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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

Innovative Research from First Nations

Moving hearts and minds toward greater respect, inclusion and social justice for Native Americans.…

Celebrating Indian Resilience

Gather is now available on iTunes and coming soon to select First Nations' grantees.…

Changing Native Food Economies

First Nations awards seven grants to help Native-led organizations improve food sovereignty efforts.…

Reclaiming Native Truth

Comcast Newsmakers features Mike Roberts discussing the myths and misconceptions surrounding Native Americans.…

Environmental Justice, Native Communities

New series with NPQ illustrates how Native nations are reversing histories…

4 Reasons to Rethink Your November

When attention turns to Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving, we offer four reasons to rethink these celebrations to truly make a difference for Native Americans.…

Celebrating the Native American Vote

Native Americans were among the critical populations playing a significant role in shaping returns across the country. …

More 2020 Election Insights

First Nations weighs in with Latino Decisions on the impact of Native Americans despite the voting challenges.…

Support for Native Communities Continues

First Nations has now awarded $2,508,500 in 191 grants for emergency support through COVID-19.…

Our Impact

Over the last 40 years, First Nations has had a tremendous impact across Indian Country through our work in many program areas. These mid-year 2020 numbers are just part of the story.

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1928 Grants

awarded to Native projects

$40.2 Million

in total grants awarded

40

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

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