American Indian College Fund Awarded $1.3 Million for Environmental Stewardship Program with Tribal Colleges and Universities
Representatives from the American Indian College Fund and partnered tribal colleges and universities attend the Tiyata Wan Unkagapi (We Are Making a Home) Environmental Stewardship Convening.
Denver, Colo., August 6, 2026 — The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) was awarded $1.3 million by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies for the Ma’koce O’gluspa (Embracing the Land) Program. This environmental stewardship program builds on previous funding to strengthen the capacity of environmental science and natural resource programs, land-based research, and community engagement and collaboration at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). During this three-year funding cycle, TCUs will focus on systemic changes to ensure the success of their environmental stewardship programs, namely curriculum development or enhancement and planning for larger capacity-building projects.
Ma’koce O’gluspa will help TCUs provide resources for students and faculty in environmental science and natural resource programs. This will allow them to focus on place-based learning, professional development, and networking opportunities that complement the environment, cultural practices, and the connection between the health of the land and its people. TCUs will also participate in a community of practice that will provide environmental science and natural resource educators with a space to share promising practices, collectively problem-solve, and disseminate knowledge.
Ten TCUs in the Northern Great Plains are eligible for funding through this award, including:
- Aaniiih Nakoda College – Harlem, Mont.
- Chief Dull Knife College – Lame Deer, Mont.
- Fort Peck Community College – Poplar, Mont.
- Little Big Horn College – Crow Agency, Mont.
- Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College – New Town, N.D.
- Oglala Lakota College – Kyle, S.D.
- Sinte Gleska University – Mission, S.D.
- Sitting Bull College – Fort Yates, N.D.
- Stone Child College – Box Elder, Mont.
- United Tribes Technical College – Bismarck, N.D.
About the American Indian College Fund — The American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 37 years. The College Fund believes “Education is the answer” and provided more than $23 million in scholarships and other student support for higher education in 2024-25. Since its founding in 1989 the College Fund has provided more than $391 million in scholarships, programs, community, and tribal college support. The College Fund also supports a variety of programs at the nation’s 35 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located on or near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers. The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators. It earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (Guidestar), and the “Best in America Seal of Excellence” from the Independent Charities of America. The College Fund was also named as one of the nation’s top 100 charities to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit collegefund.org.
About Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies — Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) provides meaningful assistance to society, the arts, and the environment. Based in Minnesota, MACP is the umbrella over two grantmaking foundations: Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and Anne Ray Foundation. Rooted in guidance from our founder, Margaret Cargill, we engage with strategic partners to support work that makes a lasting difference for communities, with particular attention to overlooked causes. Our global funding spans seven domains connected through common strategies and approaches: Animal Welfare, Arts & Cultures, Disaster Relief & Recovery, Environment, Legacy & Opportunity, Quality of Life, and Teachers & Students. The collective assets of MACP place it among the largest philanthropies in the United States.
Journalists — The American Indian College Fund does not use the acronym AICF. On second reference, please use the College Fund.
Photo – Representatives from the American Indian College Fund and partnered tribal colleges and universities attend the Tiyata Wan Unkagapi (We Are Making a Home) Environmental Stewardship Convening.
