Grant applications are now open across Michigan for the 2026 Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF), providing financial support to schools, colleges and local governments for projects that promote Native American history, culture and inclusion.
The funding opportunity is available to public and private K-12 schools, colleges, universities and local government units throughout the state. The grants are designed to support educational and cultural initiatives that deepen public understanding of Native American heritage while strengthening relationships between Native and non-Native communities.
Announcing the new grant cycle, NAHF Board Chairperson Ariel Boonstra, who also serves as Tribal Council Vice Chairperson for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), said the programme reflects Michigan’s commitment to recognising and celebrating the diversity of its Indigenous communities.
“Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized tribes, each with a unique culture, history and government. It is our responsibility to honor that diversity by supporting education and fostering greater inclusion across the state,” Boonstra said.
She noted that the achievements of previous grant recipients have demonstrated the programme’s positive impact and expressed optimism about expanding those successes through the 2026 funding cycle.
Eligible Projects
The Native American Heritage Fund supports projects that increase awareness of Native American history, traditions and contributions while promoting inclusivity.
Eligible initiatives include:
- Cultural festivals and community events.
- Public art celebrating Native heritage.
- Native language education programmes.
- Curriculum development and educational resources.
- New classroom and community education initiatives.
- Projects to replace or remove offensive Native American imagery, symbols and mascots.
About the Fund
The Native American Heritage Fund was established in 2016 through an agreement between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and the State of Michigan.
The programme is financed through a portion of the tribe’s annual revenue-sharing payments to the state. Since its creation, the fund has supported projects focused on education, reconciliation, community engagement and the removal of discriminatory language and imagery from public spaces.
Application Deadline
Eligible organisations can submit applications through the Native American Heritage Fund’s online grant management system.
CLICK TO APPLY
The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026.
The grant programme aims to encourage long-term collaboration, increase Native visibility and foster greater understanding of Indigenous cultures throughout Michigan.
