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Native Americans in Philanthropy is dedicated to uplifting opportunities for greater philanthropic investment in Native communities.

This dashboard is a collection of grant opportunities that we feel are especially relevant to our networks.

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Dreamstarter Grant!

Full Proposal Due Date: January 3, 2026
Community & Economic Development Education Language & Culture

About This Grant

How to Apply:

Native youth, ages 18-30, can apply in partnership with the “Mentor Organization” of their choice, to receive $20,000 to pursue their dream of uplifting their communities, and creating sustainable positive change for generations to come.   The Dreamstarter program was created in 2015, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Billy Mills’ Olympic win, designed to uplift Native communities by investing in the dreams of the youth. Since 2015, Running Strong has cultivated a network of 100 Native youth leaders and invested $1,550,000 into their dreams- so far. 

2026 marks the 40th Anniversary of Running Strong for American Indian Youth. In 1986 Billy Mills co-founded Running Strong with a dream to give back to his community and uplift the next generation of Native youth. What started out as digging wells and planting gardens on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation has flourished into nationwide programming across all program areas that impacts dozens of tribal communities each year. 

Important Dates & Deadlines

August 22, 2025: Applications OPEN. 

January 03, 2026: Applications are DUE by 11:59 pm EST. 

February 28, 2026: Successful applicants notified, Social media Announcement.  

April 9-12, 2026: Dreamstarter Academy with all Dreamstarters & Mentors (attendance required) in Sacramento, CA.  

May 15, 2026: First half of grant funding disbursed. 

November 15, 2026: Program Update DUE. Second half of grant funding dispersed upon submission of update reporting. 

July 15, 2027: Grant period ENDS and all grant monies must be spent. Grant Report DUE. 

Learn More

Submit A Grant to Our Feed

Submitting grant opportunities to our Grantwatch is a benefit provided to our members. If you'd like to learn more about our membership opportunities, please reach out to Reyna Day at rday@nativephilanthropy.org.

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