Native Farmer Professional Cohort Grant

The Native Farmer Professional Cohort Grant, offered by First Nations Development Institute, aims to enhance the skills of 12 Native farmers in areas such as land stewardship and resource access. This 12-month program focuses on improving soil health and local food systems, while integrating Native agricultural traditions. Participants will engage in virtual and in-person training, fostering a network of beginning farmers committed to cultural stewardship and sustainable practices.

About First Nations Development Institute
First Nations invests in and creates innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities. Founded in 1980, First Nations began its national grantmaking program in 1993. Through mid-year 2024, First Nations has successfully managed 3,473 grants totaling $85 million to Native American projects and organizations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territory American Samoa.
The Native Farmer Professional Cohort is facilitated in partnership with two First Nations programs, Stewarding Native Lands and Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments.
The First Nations’ Native Farmer Professional Cohort aims to strengthen the farming and land stewardship skills of 12 Native farmers and support them in accessing resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). The focus of the Native Farmer Professional Cohort is to improve soil health, water quality, local food systems, and land stewardship in alignment with Native values. Participants will learn about conservation planning, business planning, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resource management.
The cohort is a 12-month enrichment opportunity designed to support knowledge-sharing and networking among Native farmers. The cohort includes virtual webinars, fieldwork, and three in-person training sessions. Participants must also complete a project evaluation and submit a one-page reflection at the program’s conclusion. By the end of the 12-month program, participants will:
Deepen their understanding of traditional land stewardship practices to improve Tribal lands.Receive three specialized trainings on conservation and business planning.Establish a peer network with Native beginning farmers.
First Nations seeks applicants who are:
Committed to participating in the cohort for the 12-month cohort period.Committed to implementing stewardship initiatives aligned with cultural values.Interested in developing their management and leadership skills and learning more about traditional land stewardship practices.
Award stipends are intended to support the participation of selected Native farmers in the cohort activities. In addition, participants will receive individualized technical assistance to deepen their work and boost farming, ranching, and conservation operations. Travel and other costs for participation in the cohort are covered by First Nations.

Eligibility

Eligibility includes, but is not limited to applicants being:Tribally affiliated with a Native American community.At least 18 years old.U.S. citizens or permanent residents.“Beginning Farmers” with 10 or fewer years of experience
Applicants must be involved in stewarding land, animals, and plants, and stewardship activities directly related to building Native food security, building the health of communities and community members, and using their work as a mechanism for entrepreneurship and economic development.