2024 Grantees

After a competitive review process, the following organizations were awarded grants during the 2024 Request for Applications cycle.

Any questions about these 2024 Grantees can be sent to [email protected].

501(c)(3)

1. Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO

Website: https://www.fortlewis.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortLewis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortlewiscollege/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLCDurango

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FLCDurango

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/fort-lewis-college/

501c3

Fort Lewis College (FLC) in Durango, Colorado, is a Native American-serving, non-tribal institution dedicated to providing higher education opportunities to Native American students. Situated near several tribal lands, including the Southern Ute, Mountain Ute, and Navajo Nation, FLC supports a diverse community of Native American students, who made up 39% of its student body in the fall of 2023. The college offers several specialized programs in agriculture and environmental studies, including the Regenerative Food Systems Certificate and the Farmer-in-Training Program, both of which emphasize sustainable farming practices and food sovereignty.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) has provided funding for FLC to support Native students and producers from various tribes nationwide. FLC’s new project, funded by the NAAF, focuses on hands-on agricultural training exclusively for Native producers and aims to launch a long-term land access project to prioritize land access for Native producers. The initiative will include infrastructure improvements, such as building a pond and a water delivery system, as part of the first two phases of the project. Additionally, FLC is developing mentorship programs and offering paid internships to Native students to provide them with training in regenerative food systems.

To further support Native producers, the Farmer-in-Training program at FLC’s Old Fort offers agricultural training opportunities and access to resources like land, water, and mentorship. This program has already helped launch 25 farm businesses since 2011 and is designed to accommodate the growing conditions common in many Native American communities. As part of its ongoing efforts, FLC also collaborates with organizations such as the Southwest Equitable Land Access Collaborative to develop alternative land access strategies and promote equitable opportunities for Native producers.

Overall, Fort Lewis College leverages NAAF funding to advance its commitment to serving Native communities through education, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced land access. The college’s comprehensive approach includes practical training programs, infrastructure development, and partnerships that aim to support the agricultural aspirations and economic well-being of Native producers across the region.

2. Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency

Tomah, WI

Website: https://hhcda.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHCDA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhcda_/

501c3

Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency (HHCDA) fosters a strong, healthy community through providing members with quality programs that help meet the Ho-Chunk Nation’s social, cultural, and community needs. One of these programs is Community Resource Training Center’s (CRTC) Seed to Market Project, which empowers Native producers with enhanced access to capital, technical agricultural training, market branding and developing market partnerships, fostering sustainable agriculture and ultimately economic independence within HHCDA communities.

First this project is going to expand community gardens and upgrade equipment for the maple syrup production to meet market demands. The project will also develop a local brand for the community-produced agricultural products and develop partnerships to raise community awareness of the products grown within Ho-Chunk Nation. Finally, this project will train and promote modern and traditional practices on food sustainability, preservation, and food security through workshops and then online materials for accessibility to all community members.

HHCDA also plans to incorporate youth into this project by making the community gardens accessible for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Youth Services department to cultivate the future generation of farmers. Through these efforts, the Seed to Market project strives to address both the immediate and long-term needs of Ho-Chunk Nation producers, fostering a self-reliant and forward-looking community.

3. Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation

Winnebago, NE

Website: https://www.hccdc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067786144078

501c3

The Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation (HCCDC), a 501(c)(3) organization located in Nebraska, serves the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and focuses on advancing the socio-economic development of the Winnebago people. As part of its mission, the HCCDC leads initiatives in employment, food sovereignty, community farming, housing, education, and health programs. This grant project is designed to expand organic farming practices, enhance food sovereignty, and foster economic growth and social equity within the tribe.

The first objective of the project is to strengthen the public health system by increasing access to traditional plants, such as Indian corn and milkweed. The HCCDC plans to achieve this by distributing seeds to 25 community members who will grow corn in their family gardens and by conducting eight harvesting classes on organic farming for 30 community members. This effort aims to increase the number of community members growing and harvesting traditional Indian corn organically, thereby promoting better health and nutritional practices within the tribe.

The second objective focuses on revitalizing soil fertility through an organic transition process covering 200 acres per year. To accomplish this, the HCCDC will secure discounted rates for poultry manure, use an electric weed zapper for effective weed control, and acquire additional organic farming equipment. Over a period of five years, this initiative aims to transition a total of 2,000 acres to organic farming. This transition is expected to improve soil health and sustainability, supporting the community’s long-term agricultural productivity and ecological resilience.

The third objective is to obtain USDA Organic Certification, which will enable access to higher-value markets for organic produce. The HCCDC plans to work with an organic consultant to identify best practices and strategies for growth. The goal is to transition 200 acres annually through an organic transition program while maintaining relationships with specialty grain elevators to capture market opportunities. Achieving this certification will open new economic avenues for the tribe, allowing it to compete more effectively in the organic market.

In addition to these specific objectives, the project includes several other critical elements. The HCCDC will provide access to capital and resources, enabling the expansion of organic farming practices that positively impact the economic development of the Winnebago Tribe. The project will also engage 12 community members, educating them to become leading experts in organic farming practices and in developing pathways to transition to commercial operations. This focus on education and expertise is designed to foster sustainability and growth, enhancing the overall well-being of the community through accessible local services, economic growth, social equity, and active community involvement.

