Yéigo Action Grant

The Yéigo Action Grant, provided by the First Peoples Fund, offers financial support ranging from $100 to $2,500 for Native artists and culture bearers facing hardships that affect their creative practices. This grant aims to assist artists with specific professional opportunities, such as workshops or emergencies. By honoring the spirit of encouragement embodied in the Diné word 'yéigo', the grant helps ensure that artists can continue their vital work within their communities.

NOTE: Applications will normally open on the 12th of every month (or the next business day if the 12th falls on a weekend or holiday), unless specified otherwise. Applications must be submitted by the 10th of every month at 3:00 PM Mountain Time (MT), unless specified otherwise.
About the Yéigo Action Grant
The Yéigo Action Grant provides support for the growing landscape of Native artists and culture bearers who need financial assistance with a specific professional opportunity or towards a hardship that is hindering their creative practice.
This program offers grants between $100 and $2,500 for individual Native artists and culture bearers. First Peoples Fund (FPF) finds it essential to support artists in their times of need, especially when their work is impacted by sudden hardship. This grant’s name incorporates the Diné word yéigo, often used as a phrase of encouragement that can mean “keep going” or “don’t give up.”
Funds May Be Used For:

• Assistance with signing up for an art opportunity (market entry fees, workshop fees, etc.)
• Support an artist attending a residency, seminar, or similar professional development opportunity (travel, lodging, meals, etc).
• Expenses related to an emergency situation (fire, theft, natural disasters, etc.)
• Repair of damaged equipment or tools.

Unanticipated transportation needs for artistic work or professional development travel (vehicle repair, car rental, bus pass, ridesharing – e.g. Uber/Lyft, etc.)
Expenses related to an unanticipated medical or health issue that impacts an artist's ability to work and create.
Sudden, unexpected expenses for a current project (such as replacing damaged supplies, finding a new venue, etc.).

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Applicants must be enrolled members of, or provide proof of lineal descendancy from, a U.S. federally recognized or U.S. state-recognized tribe or be able to provide proof of ancestry as an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian.
Applicant must be a practicing artist.
Applicant has not previously received a Yéigo Action Grant.

Ineligibility

Reimbursement for funds already spent by the applicant.
General requests for funds to purchase new tools, equipment, supplies, or materials.
General operating support for organizations and nonprofits.
Tuition and/or class supplies related to a degree program at a college or university.
Credit payments or student loans.While some hardship requests related to a current artistic project may be eligible, please note that Yéigo Action Grants are not intended to assist with funding new or existing artist projects.