Tribal Nations Gain Access to Expanded Funding Resources
– Tribal nations and Native-led nonprofits are poised to benefit from a surge in available funding, thanks to new and existing initiatives designed to bolster economic development, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing. A growing number of foundations and government programs are directing resources toward Indigenous communities, addressing historical inequities and fostering self-determination.
The launch of the Tribal Funding Registry (TFR) in Spring 2025, spearheaded by the Native-led nonprofit Hozhonigo Institute, marks a significant step forward in streamlining access to grant opportunities. The TFR, described as a “one-stop shop,” provides a searchable database of government, foundation, and corporate grants specifically tailored for Tribes and Native-led organizations. According to the TFR website, it also offers “how-to modules” to guide users through the grant process, from research to writing, and connects them with experienced tribal grant experts for personalized support.
Hozhonigo Institute, established in November 2022, aims to “create an equitable future where Native Americans have equal access to opportunities that lead to the eradication of the racial wealth gap.” The organization’s work underscores a broader national movement to address systemic disparities and empower Indigenous communities.
Federal Programs Expand Support
Several federal agencies are actively involved in providing financial assistance to Native American and Alaska Native communities. The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, offers financial assistance and capacity building programs. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) also provides a range of grant opportunities focused on economic development, including programs to assess economic opportunities, expand broadband access, and preserve Native languages.
The BIA’s Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) grant assists tribal leaders in evaluating and identifying viable economic opportunities. The Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP) supports tribal economic development by funding feasibility studies for potential tourism projects, fulfilling the mission of the NATIVE Act. Other BIA grants focus on energy and mineral resource evaluation (EMDP) and the development of tribal energy businesses (TEDC).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also actively working to strengthen public health systems and services in Indian Country, though specific details of those efforts were not immediately available.
Philanthropic Organizations Increase Investment
Beyond federal initiatives, a growing number of philanthropic organizations are prioritizing funding for Native American communities. The First Nations Development Institute highlights several key funders, including the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, which focuses on the recovery and control of rightful homelands, and the Kalliopeia Foundation, which supports Indigenous programming that strengthens Native lifeways and worldviews.
The Lannan Foundation provides funding for Indigenous communities, with a priority given to rural projects focused on education, cultural preservation, language revival, legal rights, and environmental protection. The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation supports Native arts initiatives, as well as broader areas like natural resource protection and disaster relief. The Notah Begay III Foundation is dedicated to reducing Native American childhood obesity and type-2 diabetes through programs promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity.
The Northwest Area Foundation also provides funding, though details of its specific programs were not readily available. These philanthropic investments reflect a growing recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Native American communities.
Potential Disruptions to Funding
Despite the positive trend of increased funding, a recent report from Brookings warns that a potential federal grant freeze could disrupt over $24 billion in funding to Native American communities, potentially undermining the United States’ obligations to Tribes. The report highlights the critical importance of consistent and reliable funding streams for supporting tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
The availability of these resources represents a crucial opportunity for Tribal Nations and Native-led organizations to address pressing needs and build a more sustainable future. The TFR, coupled with increased philanthropic and federal support, aims to empower these communities with the tools and resources necessary to thrive.