By promoting organic farming as a key component of tribal development, the HCCDC aims to support the Winnebago Tribe in achieving broader socio-economic benefits. The long-term impact of this initiative includes sustainable, locally driven development, increased community ownership, and improved public health, culture, and economic sustainability through expanded organic agriculture and food sovereignty initiatives.

4. Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute

Albuquerque, NM

Website: https://www.hopitutskwa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopitutskwa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopitutskwa

501c3

Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute is an Indigenous-led non-profit based on the Hopi Reservation offering hands-on education programs for all ages while also growing the community. They are developing a regional food hub and laying the groundwork for long-term food resilience and self-sufficiency in northern Arizona Tribal communities. By emphasizing community collaboration and partnership development, the project ensures inclusivity, equity, and shared ownership of the food hub initiative, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment within the community. This program will not only increase the ability of Hopi farmers to access grant funding and capital through direct technical assistance and support, but it will build organizational capacity, generate operational farm to market infrastructure with food safety compliance, and gather the community through communal workshops focused on regenerative farming practices and climate resilient strategies to strengthen traditional agriculture and increase natural and material capital on Native farm operations. This project will alleviate food insecurity, a major health concern exacerbated by limited access to fresh and nutritious food. Moreover, through workforce development initiatives and direct support to local producers, the project will empower individuals and stimulate economic growth to directly combat the long-standing poverty and unemployment issues within the Hopi and Navajo communities.

5. Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike Building Program

Hana, HI

Website: https://www.hanabuild.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makahanakaike

501c3

Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike Building Program a Nonprofit organization located in Hāna, Maui a district also referred to as East Maui that spans 35 miles from the historical land divisions of Koʻolau to Kaupō. Hāna is one of the most remote regions of Hawaiʻi. With NAAF funds this organization will create a tiered apprenticeship program, Onipaʻa ʻo Mahele. This project will engage multiple paid Native Hawaiian farmer apprentices (ages 14-24) and unpaid Native Hawaiian community producers in advanced agricultural training over two years. The program includes workshops, professional development, mentorship, and technical assistance. Apprentices and producers will have access to agricultural resources at Mahele Farm to gain knowledge specific to Hāna’s micro-climate. The tiered, mentor-led apprenticeship program has a successful two-decade record. Paid apprentices are high school interns and graduates of Hāna School working full-time for advanced training. The project addresses two main challenges in Hāna: inadequate pay for farming and lack of access to land and equipment. It aims to help aspiring Native Hawaiian farmers overcome these barriers, particularly those from low-income households without family businesses or land.

6. Oregon Native American Chamber

Portland, OR

Website: https://nwnc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWNativeChamber/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwnativechamber/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nwnativechamber/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVFCoV8aQHc1M5BrfV_erg

501c3

The Northwest Native Chamber is a 501c3 organization located in Portland, Oregon. The Chamber provides services to Native American business owners and food producers in Portland and in Tribal and rural areas throughout the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Through their internal research the Chamber identified that their Tribal and rural clients routinely requested technical assistance in five critical areas that the Chamber organized into a suite to improve regional agribusiness. These focus areas included financial management; accounting/bookkeeping; marketing; improved access to capital; and basic business management. According to the Chamber the Pacific Northwest faces the unique challenge of having Tribal Nations in the interior facing complicated land issues while the Coastal Nations are challenged by limited access to sufficient land and sea. And both faced issues of labor and compliance. The Chamber developed a project called Direct Assistance for Native Farmers, Fishers, and Food Producers, a project that they believe they con complete in 12 months. The primary goals of the project are, first, to develop a Native Agriculture curriculum for comprehensive economic advancement using site-specific video resources on agribusiness development. They will add these agriculture-specific modules to their partner StartUp Northwest platform; Second, they intend to expand technical assistance for Native producers by hiring a Resource Navigator for agribusiness; Third, they will foster collaboration to leverage resources for Native producers and develop a support network of collaborators; and Fourth, they will increase access to capital for Native producers throughout the Pacific Northwest by researching funders, developing educational materials, hosting workshops, doing capital needs assessments, and providing one-on one mentorships to clients. Native Northwest Chamber believes that Tribal entities have been systematically shut out from acquiring working capital. They intend to attempt to repair historic harms by providing technical assistance to prepare clients for capital readiness by utilizing best practices then guide clients to direct capital acquisition through their Equity Entrepreneur Program.

They will facilitate connections to culturally specific lenders such as Native CDFIs. In addition, the Chamber intends to add this agriculture-focused technical assistance to their existing Native Technical Assistance Program (Native TAP) while connecting clients to professional service providers (PSPs). They intend to significally impact the operations of up to 30 farmers, ranchers, fishers, gatherers, and producers. The project aligns with NAAF’s access to capital mission by providing community-centric cultural models of economic development, educational activities, and technical assistance.

7. The Cultural Conservancy

San Francisco, CA

Website: https://www.nativeland.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCulturalConservancy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturalconservancy/?hl=en

X: https://twitter.com/TCCNativeland

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkWUSp0NHs5JcUSN3jz-34g

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/theculturalconservancy

501c3

The Cultural Conservancy’s “Building the Learning Farm at Heron Shadow” project aims to expand resources, education, and engagement opportunities for Native producers through regenerative agriculture and sustainable business development. The initiative focuses on creating a gathering space and supporting local Indigenous farmers and producers with community grants, financial literacy training, and hands-on internships. The project will empower Native food producers by integrating traditional agricultural practices with modern business strategies, helping them access capital and manage agricultural risks more effectively.

