Best Grants for Native Americans in West Virginia

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 in program support, including for students from West Virginia. The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund prioritizes year-round, measurable, collaborative programs with proven impact that directly serve underserved Native communities.

Tribal language programs, tribal schools and colleges, and tribal community initiatives working on Native American language documentation or revitalization in West Virginia can access funding through the Endangered Language Fund’s Native Voices Endowment; awards up to US $20,000 support eligible Lewis and Clark–connected tribes. Grants may cover salaries, equipment, travel, and other project costs.

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 can seek funding for wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and related research projects, including those benefiting Native American cultural resources, in West Virginia and nationwide. Focused on tribal wildlife and habitat priorities, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Tribal Wildlife Grants program offers US $25,000 - US $200,000 for planning, implementation, equipment, staffing, and education.

Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, tribal colleges, health programs, and tribal organizations conducting health-related research can apply for this Native American Research Centers for Health opportunity, administered by the National Institutes of Health. Focused on research projects, career development, and infrastructure, it may benefit West Virginia tribal entities engaged in Native American services and cultural preservation.

Individuals working on Native American cultural preservation, Wabanaki heritage, or environmental stewardship in West Virginia can apply for the David Moses Bridges Scholarship supporting cultural, artistic, and environmental preservation projects. Focused on traditional knowledge, this Maine Community Foundation program may support Indigenous artists, scholars, educators, and environmental activists advancing Native culture and protecting culturally important natural spaces.

Native American organizations across the U.S. and eligible charitable organizations or local governments in specified Oregon counties can receive funding for education, health, housing, public safety, addiction treatment, arts, environment, and cultural or historic preservation projects. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians provide these charitable grants, which may benefit Native-focused programs serving West Virginia communities.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in West Virginia planning full-time study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges or Tribal Colleges and Universities can receive scholarship support, typically US $2,000 - US $3,000, from the American Indian College Fund. Awards are merit-based, use a single annual application, and support certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in West Virginia enrolled at a Tribal College or University can apply for scholarships from the American Indian College Fund, with awards averaging US $2,000 - US $3,000. Eligible applicants must attend a TCU and be enrolled tribal members or descendants of enrolled members in the U.S.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in West Virginia pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 scholarships for their education. The American Indian College Fund supports full-time students who are tribal members or descendants with at least a 2.0 GPA through one annual application.

West Virginia organizations serving Native communities through education, health and wellness, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, or Native rights and Tribal sovereignty can access funding through Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Community Fund. Eligible groups nationwide, including those in West Virginia, may be supported for programs that help people help themselves in these priority areas.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in West Virginia working on language revitalization, MMIWG2S, innovative community leadership, or COVID-19-related food insecurity can access funding through Vadon Foundation to strengthen Indigenous nations. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal or other governmental entities, hospitals, and U.S. colleges or universities, with support also available across the U.S. and Canada.

Tribal governments, local and state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on Native American land issues can seek funding for legal reform projects in the U.S., including West Virginia. Grants from Indian Land Tenure Foundation help advance estate planning, land policy reform, landowner associations, and initiatives strengthening tribal sovereignty over reservation lands.

West Virginia Native American-serving governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Indian Land Tenure Foundation to advance economic opportunity tied to reservation lands. Projects may help tribal communities prioritize land acquisition strategies, create productive land-use opportunities, and expand direct owner management of Indian land for long-term community benefit.

Sophomore and junior undergraduates in fields related to the environment, Tribal public policy, or Native health care can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses through this national scholarship, including students in West Virginia. With a mission to support future leaders, the Udall Foundation provides funding plus orientation and access to its alumni network.

West Virginia Native-led and Indigenous-focused organizations working on land care, ecological renewal, and cultural or spiritual connection to Earth can access funding through Kalliopeia Foundation. The foundation prioritizes U.S.-based projects that regenerate land and community, uplift Indigenous leadership and knowledge keepers, and foster intergenerational leadership and storytelling beyond a single community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation in the U.S., including those serving West Virginia, can seek project-specific support through this program. With a mission to advance American Indian entrepreneurism, education, and culture, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $20,000 for clearly defined initiatives.

Native-led grassroots organizations in West Virginia working on community organizing and advocacy for Native communities can apply for Native Voices Rising grants from Common Counsel Foundation. Funding provides general operating support to groups rooted in Native communities that build leadership, engage large numbers of members in collective action, and work to change policies and rules affecting their people.

Tribal governments, Native American organizations, and Native American serving schools in West Virginia can seek monetary grants and non-cash donations for cultural programming, education, health, infrastructure, and other community projects. Grants from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community may support both smaller program needs and larger capital or economic development initiatives, with one monetary and one non-cash request allowed per fiscal year.

Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations in West Virginia can apply for CDC Foundation support to implement and evaluate Healthy Native Babies Project safe sleep materials. Funding helps adapt culturally relevant resources, train staff and partners, and assess reach, effectiveness, and community feedback to reduce sleep-related infant deaths among Native families.

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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.

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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.

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 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.

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 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.