Acorn Fund

Supporting Native Knowledge Holders in the Arts 

First Nations supports strengths-based narratives about Native communities and the strides happening throughout Indian Country that are reinforcing community and economic development. Our approach centers Native expertise and the self-determined learning pathways of Native knowledge holders.  

Native knowledge holders need support to invest in their own capacity for advancing their knowledge, whether it’s through research, travel to an educational event, or information sharing.  

As part of our Native Arts, Language, and Knowledge program, First Nations’ newly created Acorn Fund focuses support for Native individuals who are working in the arts, furthering their learnings through activities that strengthen cultural continuity, artistic practice, and community-rooted knowledge systems.  

Through this fund, Native knowledge holders can receive funding of up to $5,000 for research, travel, and other expenses associated with projects that achieve one or more of the following: 

• Support traditional Native American artistic and cultural knowledge 
• Increase access to research and cultural resources 
• Strengthen intergenerational knowledge transmission 
• Elevate Native voices and deepen public understanding of Native arts 
• Invest in Native cultural leadership 

 Applications now being accepted 

Native arts knowledge holders, including artists and culture bearers, scholars and independent researchers, curators and museum professionals, and arts administrators and community cultural leaders are invited to apply for grants through the Acorn Fund. The 2026 grant cycle is now open. 

• Apply for an Acorn Fund grant by Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5 pm MT
• Attend the informational webinar that will share more about the application materials, review process, and timeline. 
• Learn more about First Nations’ Native Arts, Language, and Knowledge program 
• Read about First Nations’ Native Arts Initiative 

Promotional Resources: Share news of this opportunity with interested applicants

Downloadable graphic

Newsletter or email blurb

Funding Opportunity for Individuals: Support for Native Knowledge Holders in the Arts

As part of the Native Arts, Language, and Knowledge program, First Nations Development Institute has newly created the Acorn Fund to provide support for Native individuals who are working in the arts, furthering their learnings through activities that strengthen cultural continuity, artistic practice, and community-rooted knowledge systems. Through this fund, Native knowledge holders can receive funding of up to $5,000 for research, travel, and other expenses. Learn more about the program, access the RFP, and apply at: Acorn Fund 2026. Deadline is April 29, 2026, 5 pm MT.

Q&A Application Webinar: First Nations will host an informational webinar on the Acorn Fund program, eligibility criteria, and allowable activities and requirements. Join the webinar Thursday, April 2, 2026, 3 to 4 pm MT. Register here.

This opportunity is made possible through the generous support of the Terra Foundation for American Art. The Terra Foundation for American Art, established in 1978 and having offices in Chicago and Paris, supports organizations and individuals locally and globally with the aim of fostering intercultural dialogues and encouraging transformative practices that expand narratives of American art, through the foundation’s grant program, collection, and initiatives.