Heron Shadow, located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Peoples, serves as a learning model for Indigenous agricultural practices. The Cultural Conservancy will host internships, financial literacy workshops, and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) workshops throughout the project. These initiatives aim to provide Native producers with the skills, resources, and knowledge needed to thrive in regenerative farming and business ventures. The project ultimately seeks to support long-term food sovereignty and land stewardship within Indigenous communities.

8. Wambli Ska Society dba Sacred Storm Buffalo

Rapid City, SD

Website: https://www.wambliska.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5022878997784292/?mibextid=6NoCDW

X: https://twitter.com/drum_ska

501c3

Sacred Storm Buffalo empowers Native producers by offering comprehensive services such as access to equipment, training, and capital to foster economic self-sufficiency while preserving Indigenous traditions. By integrating every aspect of the bison’s lifecycle, from conception to consumption, they break the dependency on other agricultural systems. The organization serves Reservation and Tribal land communities, as well as the Indigenous urban community of Rapid City, South Dakota, with a special focus on empowering young Native Americans through career opportunities that connect them to their cultural heritage and promote self-determination.

The project’s goals include empowerment through education, establishing independent food systems, and promoting economic self-sufficiency. Sacred Storm Buffalo develops educational programs like the Warrior Lodge, which teaches young Native warriors the importance of food sovereignty and equips them with skills in buffalo production. The organization is committed to building localized food infrastructure, including processing facilities and training programs for meat cutters and traditional harvesters. By implementing these initiatives, they aim to provide Native communities with sustainable livelihoods, enhance herd health, and create a transformative opportunity for Native peoples to engage with a localized food system that encompasses the entire lifecycle of the buffalo.

9. Wozu Inc.

Cannonball, ND

Website: https://wozu.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wozuinc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wozuinc/

501c3

Wozu Inc., based on the Standing Rock Sioux Nation, will use NAAF funding for its “Land Stewardship” grant project, which is regenerative agriculture programming focuses on sustainable farming practices, food sovereignty, animal husbandry, and land stewardship to foster a sustainable and reciprocal connection with the land. The project primarily serves the Standing Rock Sioux community, providing youth and community members with training on regenerative agriculture, conservation, and financial literacy. A key component of this initiative is the Wozu Outdoor Stewardship Program (WOSP), which offers hands-on education in food sovereignty, traditional food processing, and sustainable land management. To further support access to capital, the project integrates training on land management, financial education, and credit counseling. A unique aspect of the project is the integration of solar energy into their agriculture buildings, providing a model for sustainable energy use in Native agriculture. Additionally, WOSP participants receive hands-on training in navigating the complexities of land management, which is crucial for accessing capital for farming and ranching. Through innovative approaches such as drone technology and solar power, Wozu Inc. is preparing future generations of Native agricultural entrepreneurs to be empowered to navigate tribal land management and leverage these resources for sustainable economic growth.

CDFI

10. Akiptan, Inc.

Eagle Butte, SD

Website: https://www.akiptan.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AkiptanInc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akiptaninc/

X: https://twitter.com/AkiptanInc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akiptan/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQSy-vuXK6KmqW2o8_w8mQ

CDFI

Akiptan is a Native American Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to supporting Tribal producers nationwide. They offer a range of financial products, including loans for youth initiatives, start-ups, operational costs, and ownership, alongside technical assistance and financial literacy training. Their mission is to address the ongoing challenge of capital access for Native producers. To date, Akiptan has provided over $27 million through 399 loans across 28 Tribal nations.

Their initiative, “Building the Bridge for Native Agriculture Producers,” focuses on expanding their loan services by increasing available capital. This first NAAF project supports succession planning—a critical but often overlooked aspect of agricultural management—and provides equity grants for acquiring livestock, infrastructure, or equipment. These resources enhance leverage and serve as effective risk management tools for producers.

Akiptan will also focus on “Bridging the Agriculture Gap,” which aims to tackle the challenges producers encounter when accessing capital. These challenges include dealing with third-party audits, meeting reporting requirements, and navigating eligibility criteria. This funding will support their efforts to implement grants effectively and maximize their impact. Akiptan will also expand on their efforts to provide essential technical assistance and support to Native producers nationwide.

11. Four Band Community Fund

Eagle Butte, SD

Website: https://fourbands.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourBandsCommunityFund/

X: https://twitter.com/four_bands

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/four.bands/

CDFI

Four Bands Community Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, serving multiple Sioux tribes, including Crow Creek, Flandreau Santee, Lower Brule, Oglala, Rosebud, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock, and Yankton Sioux tribes. Four Bands focuses on providing access to affordable capital and business support to Native American entrepreneurs, farmers, and ranchers who often face barriers to traditional financing. This organization aims to counter systemic economic inequalities by fostering local entrepreneurship and community development.

The organization offers a range of loan products and customized assistance designed to support Native farmers and ranchers, providing them with more accessible, patient capital compared to mainstream financial institutions. Since 2018, Four Bands has increased its deployment of agricultural loans, and in 2021 it became one of the few Native CDFIs certified as a lender in the USDA’s Farm Service Agency Guaranteed Farm Loan Program. Currently, agricultural loans represent about 25% of Four Bands’ overall lending portfolio, with a total of $5.5 million allocated.

