[First Nations Development Institute](https://www.firstnations.org)

April 14, 2026 (Full application, 5 pm Mountain Time)

Up to 12 grants; $10,000–$40,000 per award; one-year project period (June 1, 2026–June 1, 2027)

Supports Native-controlled organizations to enhance food security, resilience, and culturally relevant food access in Native communities.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, offered under the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments (NAFSI) program of the First Nations Development Institute, funds projects that ensure consistent access to culturally relevant foods for Native communities. The program advances food sovereignty, strengthens tribal food economies, and fosters the connection between community, place, and food. Eligible projects may focus on Native food distribution, any stage of the food life cycle, wild food harvesting, or building resilient foodways in response to climate change and natural disasters. The grant prioritizes Native control, cultural rootedness, community empowerment, intertribal collaboration, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and equity and justice in Native food systems. --- ## Due Dates - April 14, 2026: Full application submission deadline (must be submitted online by 5 pm Mountain Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to 12 grants will be awarded. - Individual grant requests must be between $10,000 and $40,000. - Project period: June 1, 2026 – June 1, 2027. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must be Native-controlled organizations serving Native communities in the United States or U.S. territories. Specifically: - **Eligible entities:** - Federal- and State-Recognized Tribal Governments (including tribal government programs such as arts, education, or agriculture) - Native-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Native-controlled community organizations with a fiscal sponsor (sponsor must be a 501(c)(3)) - Native 7871 Organizations - **Native-controlled** is defined as an organization where a majority of the board and leadership team are Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian. - **Not eligible:** Individuals, public schools, non-Native-controlled organizations, and groups serving only off-reservation members (unless specifically targeted). - **Current grantees** in good standing are eligible to apply. --- ## Application Process - All applications must be submitted through the [First Nations Development Institute online grants portal](https://firstnations.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) by 5 pm Mountain Time on April 14, 2026. - New applicants must register their organization in the portal and await approval before accessing the application. - Required attachments: - Detailed project budget ([Budget template](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Budget-Expenditure-Template_Revised2019.pdf)) - Project timeline - IRS Determination Letter (for 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor) or proof of tribal status - List of board/leadership and key staff, including tribal affiliations (if applicable) - If online submission is not possible due to lack of internet access, applicants must request an exemption at least two weeks before the deadline by contacting grantmaking@firstnations.org or (303) 774-7836. - Confirmation of submission will be sent by email. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must select one primary focus area: Native Food Distribution, Food Life Cycle, Wild Food Harvesting, or Resilient Native Foodways. - Selection criteria include alignment with focus area, project design and budget, community impact and equity, and priority scoring for tribal leadership, traditional food inclusion, first-time applicants, and rural/reservation projects. - Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report and may be asked to participate in an evaluation survey or interview. - Administrative/overhead costs are allowed if reasonable and not the majority of the budget. - Capital improvements, real estate purchases, and endowment funds are not allowable costs. --- ## External Links - [2026 Native Food Security Grant RFP PDF](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Native-Food-Security_-RFA-2026.pdf) - [First Nations Development Institute Grantmaking FAQ](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Grantmaking_Frequently_Asked_Questions_7.19.pdf) - [Grant Writing Resources](https://www.firstnations.org/grantmaking/grantseeker-resources/) - [Start Application / Grants Portal](https://firstnations.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Program Information – Nourishing Native Foods & Health](https://www.firstnations.org/our-programs/nourishing-native-foods-health/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General program questions | [NAFSI@firstnations.org](mailto:NAFSI@firstnations.org) | | Application system support | [grantmaking@firstnations.org](mailto:grantmaking@firstnations.org) | | Phone support | (303) 774-7836 | | Funder website | [https://www.firstnations.org](https://www.firstnations.org) | ---

2026 Native Food Security Grant

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