Best Grants for Native Americans in Virgin Islands

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is offering funding for innovative research aimed at improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. This grant will support preparatory and pilot activities that focus on understanding health disparities, testing interventions for chronic diseases, and promoting health behavior changes in collaboration with community partners. Projects should address critical health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and maternal health.

Eligible research institutions and organizations working to improve Native American health, including in the Virgin Islands, can apply for NIH’s Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health R21 awards of up to US $275,000. Funding supports exploratory and developmental studies on culturally informed health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian populations.

Virgin Islands organizations serving Native American communities with health intervention research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health for projects improving Native American health. Grants up to US $2,500,000 support etiologic studies, culturally informed prevention and treatment interventions, and dissemination and implementation research for Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian populations.

Native-led arts organizations, businesses, and collectives in the U.S. and territories, including the Virgin Islands, can receive unrestricted general operating support to strengthen Native arts and cultural work. Focused on Native American culture and heritage, First Peoples Fund’s Rooted Pathways program also includes a learning cohort and requires interim and final reports.

Organizations conducting health research with Native American, Alaska Native, American Indian, or Native Hawaiian communities, including those in the Virgin Islands, can apply for up to US $450,000 from the National Institutes of Health. Focus is on developing, adapting, testing, or implementing culturally informed interventions to reduce disease inequities and improve health outcomes.

Focused on Native American culture and heritage, this fellowship invites U.S. Native knowledge holders and makers, including those in the Virgin Islands, to pursue self-directed work benefiting Native communities. Eligible individuals tribally affiliated with Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian communities can receive up to US $75,000 over two years for their knowledge-based leadership and impact.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from the Virgin Islands, can apply for academic scholarships supporting higher education costs. The American Indian Science and Engineering Society offers the AISES Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship, providing US $5,000 per year for full-time students who are AISES members with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Eligible legal aid organizations, qualified attorneys, and entities serving low-income clients can apply for Legal Services Corporation’s Basic Field Grant, with awards of approximately US $20,000 for civil legal services. Native American service areas in the Virgin Islands may be eligible when designated, supporting legal services related to Native American status and issues in tribal or related courts.

Native American–serving research institutions and partners in the Virgin Islands and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can seek funding to design and test health interventions for Alaska Native and American Indian populations. Focused on intervention research, the National Institutes of Health supports etiologic studies, culturally informed prevention and treatment, and dissemination and implementation projects, with awards up to US $450,000.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories can apply for the NIH TURTLE program to develop doctoral-level biomedical research training and mentoring. Funding supports preparing scientists to conduct culturally appropriate AI/AN health and health disparities research.

Focused on intervention research, the National Institutes of Health invites U.S. institutions to study ways to improve health among Native American populations, including those in the Virgin Islands. Eligible projects may develop, adapt, test, or implement culturally informed health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, or recovery interventions addressing acute and chronic disease inequities.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations in the Virgin Islands can apply for the Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) program; awards support biomedical bachelor’s training and mentoring. This National Institutes of Health opportunity develops AI/AN health researchers nationwide, including U.S. territories.

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

Eligible U.S. academic institutions and nonprofits conducting cancer health equity research can apply for up to US $860,000 to establish coordinated Cancer Health Equity Research Centers serving communities, including in the Virgin Islands. Grants from American Cancer Society help address cancer disparities through multilevel, community-engaged research on social and structural drivers of health.

Nonprofits, tribes, public schools, and eligible government entities advancing food justice for children can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation in the Virgin Islands and across the U.S. and territories. Programs focused on Indigenous food justice or nutrition education and school food may receive up to US $100,000 to expand launched, youth-serving initiatives.

U.S. nonprofit academic, research, cultural heritage institutions, eligible tribal entities, and related government units can apply for Council on Library and Information Resources’ Recordings at Risk awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to digitally reformat fragile audio and audiovisual media. Projects in the Virgin Islands preserving Native American culture and historical recordings may be especially competitive.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships for non-Tribal college students, providing financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure priority review for available scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and success for Indigenous youth.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Eligible students can apply for various merit-based scholarships, with awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000. The College Fund encourages applications by the priority deadline for a better chance of funding.

The American Indian College Fund Scholarship supports high school students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or their descendants, pursuing higher education. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. This merit-based scholarship provides an opportunity for students to receive awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 to help fund their college education. Eligible students should apply during their last semester of high school.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The David Moses Bridges Scholarship honors the legacy of a renowned Passamaquoddy artist and activist, providing essential support for individuals dedicated to the preservation of Wabanaki culture, traditional arts, and environmental stewardship. This scholarship aims to foster connections between master artists and apprentices, promote research on David's impactful life and work, and protect culturally significant natural spaces. It empowers artists and scholars to continue the vital work of preserving indigenous knowledge and practices for future generations.

The Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program supports federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations in advancing health-related research. It aims to enhance research careers and infrastructure through a competitive application process. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this initiative invites eligible entities to apply, ensuring that only high-quality proposals undergo peer review for potential funding.

Native-led organizations strengthening indigenous communities, including those serving Native Americans in the Virgin Islands, can access funding through Vadon Foundation for language revitalization, MMIWG2S initiatives, innovative community leadership, and COVID-19-related food and essential needs. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, U.S. colleges and universities, tribal or other governmental entities, and hospital or health systems in the U.S. and Canada.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation across the U.S., including the Virgin Islands, can seek project-specific funding ranging from US $10,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to advance American Indian entrepreneurism, education, and culture, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation provides quarterly-reviewed grants for clearly defined initiatives.

Native Voices Rising (NVR) offers grants to empower Native-led grassroots organizations in the U.S. With over $16 million awarded since inception, NVR focuses on enhancing lives through collective action and advocacy. Eligible organizations must be Native-led and engage community members in policy improvement efforts. NVR supports initiatives addressing environmental justice, health, and youth involvement, with a commitment to fostering leadership and social change within Native communities.