Four Bands has a long history of forming coalitions and partnerships to enhance its impact, such as leading the Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition to address persistent poverty and financial inequities in Native communities. The organization also provides workshops, technical assistance, and training for both Native agricultural producers and lending institutions, helping to build financial capability and expand economic opportunities.

The proposed Targeted CDFI project will deploy $999,999 in loan capital to Native farmers and ranchers, deliver 100 hours of business coaching, and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure loan performance. Through these efforts, Four Bands aims to empower Native producers, enhance their access to capital, and foster sustainable economic growth within their communities.

Their general NAAF project focuses on increasing access to capital for Native farmers and ranchers through several strategies. These include educational activities that improve financial literacy and the ability to secure funding, offering loans or equity grants to Native agricultural producers, providing technical assistance to producers seeking capital, and training lending institutions to work more effectively with Native agricultural producers. By facilitating greater access to affordable capital and supporting economic revitalization, Four Bands aims to create new opportunities for Native American individuals, families, businesses, and communities to overcome systemic economic inequalities and achieve financial independence.

12. Northern Shores Community Development

Petoskey, MI

Website: https://nscdi.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069538608238

CDFI

Northern Shores Community Development, Inc. (NSCDI) is a certified CDFI with a mission to assist Native American entrepreneurs in Michigan with a suite of services that include business training, technical assistance, support for access to capital, and agricultural education, to foster economic development for Tribal communities throughout Michigan. Their office is located in Petoskey. Michigan in the Little Traverse Bay Band service area.

After a recent expansion NSCDI is now able to provide their services to Tribal citizens and descendants from all twelve of the Tribal Nations in Michigan in and outside Treaty lands. The organization has a respectable history with the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) having successfully administered grants in multiple funding cycles. Citizens of all Nations are currently experiencing a critical need for expanding their access to a capital. Some of the barriers faced by Tribal members in the service area include detrimental credit scores, lack of credit history, lack of usable collateral, and what the CDFI describes as the “legacy effects of economic depression.”

The project is entitled Continued Expansion of Native CDFI Support for Native Agri/Aqua Business Growth and is scheduled to be completed in 24 months. Project objectives include: a.) Continuous engagement through focused relationships, scholarships to expand learning opportunities, focused training and networking; b.) Providing debt restructuring through refinancing via low-interest loans for credit rebuilding; and c.) providing re-grants for risk management business products. With these objectives in mind NSCDI will provide working capital to clients willing to participate in credit counseling and business training shared through workshops in topics such as accounting principles, business plan development and structuring. Aligning with NAAF’s mission to increase access to capital, this is a grantee that has experience getting money out the door to producers.

Thus far, NSCDI has provided $650,000 in loans to purchase land, equipment, seeds, and other supplies. With NAAF funding more than $84,000 in grants have been made to Native farmers, fishers, and producers of value-added products. Applying a model that expands their organizational notion of agriculturalists to elevate aqua-culturalists and to purposefully include harvesters and gatherers and to focus on risk management makes this approach both innovative and unique. The organization is seeking to make an impact on up to 124 farmers, ranchers, fishers, harvesters, and gatherers from the twelve Tribal Nations in Michigan.

13. The Lakota Fund, Incorporated

Kyle, SD

Website: https://lakotafunds.org/

CDFI

The Lakota Funds is a community development financial institution (CDFI) leading an economic resurgence of the Oglala Lakota Oyate on the Pine Ridge Reservation through culturally appropriate strategies reigniting the traditional Lakota spirit of productivity, commerce, and trade.

The Enhanced Access to Capital project focuses on expanding access to capital, supporting both new and existing farmers and ranchers with low-interest loans and equity grants. The project will also offer specialized training to ensure long-term viability and growth of their agricultural operations. The grant will serve Tribal members on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations.

14. The Peoples Partner for Community Development

Lame Deer, MT

Website: https://www.peoplespartners.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ppcdncr/

CDFI

The People’s Partner for Community Development (PPCD) is a Native CDFI dedicated to providing financial opportunities that stimulate economic development on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

PPCD’s Ag Genetic Enhancement Project seeks to provide producers with education on understanding and utilizing genetics to improve and maintain healthy cattle herds. This project will also include re-grant funds, loans and business assistance/training for new or expanding small businesses. With funding from NAAF, PPCD will also be able to hire a full-time Ag Loan officer to assist these farmers and ranchers.

15. Wind River Development Fund

Fort Washakie, WY

Website: https://wrdf.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windriver.developmentfund

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wind-river-development-fund/?viewAsMember=true

CDFI

The Wind River Development Fund (WRDF), based on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, primarily serves the Northern Arapaho and Shoshone Tribes, focusing heavily on advancing the Native agriculture industry through lending. WRDF takes a relationship-based approach to lending, supporting regional farmers and ranchers through loans for cattle operations, hay farming, and a new community demonstration farm. Their grant project, “Building a Thriving Native Agriculture Economy in Wind River,” is designed to expand access to capital for Native agricultural producers by offering direct loans and grants to Native producers, providing technical assistance to help strengthen and grow operations. Additionally, they will offer scholarships for Native high school seniors pursuing agricultural studies. To expand on their impact in helping producers access capital and grow their operation, they will work in collaboration with the Wind River Food Sovereignty Project, on the “Growing Resilient Food Systems” initiative to provide grants to support small-scale and direct-to-consumer Native agricultural ventures. This includes grants for farmers’ market vendors, community producers, and livestock producers to aid in processing and labeling beef for local sale.

