Dawn Grants, a program of Native Dawn
Small grants for projects that serve Native communities.
We welcome your idea for your community. Applying is free, grants are up to $5,000, and support is available to grantees who would like it.
The microgrant concept
Meaningful change in a community often begins with a single idea.
Many people carry an idea for something that would make life better for those around them, but have never had the resources to pursue it. Knowing that support is available for small projects can be what allows that idea to take shape. Dawn Grants microgrants exist for exactly those people, and for those ideas.
Dawn Grants funds small projects that benefit Native American communities anywhere in the United States, offering the resources, and support wherever it is welcome, to carry a well-considered idea from plan to reality.
Grants of up to
$5,000
for one small project that serves a Native community
How it works
From your idea to your community, in three steps.
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Share your idea
Complete the application in your own words, explaining how your project will help a Native community, and telling us a little about yourself and why you are the right person to carry it out.
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We read your application
Your application comes directly to Dawn Grants. Should questions arise along the way, you are always welcome to write to us.
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Begin, with support if you wish
Grantees lead their own projects. If you would like help putting yours into action, support is gladly offered.
Support for grantees
You lead your project. We stand beside you, if you wish.
A grant marks a beginning. Grantees may ask for support in putting their project into action, as much or as little as they would like. It is always offered, and never required.
Who can apply
Open to anyone with an idea for a Native community.
Applying is free, and projects anywhere in the United States are welcome. Whoever you are, every application asks for two things:
- A clear explanation of how your project will help a Native community.
- A little about yourself, and why you are the right person to carry it out.
We look forward to hearing your idea.
Teika Carlson, Native Dawn
Whether you are ready to apply or are still shaping your idea, you are welcome to begin here.