time study at an accredited nonprofit college or Tribal College/University can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 in merit-based scholarship support. The American Indian College Fund uses a single annual application to consider students for its full portfolio of Native-focused scholarships nationwide.

Native American and Alaska Native students at Tribal Colleges and Universities in the U.S., including those from Pennsylvania, can apply for American Indian College Fund scholarships supporting certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study. Grants from American Indian College Fund help students with average awards of US $2,000 - US $3,000 through a single annual application.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Pennsylvania pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges can access funding through the American Indian College Fund; awards US $2,000 - US $3,000 for tuition and education costs. Applicants submit one annual application to be considered for multiple merit-based scholarships nationwide.

Native-serving organizations supporting education, health, culture, environmental protection, or Native rights in Pennsylvania may be eligible for funding to assist people in need. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation supports Native American services and culture nationwide through the Yocha Dehe Community Fund, prioritizing programs in health and wellness, education, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, and Tribal sovereignty.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in Pennsylvania and beyond can access funding to strengthen indigenous nations through language revitalization, safety for women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, and innovative community leadership. Grants from Vadon Foundation help Native communities, including those addressing COVID-19-related food insecurity and essential needs, pursue long-term self-determination and sustainability.

Pennsylvania tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working with Native communities can access funding through Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance legal reforms around Indian land ownership and control. Eligible projects include estate planning, probate reform, land policy development, landowner associations, and initiatives strengthening tribal sovereignty over land assets.

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

Native-led grassroots organizations in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. that organize for progressive social change can seek general operating support to strengthen leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Grants from Common Counsel Foundation’s Native Voices Rising initiative support groups rooted in Native communities that mobilize members to improve policies and systems affecting their people.

With a mission to support future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and Native health care fields, Udall Foundation provides Pennsylvania undergraduate students with scholarships up to US $7,500. Eligible U.S. sophomores and juniors, including Native American and Alaska Native students, can fund academic expenses while building networks that may benefit Native communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. running projects that advance American Indian self-sufficiency, education, entrepreneurism, or cultural preservation may be eligible for US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants. Focused on Native American services and heritage, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation supports specifically defined projects, which can include work benefiting Native communities in Pennsylvania.

Indigenous-led and other Native-focused organizations in Pennsylvania working on land-based cultural and ecological renewal may be eligible for this invitation-only funding, which primarily supports existing partners. Kalliopeia Foundation supports Native American services and culture by backing U.S.-based projects that connect people to land, uplift Indigenous leadership, and foster intergenerational community healing.

Tribal governments, Native American organizations, and Native American serving schools in Pennsylvania can seek larger project grants, while all organizations may request smaller donations or non-cash support for programs and events. Grants from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community help fund cultural programming, education, health and wellness, economic development, equipment, and other Native American services and heritage initiatives.

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 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 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 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.

Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Archives Training Fellowship

The American Philosophical Society's Library & Museum (APS) in Philadelphia invites applications for a two-year, residential Archives Training Fellowship for applicants at any stage of their careers who would like to develop or advance their professional skills in collections care and best practices surrounding Native American and Indigenous collections in archives, libraries, and museums. This funding opportunity is part of the Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI), supported by the Mellon Foundation. An award will be made pending availability of funding.

The Fellow will be based at the APS Library & Museum’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR). Over the two years, the Fellow will spend 80% of their time as a contributing member of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, working alongside archivists and other staff on tasks and projects relating to CNAIR’s work promoting access and use of the APS Library & Museum’s archival collections relating to Indigenous peoples and languages of the Americas, which is one of the largest such archival collections on the continent. The other 20% of the Fellow’s time will be devoted to pursuing an independent project of their own proposing.

This opportunity is intended to give the Fellow broad exposure to and direct experience working with archival collections in a professional context through working in parallel with archivists, curators, and other staff at CNAIR. The makeup of the Fellow’s work may include multiple areas of archival practice, such as processing, digitization, metadata work, resource development, exhibition planning, and reference, with the combination of tasks and responsibilities constructed partly in light of the Fellow’s experiences and interests, and partly in light of CNAIR’s current project priorities. The Fellow will also work on a significant, sustained project with CNAIR focused on one of the above areas.

This 24-month residential fellowship is intended for a master’s degree graduate in archives or library/information science, a recent doctoral graduate in any field, or an independent postdoctoral scholar. The applicant should be working or planning to work with Native American and Indigenous collections in an archive, library, or museum setting. Applications from those who have lived experience or sustained personal engagement with Indigenous communities, including as a member of an Indigenous community, are particularly encouraged. Key criteria for evaluation include the nature of the applicant’s past work and the articulated goals of professional training in relation to the applicant's career development.

The purpose of this fellowship is to provide information professionals and scholars with training and experiences that will diversify their skillset by working alongside archivists and staff at CNAIR, as well as to the opportunity to do an independent project of their own on the side.

The Fellow will also be expected to participate in the vibrant intellectual community at the Society, including monthly lunches at the Library with visiting scholars, daytime workshops and programming with other residential fellows, and evening programs with specialists in a wide range of fields.

Terms

• Compensation is $50,000 a year plus benefits, along with additional funds for research support, travel, and relocation. The Fellow is expected to be on site full time for the duration of the fellowship, excepting approved travel for professional development. The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with any other fellowship or grant.
• 24 month residential fellowship
• $50,000 annual salary
• $5,000 travel/research fund
• $750 relocation cost

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.