Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students Grant

Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

Overview

Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students Scholarship creator Penny Gill taught political science for 45 years at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She fell in love with Madeline Island (Mooningwanekaaning in Ojibwe) on her first visit and bought a small cabin, eventually becoming a year-round resident. She has benefitted from higher education and wishes to share that with her Ojibwe neighbors, the original residents and caretakers of her beloved island. Award Range $2,500 for up to 4 years ($10,000 total)

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants must be enrolled members of one of the following tribes: Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, or Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Applicants must have graduated from high school or received a GED and must demonstrate financial need.