NATIVE GOVERNANCE CENTER logo

Native Nation Rebuilders Program

NATIVE GOVERNANCE CENTER

Foundation Annual Grants for Native AmericansYouth Leadership Grants
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Native Nation Rebuilders Program

Overview: A two-year, cohort-based leadership training experience for Indigenous changemakers designed to strengthen Native leadership and equip participants with Indigenized tools and frameworks to help rebuild their nations.

Geographic Scope:

  • Enrolled citizens of one of the 23 Native nations sharing geography with Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota), North Dakota, or South Dakota

  • OR Enrolled citizens of any federally-recognized Native nation currently living and working in Mni Sota Makoce, North Dakota, or South Dakota

    • Focus Areas:

  • Community engagement

  • Movement building

  • Wellness

  • Indigenized governance practices

  • Native nation rebuilding framework

  • Leadership skill development

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 21 years old

  • Enrolled citizen of eligible Native nation(s)

  • Currently living and working in specified geographic area (for non-23-nation citizens)

    • Program Structure:

  • Year One: Development of leadership skills and identification of nation rebuilding approaches in participants' communities. Participants complete modules on self-awareness, nation rebuilding, health and wealth, systems and governing relationships, and sovereignty as a practice.

  • Year Two: Implementation of a community action plan with tangible positive impact on Tribal citizens. Examples include community strategic planning, youth empowerment programs, constitutional reform, tribal civics projects, tribal history manuals, and culture-based programming.

    • What Participants Receive:

  • Indigenous-led, values-grounded education

  • Learning from Indigenous knowledge keepers

  • Cohort networking and kinship building

  • One-on-one coaching

  • Customized training

  • Resources to support action plans

  • Hands-on experiences (cultural crafting, medicine walks, etc.)

  • Access to network of 200+ graduated Indigenous changemakers from 13+ cohorts

    • Contact Information:

  • Jessica Glidden, Program Manager - Leadership Development: [email protected]

  • Nathaniel Ruleaux, Program Coordinator - Leadership Development: [email protected]

  • Phone: (651) 571-0826

  • Mailing Address: 1730 New Brighton Blvd Suite 104-236, Minneapolis, MN 55413

    • Background: Native nation rebuilding is the process of moving away from ineffective models of Tribal governance and rebuilding culturally-relevant governance institutions through five elements: sovereignty, transformational leadership, cultural match, strong governing systems, and seventh generation thinking.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Timeline: Applications typically open in summer/early fall with deadlines in late September/early October (specific dates vary by cohort)

    Multi-Step Application Requirements:

    1. Online Application Form
    - Basic demographic information
    - Short essay questions

    2. Professional References
    - Select two professional references
    - References speak to applicant's values, character, and goals

    3. Employer Support
    - Complete employer commitment form
    - Confirms employer will support participation in program
    - All employment statuses valid (employed, self-employed, not employed)

    Additional Information: For detailed process and requirements, visit the "Become a Rebuilder" page on the website.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    native-americansyouth-leadership

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for Native AmericansYouth Leadership Grants

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Housing Preservation Grant Program

    Amount

    Up to $50,000 (disaster assistance); approximately $12.2 million total available

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    American Indian College Fund Scholarships

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    May 31, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation: Junior Scholarship Grant

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    Amount

    US $1,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation: Senior Scholarship Grant

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    Amount

    US $1,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation: Post Graduate Scholarship Grant

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    Amount

    US $1,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation: George and Mollie (Jones) Hicks Scholarship Grant

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    Amount

    US $500

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Ready to apply for Native Nation Rebuilders Program?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more