EDU Orgs

16. Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

Fayetteville, AR

Website: https://www.indigenousfoodandag.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousFoodandAg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodsovereignty/

X: https://twitter.com/ifaiuark

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@indigenousfoodandagricultu5136

EDU Org

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) supports Tribal Nations through various agricultural programming and technical assistance in establishing Tribal nation-to-nation relationships with the federal government in agriculture. This dynamic will be expanded upon by their new project, Unlocking Capital Through Tribal Sovereignty, which will develop Tribal Conservation Districts to drive both better conservation efforts on Tribal lands and driving critical conservation dollars directly to Tribal producers. Tribal Conservation Districts (TCDs) alongside Agricultural Resource Management Plans (ARMP’s) and Tribal Departments of Agriculture, provide a powerful and coordinated way for a Tribal Nation to ensure lands are well-managed, that producers’ natural resource concerns are linked to corresponding funding and programmatic support from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and that the Tribes’ sovereignty over agricultural lands is maintained. TCDs are a policy mechanism Tribes can enact to connect producers with funding, technical assistance, and other resources to carry out conservation activities, and ensure that Tribal producers’ resource concerns are consistently voiced to USDA and funding is provided to address them. Empowering Tribal control of Tribal food systems, both through TCDs and through food assistance/food procurement, enhances Tribal investment in agriculture and leads to both additional federal dollars as well as market creation opportunities for Native-produced foods that are local. This project will help Tribal Nations build strong legal foundations that drive their investments in agriculture and ensure that Native producers have access to the training they need to continue accessing markets for their products.

17. Stone Child College

Box Elder, Montana

Website: https://www.stonechild.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoneChildCollege

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonechildcollege1984?fbclid=IwY2xjawFIVH9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRfmjieF443vw5zcYPmHcv-HN7P7sWhORgzRyJROd68UDV38KPx-3LmGng_aem_UVcrOUaRjctuTZtJ22yvQQ

EDU Org

Stone Child College’s Agribusiness Capital and Credit Enhancement Support Services (ACCESS) Project seeks to create a Tribal Agribusiness Support Services Office. This office will offer personalized guidance, host quarterly workshops, and improve access to capital and agricultural risk management resources for Native producers. Stone Child College (SCC), founded in 1984, is located on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana, home to the Chippewa Cree Tribe. SCC has been a vital resource for the Rocky Boy and surrounding communities, offering post-secondary education, workforce training, agricultural education and services, public events, and a welcoming space for the community to gather.

Stone Child College’s (SCC) Agribusiness Capital and Credit Enhancement Support Services (ACCESS) Project aims to empower Native farmers and ranchers by addressing critical capital access gaps and enhancing agricultural risk management. The project will establish a Tribal Agribusiness Support Services Office and provide personalized financial guidance through a dedicated Financial Services Coordinator. Its core objectives include increasing financial literacy, improving access to credit, and providing practical tools for business planning and risk management, all through one-on-one counseling and quarterly workshops. This initiative addresses the unique challenges Native producers face, such as limited access to financial institutions and resources, by offering hands-on support and training tailored to their needs. By focusing on financial literacy, credit repair, and risk management, the project aims to bridge the gap between Native producers and capital sources. This aligns with NAAF’s mission by equipping Native farmers and ranchers with the knowledge and resources necessary to secure funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth and sustainability in their agribusiness ventures.

18. Tohono O'odham Community College

Sells, AZ
Website: https://tocc.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tohonooodhamcc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwZFYSOL7WFi2nkejO8ZSvw

EDU Org

Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) is a two-year college that primarily serves members of the Tohono O’odham Nation. The NAAF funded grant project will help develop a Tohono O’odham Traditional Agriculture Core Course adapted to 100% practicum training sessions; provide scholarships and support for participant engagement; and empower graduates with tools, resources, and skills for entrepreneurship, including access to capital.

The Traditional Agriculture Micro-Certificate Program offers stipends and comprehensive support for potential Native producers, empowering participants to cultivate sustainable, resilient agricultural systems that honor cultural heritage, regenerate the land, and foster community adaptation and resilience.

Tribes

19. Fort Berthold Land and Livestock Association

New Town, ND

Website: https://www.mhanation.com/charters

Tribes

Fort Berthold Land and Livestock is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established under the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota. Its members are Tribal citizens who actively own and manage land and livestock. The organization’s mission is to advance agricultural practices, uphold Tribal regulations related to grazing and agriculture, and ensure Tribal producers have a voice in shaping policies that impact them.

As one of the largest land-based Tribes in North Dakota, Fort Berthold Land and Livestock is undertaking the project “Fort Berthold Land and Livestock Infrastructure Relief for Range Land Improvement,” funded by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF). This initiative seeks to overcome significant infrastructure challenges faced by Native producers by improving access to fencing materials and providing labor to upgrade fences across the reservation’s range units.

