Think Indian Community Awareness Grants

Think Indian Community Awareness Grants of $2,500 are available to student groups and accredited higher education institutions. These grants encourage institutions who serve Native students to promote the positive message of “Think Indian,” the vibrancy of Native students, and the highlight the support provided by Native scholarship programs to their campus and community.

“Think Indian” was originally created as a public awareness campaign to promote the American Indian College Fund, and the many ways that its scholars contribute to, and change our world. Its message connected so deeply with Native students and institutions that it was revived in 2018, specifically to promote the College Fund’s scholarship, and other student programs.

The American Indian College Fund has created a grant program to highlight its “Think Indian” campaign, and scholarships program for Native students. The grants are intended to encourage institutions who serve Native students to promote the positive message of “Think Indian,” the vibrancy of Native students, and the highlight the support provided by Native scholarship programs to their campus and community. Projects must engage or include Native students.

Student groups and institutions can use grant funds for any activity or project that will promote the “Think Indian” campaign and scholarships in their community. Programs can include, but are not limited to:

  • Informational, social or artistic events
  • Art displays, installations or murals
  • Music performances or video screenings
  • Local awareness, publicity or marketing campaigns
  • Online/social media campaigns
  • Participation in existing campus or community events
  • Themed volunteer or service events (including Native vote or census projects)

CLICK HERE to view summaries of the 2019 awarded projects.

 

Related Pages

Application Tips

Application FAQs

Additional Scholarships

College Success

Students Social Media

News & Events

American Indian College Fund Awarded $1.3 Million for Environmental Stewardship Program with Tribal Colleges and Universities

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.

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.

AIHEC CALL TO ACTION!

The American Indian College Fund joins the American Indian Higher Education Consortium’s Call to Action in support of this bipartisan, no-cost to taxpayer’s opportunity to further sustain our member Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

The Senate Agriculture Committee will mark up its 2026 Farm Bill Reauthorization on August 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. ET, creating a critical opportunity to advance long-overdue, no-cost improvements that strengthen and level the playing field for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) (also known as 1994 land-grant institutions) within the land-grant system.

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is urging Senators to support inclusion of two bipartisan, no-cost priorities that would provide TCUs with greater flexibility to strengthen research, modernize infrastructure, and better serve Tribal communities, without increasing federal spending.

The priorities would:

(1) Allow 1994 land-grant institutions to use Research and Extension Program funds for equipment, facilities, and land acquisition; and

(2) Waive non-federal matching requirements for the Research Facilities Act and New Beginnings for Tribal Students programs.

Institution-specific examples illustrating the local impact of these provisions are available from AIHEC upon request.

For more information, please contact Danelle Springer, AIHEC Federal Relations Associate, at dspringer@aihec.org.

 

Script

“Hello, my name is [NAME], and I am calling on behalf of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.

I respectfully ask Senator [NAME] to encourage the Senate Agriculture Committee to include two no-cost priorities for Tribal Colleges and Universities, the nation’s 1994 land-grant institutions, in the 2026 Senate Farm Bill reauthorization.

First, allow 1994 institutions to use Research and Extension program funds for equipment, facilities, and land acquisition.

Second, waive the non-federal match requirements for the 1994 institutions in the Research Facilities Act and the New Beginnings for Tribal Students program.

These provisions require no additional federal funding but will strengthen TCUs’ ability to educate students, conduct research, and serve Tribal communities.

Thank you for your leadership and for supporting Tribal Colleges and Universities.”

Find Your Senators

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Students, Elders, and Community Unite for the Children’s Powwow

By Ashley Hebert, Early Childhood Education Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

KBOCC Children's Pow Wow 2026

Attendees at the Children’s Pow Wow during grand entry.

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s Second Annual Children’s Powwow was a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and learning that brought together children, families, educators, elders, and community members. The event provided an opportunity for young children to experience and participate in cultural traditions while strengthening connections between local early childhood programs, schools, and the community. Through the support of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program and the American Indian College Fund’s Indigenous Early Childhood Education grant, the Children’s Powwow continues to grow as an important community event.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this year’s Children’s Powwow was the opportunity for children to help create their own ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts before the event. ECE students visited participating classrooms and worked with children to personalize their regalia, special ceremonial clothing or items worn or carried by Ojibwe people for important events or as symbols of honor. Each classroom selected its own unique fabric and ribbon colors, ensuring that no two classrooms had the same design. Children were involved in choosing the materials, making the experience meaningful and personal while helping them develop a sense of ownership and pride in their regalia. This process not only built excitement for the powwow but also allowed children to express their individuality while participating in a shared cultural experience.

Three Preprimary children in their regalia at the Children’s Pow Wow at the KBOCC Childrens Pow Wow 2026

Three Preprimary children in their regalia at the Children’s Pow Wow.

Another special component of the powwow was the involvement of elders and community members in helping create ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts for children attending local early childhood programs and centers. Through a series of collaborative gatherings, community members shared their skills, knowledge, and time to ensure children had regalia to wear during the event. These experiences provided opportunities to help preserve and celebrate Anishinaabe traditions.

Early Childhood Education students played a significant role in planning and implementing the Children’s Powwow. Students assisted with organizing activities, coordinating logistics, preparing materials, and supporting families throughout the event. Their involvement provided valuable leadership experience and allowed them to see firsthand the importance of community engagement, cultural responsiveness, and family-centered programming. Students also gained a deeper understanding of how cultural events can support children’s development of identity, sense of belonging, and overall well-being.

Five Keweenaw Bay Indian Community early head start students preparing for the Children’s Pow Wow in their regalia.

Five Keweenaw Bay Indian Community early head start students preparing for the Children’s Pow Wow in their regalia.

The Children’s Powwow was a true community effort that reflected the strength of partnerships between the college, local early childhood programs, families, elders, and community organizations. The event created a welcoming space where children could celebrate their culture, families could connect with one another, and students could apply what they have learned in meaningful ways. As the event continues to grow, it remains an important example of how education, culture, and community can come together to support future generations.