The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) announces $14 million in grants awarded to 54 organizations serving Native producers. This investment directly benefits 141 sovereign Tribal Nations in 26 different states, impacting nearly 125,000 Native farmers, ranchers, fishers, harvesters, and community producers.  

This marks the third year of grantmaking from the Native American Agriculture Fund in addition to ‘fast track’ grants distributed in 2018 to organizations following the Keepseagle v. Vilsack class action settlement. Grants awarded increase access to capital and diversify Native American agriculture economies through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers.  

Today’s investment will dedicate 

• • $4.6 million to Community Development Financial Institutions 
  • $2.2 million to 501(c)3 Organizations 
  • $1.5 million to Tribal Governments 
  • $1 million to Educational Organizations 
  • $1 million to Agricultural Infrastructure 
  • $2.7 million to Beginning Farmers and Ranchers 
  • $1 million to Climate Resilience and Conservation 

“Our top priority at NAAF is advancing Native American Agriculture. The 2021 funding announcement provides an additional $14 million directly invested within Indian Country. Through COVID-19, we have seen the essential need to build and invest in resilient food economies and enhance the work Native producers have been cultivating for generations. Our third round of funding is another step forward improving livelihoods, the land, and the health of our people.” said Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund. 

In addition to today’s $14 million investment, NAAF awarded $1 million in grants to organizations serving Native Youth earlier in 2021.  

To learn more about this investment in Indian Country’s food system, view NAAF’s list of grantees and factsheet.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) is a private, charitable trust serving Native farmers and ranchers through strategic grantmaking in the areas of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community. For more information visit https://nativeamericanagriculturefund.org/ 

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