Best Grants for Native Americans in Pennsylvania

The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award honors Native artists who have dedicated their lives to sharing cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts. With a grant of $50,000, this award supports artists deeply rooted in their communities, fostering healing and resilience. Nominations are open for practicing artists across various mediums, including music, dance, and storytelling, ensuring the continuation of Indigenous traditions and the enrichment of Native culture.

The Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) offers short-term Digital Knowledge Sharing Fellowships, inviting global applications to support digital projects that connect archives with Indigenous communities. Selected fellows will participate in a workshop at the American Philosophical Society in July 2026 to share their progress and collaborate on challenges. This initiative seeks to enhance access to archival materials, promoting community engagement and preserving cultural knowledge for future generations.

The American Philosophical Society offers Short-Term Resident Research Fellowships, providing 1 to 3 months of support for researchers needing access to its extensive collections. Approximately 25-30 fellowships are awarded annually, with a stipend of $3,000 per month. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. holders, candidates, and independent scholars. Preference is given to those living 75 miles or more from Philadelphia. Fellowships can start any day from June 1 and must conclude by May 31, requiring four to twelve consecutive weeks of residency.

The Mellon Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) offers a unique opportunity for three undergraduate interns to engage in research and career exploration in Indigenous Studies. This eight-week paid internship at the American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum in Philadelphia provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking within rich collections related to over 650 Indigenous cultures. Interns receive a $3,000 stipend, travel support, and shared housing, fostering connections with Indigenous communities and enhancing their academic pursuits.

The Friends of the APS Predoctoral Fellowship offers a nine-month residential opportunity for graduate students pursuing their Ph.D. dissertation, with a focus on research that utilizes the American Philosophical Society's Library & Museum collections. The fellowship includes a $25,000 stipend and a $5,000 travel/research fund. Applicants must demonstrate the necessity of their research at the library and may include both U.S. citizens and international students, though visa sponsorship is not provided.

The Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Predoctoral Fellowship offers a $25,000 stipend for a nine-month residential fellowship aimed at advanced doctoral students engaged with Indigenous communities. Successful applicants will receive additional funding for travel, relocation, and health insurance costs. This opportunity encourages collaboration and research at the American Philosophical Society's Library & Museum, fostering connections between scholars and Indigenous communities throughout the Americas.

The Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a nine-month opportunity for recent doctoral graduates, professors, and independent scholars to engage with Indigenous communities. Supported by the American Philosophical Society, the fellowship includes a stipend of $50,000, $20,000 for health insurance, and additional funds for travel and relocation. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between scholars and Indigenous communities, prioritizing those with personal engagement in Native issues.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The AAAE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, provided by the AAAE Foundation, supports ethnic diversity students pursuing aviation studies in the U.S. or Canada. With two awards of $5,000 each, recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry, enhancing diversity and inclusion.

The Sharing Language Diversity Fellowship supports Ph.D. students engaged in Indigenous language documentation and data archiving. Funded by the Endangered Language Fund, it encourages sustainable public sharing of linguistic materials, aiming for equitable access to research. With grants up to $30,000, recipients must publicly archive documentation materials within three years, ensuring compliance with community wishes and best practices. This initiative fosters a culture of Open Access in linguistics, benefiting both scholars and Indigenous communities.

The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research aims to enhance diversity in education research by supporting doctoral dissertation projects from advanced graduate students belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. By providing a $25,000 stipend and opportunities for mentorship, the program encourages high-quality research across various educational topics, including STEM education and achievement gaps. This fellowship not only aids in academic development but also fosters the competitiveness of minority scholars in higher education.

The Bertha Parker Cody Award, offered by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in archaeology and museum studies. This scholarship fosters educational advancement and collaboration between archaeologists and Indigenous communities, promoting ethical practices and cultural preservation. Funded in part by the Autry Museum of the American West, it aims to empower diverse voices within the field of archaeology and is available annually.

The SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American graduate students pursuing studies in archaeology. Each year, one scholarship is awarded, providing up to $10,000 to cover tuition, travel, housing, and other educational expenses. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between archaeologists and Native American communities while promoting ethical practices and preservation of cultural heritage.

The SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American students pursuing undergraduate studies in archaeology. With an award of up to $6,000 available annually, this scholarship aims to empower students and promote the preservation of cultural heritage through education and collaboration. It encourages participation from all Native peoples across the Americas, ensuring accessibility and support for educational advancement in the field of archaeology.

The Beth N. Rom-Rymer Travel Scholarship provides $1,000 for Native psychology graduate students to attend the American Psychological Association's annual convention. This opportunity is specifically for members of the Society of Indian Psychologists (SIP). The scholarship aims to support diverse applicants and encourages first-time attendees who demonstrate financial need. APF, the funding organization, is dedicated to enhancing the field of psychology by supporting early career professionals and their contributions to societal improvement.

This funding opportunity supports research aimed at improving health among Native American populations by developing, adapting, and testing interventions. It addresses significant health disparities and seeks culturally informed solutions. The initiative encourages research that informs intervention strategies tailored to community needs, focusing on sustainability and scalability. The program is vital for enhancing health equity and resilience in Native American communities, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality through effective health interventions.

This funding opportunity announcement aims to enhance health interventions for Native American populations. It supports research to develop, adapt, and test culturally informed health promotion and disease prevention strategies. The initiative addresses significant health disparities faced by these communities, emphasizing sustainable and adaptable solutions. Researchers are encouraged to build on community strengths and resilience, focusing on effective dissemination and integration of interventions. The program welcomes applications targeting diverse Native American groups, including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R21 Clinical Trials Optional) aims to support exploratory studies focused on enhancing health outcomes within Native American populations. This initiative encourages research that addresses critical health disparities, tests new interventions, and develops culturally appropriate solutions to improve health and well-being. Applications are encouraged to include community-driven research, addressing unique sociopolitical and environmental challenges faced by these populations, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality.

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF) offers a Cultural Awareness Grant aimed at revitalizing the cultural and spiritual values related to Indian land. This initiative supports American Indian nations in enhancing their ties to the land, which is vital for traditional practices and beliefs. Eligible entities include tribal governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Ineligible activities encompass advocacy efforts, land purchases, and direct funding to individuals, ensuring resources focus on community-centered cultural preservation.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The JSF Indigenous Peoples Grant Program is dedicated to fostering economic development in Indigenous communities through entrepreneurship and business education. With over 30 years of experience, the program supports Indigenous students with scholarships and capacity-building grants. It has produced more than 80 graduates from its MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship, addressing barriers to education and employment, and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs. JSF's commitment to these initiatives is evident in its annual investment of approximately $500,000.

The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, launched by the First Nations Development Institute and the Henry Luce Foundation, supports Native knowledge holders and makers in their transformative work. With ten fellowships of $75,000 each, this two-year program fosters growth and collaboration across diverse fields such as agriculture, climate change, and cultural revitalization. Fellows will engage in community-building through required convenings, enhancing their leadership skills and professional networks to benefit Native communities.

The Grants for Coordination of Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Welfare Services aim to support tribal families at risk of abuse or neglect. This funding encourages innovative projects that enhance case management, supportive services, and prevention strategies. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments and organizations. ACF prioritizes sustainable systems changes, enabling lasting improvements in the coordination of TANF and child welfare programs to better serve vulnerable tribal families.

The Diversity Mentorship Grant Program aims to enhance ethnic diversity in dermatology by providing mentorship to underrepresented medical students. Participants receive 160 hours of hands-on experience with a dermatologist, fostering a deeper understanding of the field. A stipend of $1,500 is available for travel and living expenses. Applications are open until November 1 for the upcoming year, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American groups, to apply.

The ALA Spectrum Scholarship Program offers a one-time $5,000 scholarship to support diverse students pursuing graduate education in library and information studies. Recipients must enroll in an accredited program by fall, receiving funds in two installments. This initiative, supported by the American Library Association, enhances opportunities for over 800 past scholars through mentoring, networking, and professional development, fostering leadership within the library profession across North America.

The Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art support graduate students conducting research on the history of art and visual culture in the U.S., including Native American art. These fellowships aim to enhance diversity in academia by welcoming applications from PhD candidates at all degree-granting institutions in the U.S. The program offers a stipend of $38,000 plus a travel and research allowance, with a total award of $42,000 for a nine to twelve-month period between July 2025 and May 2027.