20. Port Gamble S'klallam Tribe

Kingston, WA

Website: https://pgst.nsn.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortGambleSklallams

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portgamblesklallams/

Tribes

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (Nux Sklai Yem [the Strong People]) are descendants of the Salish people located in the Puget Sound region near Port Gamble, Washington. The Salish peoples have been associated with the Salish Sea basin for the last four millennia. While external interlopers and various economic systems have come and gone, the S’Klallam people have remained intricately connected to their coastal ecosystem with the ability to draw sustenance and thrive in an environment that would challenge others. Their traditional knowledge system has allowed them to pass food acquisition practices down through the generations. As Tribal leadership strives to provide stable livelihoods for the people in the current age, they face the modern challenges of lack of access to capital, risk management, environmental challenges, stagnant market conditions for their surplus production. Such a situation puts Tribal food sovereignty and economic stability at risk.

With a project they’ve entitled S’Klallam Tide to Table Program Development & Sustainability Design they intend to alleviate some of the risk. A challenge unique to this community is the dependency on marine resources in a frequently traveled and heavily cultivated waterway. The primary objectives of this project include investing in infrastructure and equipment to stabilize capital acquisition. A wet storage system to be placed within their existing wet lab facility will allow for the installation of a shellfish grader/sorter right at the beach, enhancing sorting efficiency and harvest quality. These advancements will initiate a pathway for the community to transition to commercial operations. The S’Klallam people are establishing a community centric / cultural model of economic development that will incorporate traditional knowledge into culturally appropriate materials that will inform all their marketing efforts. In addition, they will establish a training program to ensure that Tribal members are leaders of the operation. They believe they can complete this project in 24 months.

This is an innovative project because it will allow the Tribal values of community engagement and environmental stewardship to lead to increased economic activity. Lifelong fishers and harvesters will find an avenue to improve their economic circumstances in a more cooperative context. This project aligns with NAAF’s access to capital mission by supporting community centric models of economic development while providing resources for investment in infrastructure thereby creating a pathway to sustainable commercial operations with a goal of strengthened economic resiliance for the S’Klallam community.

21. San Felipe Pueblo

San Felipe Pueblo, NM

Website: https://sfpueblo.com/

Tribes

This project supports small-scale San Felipe Pueblo farmers and ranchers whose operational margins are tight. Its primary objective is to provide farmers and ranchers stipends for purchasing essential equipment, supplies, or settling ranch-related debts. To qualify for these stipends, participants must attend workshops on financial literacy, business planning, record keeping, or credit repair facilitated by partners such as NMSU Pueblo Extension Service and the First Nations Development Institute. The project includes four training sessions focused on financial literacy and credit building and will guide participants in developing budgets to allocate their stipends effectively. These workshops aim to improve efficiency and knowledge, especially for those juggling agricultural work with other jobs. Additionally, the project plans to offer training on accessing USDA programs and explore the creation of a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to enhance capital access for the San Felipe Pueblo community. NAAF funding will be utilized to leverage additional foundation resources for the farmers and ranchers.

22. Spokane Tribe of Indians

Wellpinit, WA

Website: https://www.spokanetribe.com/

Tribes

The Spokane Tribe of Indians is a rural tribal community in eastern Washington that values sustainability and supports food sovereignty, security, and safety. In 2024. The tribe is undertaking the Spokane Tribe Agricultural Management Program and Irrigation Update project funded by NAAF. This 24-month project aims to assist farmers, ranchers, and community producers by supporting agricultural management, irrigation, and financial assistance programs. The project will address various challenges faced by Spokane tribal producers, including administrative and economic hurdles, such as record-keeping, applying for grants and loans, and managing sales and business operations. Additionally, the project will address the threat of noxious weeds in the area. To tackle these challenges, the project will hire an Agricultural Program Manager and establish an Agricultural Management Program to assist Native producers on the reservation directly. The project’s objectives include establishing an Agriculture Resource Management Plan and rehabilitating the irrigation infrastructure at the Little Falls Farm on the Spokane Indian Reservation. This farm has not been actively cultivated for over a decade, and rehabilitating its irrigation system is crucial to providing irrigated acres for agricultural production. The NAAF funds for this project will have long-term benefits that will outlast the 24-month project period. These funds will be leveraged to access additional funding for tribal agriculture and technical assistance.

23. Suquamish Indian Tribe of Port Madison Reservation

Suquamish, WA

Website: https://suquamish.nsn.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suquamishtribe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suquamish_tribe/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSuquamishTribe

Tribes

Suquamish Seafood Enterprises plans to upgrade its live seafood storage area to enhance its capacity for processing, storing, and distributing live seafood. The Seafood Refrigeration and Storage project will improve access to fresh seafood for retail and subsistence use, benefiting Suquamish Tribal elders and the broader Tribal community.

Suquamish Seafood Enterprises (SSE) seeks to increase its cold and wet storage capacity to improve seafood safety and availability for retail sales and cultural events. This expansion will help preserve shellfish during extreme heat waves, which have become more frequent due to climate change, safeguarding against the significant loss of oysters and clams. By increasing storage, SSE will enhance its ability to supply fresh seafood for Suquamish Tribal members, including elders, while also boosting the retail business. The project includes securing funding, beginning construction, and coordinating with the Suquamish Fisheries Department to store and manage a wider variety of seafood.

