Save the Pell Grant

Mar 25, 2026 | Advocacy, Blog, Featured Post, Get Involved

The Issue:

Reductions to the Pell Grant awards will create barriers to achieving a higher education.

Who it Affects:

Low-income students, especially American Indian and Alaska Natives.

What You Can Do:

Call your representative and senators today and ask them to Address the Funding Shortfall within the Pell Grant Program.

Take Action ›

The American Indian College Fund is urging higher education allies to ask Congress to set aside nearly $40 billion in funding for the Pell Grant program this upcoming fiscal year, as the Congressional Budget Office projects the need-based scholarship will face a historic multibillion-dollar shortfall. If annual Pell appropriations remain flat at about $22.5 billion and the deficit is left unaddressed, the program will be short by nearly $17 billion in September 2027, according to the CBO; that number could reach as high as $132 billion by 2036. Without this critical support, Pell Grant recipients would see their award reduced or eliminated, including more than 75% of Native American students attending a tribal college. 

Don’t delay! Raise your voice today to prevent harmful cuts to the Pell Grant program and help hard-working TCU students complete their college educations. 

Call your Representative and Senators today! 

Take Action Today! 

Please call your representative and senators today and ask them to Address the Funding Shortfall within the Pell Grant Program. 

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP]. I’m calling to demand that [YOUR REPRESENTATIVE or SENATOR’S NAME] set aside $40 billion in funding for the Pell Grant Program this upcoming fiscal year to provide full funding for Pell Grant award amounts. Any shortfalls or reductions to the Pell Grant awards will create unnecessary barriers to achieving a higher education for low-income students, especially American Indian and Alaska Natives. Educating the next generation of all Americans is not only a fundamental right, but is also critical to our nation’s future.  

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied. 

 

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Native Voices Matter in Primaries and Midterms. REGISTER NOW!

Native Voices Matter in Primaries and Midterms. REGISTER NOW!

The American Indian College Fund is encouraging American Indians and Alaska Natives to ensure they are registered to vote for the upcoming mid-term elections and beyond so they can share their voices at the polls and weigh in on issues such as federal funding for tribal colleges and universities, Native eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, green energy spending on tribal lands, and immigration.