Indian Land Tenure Foundation - Economic Opportunity Grant

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Economic Opportunity Grant aims to empower American Indian nations by enhancing their control over reservation lands. This initiative addresses historical challenges in land ownership and economic development, providing essential resources and tools for communities to manage land effectively. By focusing on land acquisition and productive land use, the Foundation supports sustainable growth and cultural preservation, ultimately fostering economic self-sufficiency among Indigenous populations.

Indian Country has seen funding sources come and go over the past 100 years with largely unsuccessful efforts to reduce poverty and prevent further loss of Indian land. Despite popular belief, only a small number of Indian nations and Indian people have benefited substantially from casino revenues. The Foundation supports effective tools and provides resources that improve Indian use and control of reservation lands for the long-term benefit of their community. Projects help tribal communities prioritize land acquisition; understand and create opportunities for the productive use of Indian land; and develop mechanisms to expand direct owner management of their land.

Eligibility

Entities eligible for funding include:Tribal, local and state governmentsNonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation, including institutions

Ineligibility

Activities that are not eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, the following:Advocacy and lobbying efforts to influence legislationEndowmentsLand purchasesBenefits, fundraisers, walk-a-thons, telethons, galas, etc.Scholarships, tuition assistance or other direct funding to individualsSpecial events, except when the event is a key strategy in a continuum of efforts to achieve community goals in the Foundation’s program areas