SMF: Hatfield Fellowship Program Grant

SMF: Hatfield Fellowship Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Spirit Mountain Foundation
Amount: Up to US $100,420
Last Updated: March 17, 2026

Summary

The Hatfield Fellowship Program, established by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, offers a unique nine-month internship for a Native American to work in the Washington, D.C. office of an Oregon congressional delegate. This program aims to foster understanding between tribal communities and congressional leaders, empowering fellows with skills and experience in public service. Preference is given to members of Oregon's federally recognized tribes, ensuring a strong representation of Native American voices in politics.

Overview

Hatfield Fellowship Program Each year, a Native American is selected to serve as the Hatfield Fellow and intern for one of Oregon's congressional delegates in their Washington, D.C., office. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon established the Mark O. Hatfield Fellowship in 1998 as a living tribute to Senator Hatfield. This internship lasts for nine months as fellows learn the inner workings of the federal political system and serve as advisers on Native American issues. Hatfield Fellows are capable, motivated individuals who, through their work in Washington, acquire new skills and understanding to be change makers and leaders in their communities. The mutual understanding between tribal people and congressional leadership will produce long-term benefits for all Pacific Northwest Tribes. Past fellows have successfully served in several congressional offices over the years, including the offices of Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith, and Congressional Representatives Darlene Hooley, Earl Blumenauer, Greg Walden, Kurt Schrader, David Wu, Suzanne Bonamici and Val Hoyle. Statement of Purpose The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon established the Mark O. Hatfield Fellowship in 1997 as a tribute to Senator Hatfield for his accomplishments as Governor of Oregon, United States Senator, and for his support to the Grand Ronde Tribe, Native Americans, Oregonians and all Americans. The Hatfield Fellowship ensures that Mark Hatfield's legacy of integrity, strength, and effectiveness in public service will endure. Each year, the fellowship opportunity will enable a Native American to serve as a member of the staff of one of Oregon's congressional delegation. The Hatfield Fellow will serve as a liaison between the congressional member and Oregon tribes on issues that affect Native Americans and as a resource for the entire Oregon congressional delegation. In addition, the Hatfield Fellowship program seeds Indian Country with capable, motivated individuals who know their way around Washington, D.C., to produce long-term benefits for all Tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Details Each year, the SMCF selection committee will choose a Native American who is at least 21 years of age, to serve as the Hatfield Fellow. Preference will be given to qualified enrolled members of the nine federally recognized Oregon tribes. The Hatfield Fellow will serve as an advisor to his or her member on Native American issues and as a resource on Native American issues for the entire Oregon Congressional delegation. During the congressional fellowship, the Hatfield Fellow is expected to make one district visit to Oregon. The visit will include briefing tribal representatives on political activity in Washington, D.C., report their experiences and work in Washington, D.C., and work with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon to recruit candidates for the following year’s Fellowship. All travel must be coordinated with the appropriate SMCF staff. Each Hatfield Fellow is required to participate in a one-month orientation program that is provided by the American Political Science Association (APSA) at the start of the fellowship. Activities Fellows will routinely provide a myriad of support functions to the assigned congressional office and attend hearings and debates. Fellows will research, prepare briefs and write speeches that will be presented to Congress and other constituents by the Congressman/Congresswoman or by other appropriate congressional staff. Funding The Grand Ronde Tribe, through the Spirit Mountain Community Fund (SMCF), provides funding for the Hatfield Fellowship. Each Hatfield Fellow serves a nine month period from November through July and receives a stipend (taxable wages) of approximately $82,620 for a nine-month period and moving expenses ($7,000). The Hatfield Fellow will also be allowed travel expenses for one district visit (up to $3,500), travel expenses for the Canada Trip with APSA (up to $2,000) and the APSA Orientation fee ($5,300), not to exceed a total of $100,420. All dependents accompanying the Fellow will do so at their own expense. The Hatfield Fellow is responsible for locating housing for the duration of their stay in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. First preference in the selection of the Fellow shall be given to enrolled members of the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon. If there is no suitable applicant from the Oregon Tribes, the Fellow may be selected from enrolled members of and federally recognized Tribe within the United States, who are currently living within the Pacific Northwest. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and must have, as a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college within the United States.The selection committee shall use its discretion in naming the Hatfield Fellow. Candidates are judged based on their professional, academic and artistic background, as well as other accomplishments and a demonstrated interest in public service. Because the fellowship is designed to nurture future leaders, rather than to reward established leaders, evidence of growth potential is also an essential criterion in the selection process. The selection committee shall have the discretion to not name a Hatfield Fellow for the year under consideration if it deems none of the applicants are suitably qualified. The staff of the Spirit Mountain Community Fund will process completed applications. After review of the most promising Fellowship candidates, individuals will be notified of their selection for an interview. The Hatfield Fellow is required to undergo a comprehensive background investigation to insure that they qualify for the security clearance necessary for their Fellowship work assignment.

Ineligibility

Previous Hatfield Fellows are ineligible to apply.