Established in 1996, Suquamish Seafood Enterprises provides Suquamish Tribal members with a way to sustain themselves through traditional practices, such as harvesting shellfish. The storage expansion will support food sovereignty efforts and economic growth within the tribe, enabling SSE to process and store more seafood for cultural events like the annual Canoe Journey and daily meals for elders. SSE aims to ensure a stable food supply and income for future generations by safeguarding shellfish from environmental threats and expanding its retail capacity.

24. White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians

Ogema, MN

Website: https://whiteearth.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteEarthNation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTuAzfP9akdAzEhE1PwFSWg

Tribes

The White Earth Agriculture Department (WEAD) plays a vital role in advancing agriculture by addressing gaps in bison and food production management among neighboring Tribes. Their Phase I Bison Program offers a replicable model for Tribal farmers and ranchers to enhance their bison production efforts, improving communication between Tribal agricultural interests and federal and state assistance programs. With forthcoming Phases II and III, WEAD plans to provide high-quality bison genetics and management insights, aiming to expand bison herds across North America and share their expertise on bison health and management at intertribal conventions. This initiative promotes food sovereignty, strengthens cultural and spiritual connections, and enhances agricultural knowledge among Tribal members.

The project aims to boost the White Earth Nation’s (WEN) agricultural impact through expanded bison management, cultural integration, and ecosystem health, while also supporting local USDA-inspected meat processing. Education and capacity-building are central to this effort, with plans for workshops, cultural events, and training sessions. The department collaborates with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Services Administration (FSA), The Nature Conservancy, InterTribal Buffalo Council, and other organizations to secure funds and provide guidance. WEAD will continue offering technical support on bison reintroduction, restoration, and management, with a focus on soil health and financial management to foster agricultural success.

Youth Projects

25. Dzil Dtl oo' School of Empowerment Action and Perseverance (DEAP School)

Navajo, NM

Website: https://www.deapschool.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deapschool

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deapschool/?hl=en

X: https://twitter.com/deapschool

Youth Projects

Dził Ditł’ooí School of Empowerment Action and Perseverance (DEAP School) is a public charter school located in rural Navajo, New Mexico, serving 55 students in grades 6-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. DEAP School is dedicated to educating and empowering Diné students through a culturally reflective curriculum and a framework that emphasizes four key areas: Wellness & Perseverance, Land-Based Learning, Service Learning for Community Action and Leadership, and Diné Empowerment Through Cultural Revitalization and Relevancy.

Supported by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), DEAP School’s project, “Expanding Access to Agricultural Education in Navajo, NM,” aims to offer agribusiness education and practical experience to 55 Diné students. This includes a specialized curriculum for 10 student farmer interns. The project is designed to enhance the school’s capacity to provide agricultural education, career pathways, and promote food sovereignty for current and future Native producers and their communities. It addresses a significant challenge in Indian Country—supporting Native youth and the next generation of agricultural producers—as the average age of farmers continues to rise. DEAP School is leading the way in nurturing new Native agriculturalists and preparing them for the agriculture sector.

26. Ke'yah Advanced Rural Manufacturing Alliance

Flagstaff, AZ

Website: https://wiikarma.technology/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088949730825

Youth Projects

Ke’yah Advanced Rural Manufacturing Alliance, a 501(c)(3) serving the Navajo Region (New Mexico and Arizona), will use funding to create a Youth program titled “Fostering Agricultural Resilience and Modern Skills” (FARMS) for Native Youth. Addressing economic barriers on reservation lands, which lead to food insecurity and reliance on food assistance programs, the FARMS initiative will involve youth, farmers/ranchers, schools, community leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs in improving local food and water systems.

The program includes a week-long intensive camp focusing on marketing, career pathways, and food and water advocacy, providing educational activities to teach strategies for accessing capital. The FARMS project will help Native youth develop marketing strategies to support local farmers, ranchers, and water users in sharing their stories and traditions, thus increasing their access to capital. Additionally, they will launch a funding initiative, “Supporting Equity and Economic Development in Sustainability” (SEEDS), offering $500 to 10 Native farmers and ranchers. The outcomes will enhance their gardens, farms, and ranch operations on Navajo and Hopi reservations, further increasing access to capital, promoting economic development and sustainability.

27. Kumano I Ke Ala

Waimea, HI

Website: https://kumanoikeala.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064809372578

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumanoikeala/

Youth Projects

The Kupuna Mahiʻai Apprenticeship Project, led by Kumano I Ke Ala, a 501(c)(3) organization based in the rural community of West Kauai, aims to empower Native Hawaiian youth by providing comprehensive training in traditional Hawaiian taro farming. This two-year program will equip participants with essential skills in indigenous farm production, farm equipment usage, chainsaw certification, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), first aid, and food handler safety. In collaboration with Gay and Robinson, Inc., regional landowners who will provide plots of unused farmland, participants will engage in hands-on training that includes planning growth periods, projecting yields, soil remediation, crop cultivation, and harvest. This initiative also features a farm business incubator to help participants develop business acumen. Upon program completion, graduates will have the opportunity to continue farming on their designated plots and grow their businesses as local small-scale farmers. The project seeks to preserve and revitalize traditional Hawaiian taro farming, enhance economic opportunities, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in West Kauai. Funding from NAAF will support training materials, certification programs, land preparation, and operational costs for the incubator, fostering lasting positive impacts on the community, environment, and local economy.

