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
Certified by America’s best charities
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
Save the Pell Grant
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.
FOR STUDENTS
American Indian College Fund Scholarship Season Opens February 1
American Indian College Fund Scholarship Season Opens February 1 Comprehensive Support and a Streamlined System Aid Prospective Applicants and Funded Scholars Denver, Colo., January 27, 2026 — Applications for an American Indian College Fund (College Fund) scholarship...
Programs
Determination and Dedication: Two GED Success Stories
By Mgizi Wemigwans, SCTC Student Services Assistant The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College is a grant recipient of the College Fund’s Native Students Stepping Forward: Dollar General Adult Education Program. Through this support, we are proud to highlight two of our most...
Featured News
American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Woolen Mills Student Blanket Design Contest Opens November 15
Starting November 15, the American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Woolen Mills, the international lifestyle brand headquartered in Portland, Oregon, are accepting submissions for sixth annual Tribal College Blanket Design Contest. American Indian and Alaska Native students attending a tribal college or university are eligible to submit up to two designs.
Uplifting Native Nations and Voices on Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Say Our Names
Words and names have power as do the places and peoples that use them. We hope you will join us in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting on the experiences of our nation’s Indigenous Tribes, while working to strengthen ties between us all as relatives. We will continue to use the words of this blog to uplift Native voices, because we’re Indigenous every day.
Student News
American Indian College Fund Host Free Online Tribal College and University Fair
American Indian College Fund...
News from our Progams Team
College Fund Programs Team
American Indian College Fund Staff Co-Author Research in Support of Indigenous Women’s Leadership
In recognition of the fact that the leadership experiences of Indigenous women is an under-researched topic, two Native leaders at the American Indian College Fund co-authored a journal article on this topic. Their team analyzed 18 peer-reviewed articles to identify key concepts and available support for Indigenous women’s leadership.
Breaking the Cycle – Considering Barriers to Higher Education
By Robert DeCoteau, Director...
Breaking the Cycle – Finding Purpose and Building a Foundation Through Student Success
By Robert DeCoteau, Director...
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





