[Bush Foundation](https://www.bushfoundation.org)

March 31, 2026 (Full application deadline)

8 grants of $50,000 and 8 grants of $100,000 (unrestricted, one per organization)

Supports Native-led nonprofits in MN, ND, SD, and 23 Native Nations with unrestricted funding and a community-driven selection process.

Applicants must submit by March 31, 2026, 5:00 PM MST / 6:00 PM CST—late applications not accepted.

--- ## Description The Good Relatives Collaborative Grant is an annual funding initiative designed to empower Native-led nonprofit organizations serving Native communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native Nations within these regions. The program provides unrestricted support, allowing organizations to further their missions and deepen their impact. Applications are reviewed by an all–Native American community panel, ensuring decisions are rooted in Indigenous perspectives and community priorities. The grant emphasizes Indigenous values, organizational growth, and community learning, with previous recipients eligible to apply. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application deadline (applications must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM MST / 6:00 PM CST) --- ## Funding Amount - 8 grants of $50,000 each (unrestricted) - 8 grants of $100,000 each (unrestricted) - Organizations may apply for only one funding level per cycle --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be Native-led nonprofit organizations with an annual operating budget under $2.5 million - Be physically located in and serve Native communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or the 23 Native Nations within this geography - Meet the Native-led definition: - At least 60% of the Board of Directors identify as Native American - Executive Director/CEO must identify as Native American - Be recognized as one of the following: - 501(c)(3) public charity - Government entity (including schools or tribal governments) - Tribal program incorporated under Section 7871 of the Internal Revenue Code - Organizations without nonprofit status must have a current fiscal sponsorship agreement with a qualifying 501(c)(3) or government entity - Previous Good Relatives Grant recipients are eligible to apply --- ## Application Process - Complete the online application, including: - Documentation demonstrating eligibility - A Letter of Application (up to 80,000 characters; flexible format) - Letter of Application should address: - Indigenous values and being a "good relative" - Organizational story, community impact, and alignment with Indigenous values - Reciprocity, sustainability, and community feedback - Upload required documents (e.g., IRS Letter of Determination, operating budget, Form 990, proof of fiscal sponsorship if applicable) - Submit the application by March 31, 2026, 5:00 PM MST / 6:00 PM CST (late applications are not accepted) - Applications reviewed by a Native American community panel - Awardees must attend an annual 2-day convening for collaboration and learning (verbal report replaces written final report) --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per organization per cycle - Award announcements are expected by summer 2026 - Funds are unrestricted and may be used flexibly to support organizational needs - Convening attendance is required for at least one person from each awarded organization --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page](https://goodrelativescollaborative.org/grant-opportunities/good-relatives-collaborative-grants/) - [Application Portal](https://formstack.io/0C07B) - [2026 Application Overview (PDF)](https://goodrelativescollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Good-Relatives-Collaborative-Grant-Preview-2026.docx-3.pdf) - [Bush Foundation Home](https://www.bushfoundation.org) --- ## Contact Information | Region | Name | Email | |----------------|-------------------|------------------------------------| | Minnesota | John Williams | [jwilliams@nacdi.org](mailto:jwilliams@nacdi.org) | | North Dakota | Cheryl Ann Kary | [cheryl@sacredpipe.net](mailto:cheryl@sacredpipe.net) | | South Dakota | Alissa Benoist | [alissa@fourbands.org](mailto:alissa@fourbands.org) | For general inquiries: Bush Foundation [staff@bushfoundation.org](mailto:staff@bushfoundation.org) 651-379-2249 [Contact Form](https://www.bushfoundation.org/contact-us)

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grant

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