28. Painted Desert Demonstration Projects

Flagstaff, AZ

Youth Projects

In northern Arizona, by the Navajo Nation, lies the STAR School, primarily serving Native American students from pre-K through 8th grade. This off-grid school integrates agriculture into its curriculum, emphasizing sustainable farming, a thriving gardening program, and a robust agriculture education, including a livestock club funded by a NAAF grant. The STAR 4 H Livestock Club, through hands-on experiences in animal care, aims to educate and inspire future farmers and ranchers, tying in Navajo culture and language. With the help of the 2024 NAAF grant, the program plans to expand its programming, offering more in-depth agricultural education, supporting animal wellness, and promoting career pathways in ranching and science. With the 2024 NAAF grant, the STAR 4 H Livestock Club aims to provide more intensive agricultural education for young and beginning farmers and ranchers over 24 months. The club will integrate classroom learning, connect to the Navajo language and culture, promote independent ranching and access to capital, and develop future career pathways for students. The students will acquire valuable skills in raising, breeding, and slaughtering animals, opening up career opportunities in ranching and animal science.

The 2024 NAAF grant will purchase supplies, fund personnel, support animal wellness services, and subsidize 4-H activities with the University of Arizona’s Coconino County Cooperative Extension Office. School staff members will work to teach students about taking care of animals through feeding, watering, and routine animal care. Funds will be used to purchase chicks, lambs, calves, animal feed, and other supplies such as troughs, fencing, and vaccines. They will also assist in butchering sheep for the annual harvest festival and showing animals at 4 H events in the local area.

29. Sinte Gleska University

Mission, SD

Website: https://www.sintegleska.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SinteGleskaUniversity

Youth Projects

Sinte Gleska University’s project is designed to expand and enhance Sunkawakan Oyate community outreach by offering youth engaging, year-round opportunities in equine and agricultural programs. To achieve this, the initiative will recruit horse handler coordinators and teen handlers to support a comprehensive equine program, including sponsoring at least four camps annually and organizing ten horse activity days in their communities. These activities will allow youth to learn about, connect with, groom, and ride horses. In addition to the equine program, the project will introduce youth to various ranching and farming tasks to spark interest in agriculture and environmental fields. Training will also be offered on creating and maintaining gardens, which can serve as a food source and a means of income. A community survey will assess the need for garden items, leading to establishing a community garden. To further support youth, the project will increase access to capital by providing financial literacy training and workshops. Partnerships with local tribal lenders will explore opportunities for starting agricultural businesses. Networking with organizations such as Tatanka Funds, Lakota Funds, and Akiptan CDFI will offer information and training on launching farms and ranches and accessing business loans. Additionally, two business start-up workshops will cover essential topics including business planning, legal requirements, and taxation.

30. South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency

Shelton, WA

Website: https://spipa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthPugetPlanning

Instagram: https://twitter.com/SPIPA_ORG

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-puget-intertribal-planning-agency/

Youth Projects

The SPIPA Food Sovereignty Youth Project aims to support and enhance food sovereignty across the five consortium tribes in western WA by providing essential community agriculture supplies tailored to each tribe’s specific needs. Each participating tribe will identify and acquire tangible supplies to bolster their agricultural programs. A key project component involves tribal elders sharing their traditional knowledge with youth, including instruction on traditional farming techniques. This cultural exchange helps youth understand the significance of growing, foraging, and harvesting traditional plant medicines. In addition to this hands-on learning, youth will receive career and technical education that prepares them for potential agricultural ventures. They will have access to online and in-person financial and business planning workshops and informational resources about programs supporting agricultural education. The flexibility of the SPIPA Food Sovereignty Youth Project allows it to be customized to meet the unique needs of each tribe, incorporating traditional knowledge and community values to build the infrastructure necessary for achieving their food sovereignty goals.

31. Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness

Bangor, ME

Website: https://wabanakiphw.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WabanakiPHW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wabanakiphw/

X: https://twitter.com/WabanakiPHW

Youth Projects

Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW) is a Tribal organization committed to the healing power of food and connection to the land. In 2019, after acquiring ancestral land, WPHW launched the Nuci-micuwakonuhkecik project (‘Food Gatherers’ in the Passamaquoddy language), engaging Tribal youth (ages 10-18) in traditional food practices through themed events.

By the end of year one, the project aims to increase the knowledge of 20 Wabanaki youth in seed saving, gardening, sustainability, and provide them with training in hunting, fishing, and ocean farming careers. Additionally, participants will form a community food sovereignty initiative workgroup that will meet monthly.

The upcoming round of funding will enable WPHW to continue preserving traditional agricultural knowledge and addressing community needs. In response to feedback from the past year, the project will incorporate more traditional art, culture, and ocean farming. Inspired by community input, a new butchery workshop will also be included, covering the full cycle from hunting to butchering.

WPHW’s collaboration with WaYS has expanded to share resources and equipment for a larger group of youth. The project will also address financial literacy and small business operations, with youth selling produce and goods in the Youth Enterprise Zone at the Common Ground Fair. These activities will lay the foundation for future Indigenous agriculture and business development.