Nonprofit Grants for Native Americans, First Nations, and Indigenous Groups

Indigenous communities across North America and beyond face unique challenges due to their place in the geographical and historical context of these continents. There are many nonprofit groups that are dedicated to helping Indigenous groups tackle these challenges head on. 

These nonprofits are only able to do their essential work through the funding provided by indigenous grants. These grants can be put towards a wide range of programs and initiatives. These could include cultural and linguistic preservation, scholarship programs for indigenous youth, health and wellness programs, environmental development or economic development.

There are an equally wide range of organizations that provide grants in this space. Examples traditionally included federal agencies such as Indian Health Service Grants. There are also many community foundations involved in this space, such as the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund in Canada or Native Voices Rising in the US. Private foundations are often grant-providers as well, such as the Native American Agriculture Fund or the First Nations Development Institute. 

When drafting Indigenous grant proposals, it's essential to demonstrate that you understand both the Indigenous community you want to serve, and their needs. Detailed data on a gap in service in that community is essential. Examples of relevant data could include statistics on health disparities, unemployment rates or education levels. Good places to get started on collecting data could include the National Congress of American Indians or the Indigenous Environmental Network. 

If you need further guidance on writing excellent grant proposals, then make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also start browsing a comprehensive selection of Indigenous grants right here, all ready and open for applications.