Champions for Change Grant

Champions for Change Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Aspen Institute Inc
Last Updated: November 06, 2025

Summary

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

Overview

Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute Founded in 2011, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth — ages 24 and under — on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. Champions for Change The Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. Inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, CFC develops young Indigenous leaders through experience-based learning and tailored advocacy training. Each year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects 5-6 inspirational youth (14-24) to serve as Champions for Change: young leaders from across the country with a desire to better their communities. This can be done in schools or programs, on reservations or in urban environments – anywhere there is opportunity to cultivate positive impact. All applicants, regardless of acceptance, become part of the CNAY network and engage with our community.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Youth who: Self-identify as Native or Indigenous;Are between the ages of 14 and 24 years old on January 1, 2026; andCurrently resides in the United States.