Best Grants for Native Americans in Iowa

Federally recognized tribal governments working on salmon recovery planning and conservation project development can use this non-competitive funding for staff, contractors, permitting, and project effectiveness monitoring in Iowa and beyond. Grants from Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board help Native American communities incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into project design and cultural resource review, with awards up to US $100,000.

Tribal governments, community language programs, tribal schools, colleges, and enrolled tribal members in Iowa and other eligible Lewis and Clark Expedition tribes can seek funding for Native language documentation and revitalization projects. Focused on preserving endangered Indigenous languages, Endangered Language Fund supports education programs, recordings, curricula, scholarships, travel, and related project costs, with awards up to US $20,000.

Native American artists, scholars, educators, and environmental advocates working on Wabanaki cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, including those in Iowa, can seek support for projects that sustain traditional knowledge, resources, and spaces. Focused on cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation, Maine Community Foundation invites applicants, with preference for Wabanaki and other Indigenous individuals, to apply.

Nonprofit charitable organizations and local governments can seek funding for Native American services, culture, education, health, housing, public safety, and related programs through the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ charitable fund. Focused on community benefit, Native American organizations across the U.S., including those serving Iowa, may be eligible if they meet the fund’s location requirements.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in Iowa planning full-time study at an accredited nonprofit U.S. college or Tribal College or University can receive $2,000 - $3,000 scholarships for higher education costs. The American Indian College Fund offers a single application that considers students for its full portfolio of merit-based awards each year.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Iowa attending a Tribal College or University can apply for scholarships supporting certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study. Grants from American Indian College Fund help Native students across the U.S., with awards averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000, through a single annual application covering multiple scholarship opportunities.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Iowa attending accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges or universities can receive $2,000 - $3,000 for certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study. Grants from American Indian College Fund help those enrolled full-time with at least a 2.0 GPA, including descendants of enrolled tribal members, access merit-based scholarship support.

Native American organizations and programs supporting Native services, culture, education, health, or environmental protection in Iowa may be eligible for this community-focused funding. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Community Fund prioritizes initiatives that help people help themselves, including projects advancing Native rights, Tribal sovereignty, and Native arts and culture across the U.S.

Iowa federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations can access funding through the Native American Research Centers for Health program to support health-related research. Administered by the National Institutes of Health, awards also strengthen research careers and research infrastructure for Tribal entities across the U.S.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in Iowa working on language revitalization, MMIWG2S, innovative community leadership, or COVID-19-related food insecurity can seek support through the Vadon Foundation. Grants from Vadon Foundation help Native American services and cultural programs in the U.S. and Canada sustain healthy, thriving indigenous nations across generations.

Iowa tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on Native American land issues can access funding through the Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance legal and policy reforms. Projects may include estate planning, land policy development, landowner associations, and initiatives that strengthen tribal sovereignty and control over Indian land.

Tribal, local, and state governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working with Native communities in Iowa can apply for Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants to improve Indian use and control of reservation lands. Funding supports projects that prioritize land acquisition planning, productive land use, and expanded direct owner management across Indian Country.

Native-led organizations focused on cultural and ecological renewal rooted in reverent connection to the Earth may be eligible for funding, including work benefiting Native communities in Iowa. Kalliopeia Foundation supports U.S.-based projects in land care and Indigenous leadership that regenerate land, uplift traditional knowledge, and foster intergenerational community healing and leadership.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation can seek project-specific funding, including organizations serving Iowa. Focused on American Indian entrepreneurism, higher education, and cultural programs, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation awards US $10,000 - US $20,000 and requires follow-up reports on funded projects.

Native-led grassroots organizations in Iowa and across the U.S. that organize and advocate to improve Native communities can apply for general operating support to build leadership and collective action. Grants from Common Counsel Foundation’s Native Voices Rising support groups rooted in Native communities working on progressive social change, including environmental justice, health, healing, and intergenerational engagement.

Sophomore and junior undergraduates in environmental fields or Native American and Alaska Native students focused on tribal public policy or health care can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses in Iowa and nationwide. With a mission to support future leaders, the Udall Foundation provides scholarships plus orientation and access to its alumni network.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

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.

Udall Foundation

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships, and internships for study in fields related to the environment and to American Indians and Alaska Natives in fields related to health care and tribal public policy; provides funding to the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and to the Native Nations Institute to conduct environmental policy research, research on American Indian and Alaska Native health care issues and tribal public policy issues, and training; and provides assessment, mediation, training, and other related services through the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (National Center or NCECR).

Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy

The Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy (Native American Graduate Fellowship) recognizes outstanding Native American and Alaska Native graduate students who are currently pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields—including, but not limited to, health administration, health education, public health, medical practice, policy, research, or related-degrees—and who have demonstrated a commitment to Native health care. The Native American Graduate Fellowship Program honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III.

The Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP) aims to enhance research capacity at Tribal colleges, focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. By fostering leadership skills and knowledge, the program prepares students for competitive careers in agriculture and related fields. Projects involving innovative agricultural technologies, such as AI and data science, are encouraged. TCRGP also emphasizes training opportunities for undergraduate students to equip them for success in a digital society and explore pathways in AI for food and agricultural sciences.

The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) Program for Fiscal Year 2026 aims to empower residents of Public and Indian Housing by addressing barriers to economic self-sufficiency. Through grant funding from HUD, Service Coordinators assess individual needs, linking residents to educational, professional, and health resources. This support enables participants to achieve financial stability and independence, facilitating their journey towards self-sufficiency and enhancing their quality of life.

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

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

The SCALE initiative aims to combat injury, violence, overdose, and suicide, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among individuals aged 0-44. By enhancing implementation and outreach, this funding opportunity seeks to empower organizations to implement effective prevention strategies, especially in underserved communities, including tribal areas. The program encourages collaboration and continuous improvement to achieve sustainable reductions in these critical public health issues.

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.

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.