Strengthening Native American Communities & Economies

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First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through direct financial grants, technical assistance & training, and advocacy & policy.

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Latest Updates

Protect the Indian Child Welfare Act

First Nations supports NICWA and their campaign to uphold this gold standard in child welfare policy. …

Apply Now for the 2023 Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship

First Nations will award 10 fellowships of $75,000 each to outstanding Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers.…

Tackling Underinvestment in Native Communities

Inside Philanthropy features the Native American Fund for Health Equity, a new fund led by First Nations.…

Two New Grant Opportunities

Funding available to support Native-led organizations working in line with the Justice40 initiative to promote climate resiliency. Learn more here.…

Learning, Career Growth, and Fun

First Nations is now hiring Program Associates and a Resource Development Coordinator. Learn more! …

National Week of Action for MMIWG

First Nations is shining a light on the reality that Native women and girls are being murdered at 10 times the national average. Learn more. …

First-ever Native Nonprofit Day May 20!

Native Ways Federation introduces new celebration to strengthen philanthropy and advocacy for Native-led nonprofits.…

New Stewarding Native Lands Grant : Apply by May 25!

First Nations expects to award approximately 10 grants of $50,000 each to eligible organizations. …

Empowering Native Americans

Learn how this initiative is changing the narrative toward greater respect, inclusion, and social justice.…

Our Impact

Over the last 41 years, First Nations has had a tremendous impact across Indian Country through our work in many program areas. These year-end 2021 numbers are just part of the story.

Learn More About Our Grant Programs

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2611 Grants

awarded to Native projects

$51.6 Million

in total grants awarded

States, D.C. & American Samoa in our grant scope so far

Our Programs

Stewarding Native Lands

Nourishing Native Foods & Health

Advancing Household & Community Asset-Building Strategies

Strengthening Tribal & Community Institutions

Investing in Native Youth

Achieving Native Financial Empowerment

COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND

Help Native communities respond and recover!

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View Our Current Grant Opportunities

Each year First Nations offers several grant opportunities. Click here or visit our Grantmaking page for current projects.

View Grants

Explore our publications

We provide publications on a range of topics. Explore our publications related to the Native nonprofit sector, economic development strategies, financial education, and other topics.

Check out the Knowledge Center