Invest in Native American college students today.
Invest in Native American college students today.
Our Vision: Empowering Native Communities
The vision of the American Indian College Fund is for healthy, self-sufficient, and educated American Indian and Alaska Native people.
Nearly 60 years ago, the Tribal College and University (TCU) movement took flight—born from the vision of Native leaders determined to reclaim education for their communities.
At TCUs curriculum is rooted in Indigenous values, cultural knowledge is passed down, and students build healthy, stable lives for themselves, their families, and the next seven generations.
President Cheryl Crazy Bull of the American Indian College Fund shares how our work and the work of the TCUs have transformed thousands of lives—and how your continued support is helping Native students reach heights their ancestors always dreamed of.
The 2026-2027 Scholarship Application is now open!
The American Indian College Fund scholarship application for the 2026-2027 school year is now open! Scholarships are available for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees.
Reclaim Native Democracy
Democracy Has Native Roots.
Democracy didn’t arrive here. It evolved here. Systems of governance existed across Native nations long before European contact.
Consensus-building, clan systems, women’s councils, intertribal diplomacy, confederacies – these are democratic structures.
The land itself shaped governance models rooted in responsibility, balance, and collective wellbeing.
The Native vote impacts our education, our lands, our health, culture and future generations.
Featured News
“Power in Culture: A Study on Campus Climate and Sense of Belonging for Indigenous Students” Research Released
Three members of the National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSP) group, which includes the American Indian College Fund, AISES, and Cobell Scholarship, Inc., collaborated on the research and release of a new study, “Power in Culture: A Study on Campus Climate and Sense of Belonging for Indigenous Students.” Indigenous students surveyed shared what factors make them feel they belong, stay enrolled in college, and graduate.
Because of You
Because of you, TCU faculty, Native students are learning, leading, and realizing their dreams. Your belief in them creates classrooms where culture and knowledge grow side by side. Together, we are shaping leaders who will strengthen their nations for generations to come. Thank you, faculty.
Our Impact: Native American Scholarships and Student Success
$310.6
MILLION
Invested into Native Communities
159,652
SCHOLARSHIPS
Awarded since 1989
93%
OF OUR SCHOLARS
Give back to their communities
How Your Donations are Used
4%
Management and General
20%
Fundraising
76%
Scholarships, Programs, and Public Education
A Commitment to Donors: The Most-Trusted Native American Nonprofit
Candid
2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency
Best Charity
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Charity Navigator
View our Charity Navigator profile
BBB Wise Giving Alliance
View our give.org charity profile
Tribal Colleges and Universities:
Culture-Based Native American Higher Education
Tribal colleges and universities provide dynamic higher education opportunities, most on or near reservation lands. Known for their remarkable programs, culturally-relevant curricula, and familial student care – tribal colleges allow students to further their careers, attain an advanced degree, or better support their communities.
Recent Blog Posts
From Our President
Featured News
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.
FOR STUDENTS
American Indian College Fund Honors 2025-26 Tribal College Students of the Year and Coca-Cola Scholars
On Sunday, the College Fund honored this year’s Tribal College and University Students of the Year and Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars. These students represent the values of their TCUs and the determination of all the Native students working to build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Programs
Featured News
Hanging a Red Dress for Christmas: MMIP, Native Higher Education, and Hope for a Better New Year
The epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) in the United States that has existed for years continues unabated. And while Native students deal with the same end of semester pressures and holiday stresses as other students, they’re more likely to also be living in a state of fear or mourning for a relative who may never make it home.
American Indian College Fund Celebrates 2025-26 Student Ambassador Cohort
The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) named 12 student ambassadors for 2025-26 to represent its values and mission of providing Native students with access to an affordable, culturally based higher education to revitalize Native communities and cultures.
Student News
Our Students’ Success is Our Wealth: Join Us to Help More Students Access Higher Education
Winter is a special season, full of holidays, good food, good company. And no matter the culture, storytelling and the spirit of reflection, growth, giving, and gratitude take center stage this time of year. It is no different for Native peoples, many of whom wait to tell certain stories on long, cold winter nights.
American Indian College Fund Celebrates 2025-26 Student Ambassador Cohort
The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) named 12 student ambassadors for 2025-26 to represent its values and mission of providing Native students with access to an affordable, culturally based higher education to revitalize Native communities and cultures.
News from our Progams Team
College Fund Programs Team
Ichigo Foundation Awards American Indian College Fund Adult Education Program
The Ichigo Foundation has gifted the American Indian College Fund a $100,000 award to support the Wounspe E’cetkiya O’takuye Piya A’yazunta Pi (Reconnecting Relatives to Education) Program over the next two years. With its first four graduates celebrated in 2025, this program, that provides resources to help American Indians who’ve had encounters with the justice system complete their high school equivalency, hopes to strengthen its partnership and explore other learning opportunities.
College Fund in the News

Tribal Colleges Brace for Disruption as Oversight Shifts to Interior Department

Why We Must Fully Fund Tribal Colleges and Universities

Two Indigenous College Presidents Among 2025 Aspen Ascend Fellows Advancing Family Well-Being

Institute of American Indian Arts 2025 Benefit & Auction Event Raises Record $1.2 Million Gross for Scholarships

Haskell Indian Nations University producing next generation of teachers | Opinion





