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

April 2027: Stage 1 application deadline (projected)

$75,000 per fellow (10 awarded per cycle), paid over 2 years

Supports Native knowledge holders and makers advancing Indigenous knowledge through a flexible, two-year fellowship with leadership convenings.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The fellowship, offered by First Nations Development Institute in partnership with the Henry Luce Foundation, provides significant support to Native leaders who are actively creating, sustaining, and sharing Indigenous knowledge across a wide range of fields. Fellows join a two-year, self-directed program that includes three required convenings per year to foster collaboration, leadership, and a vibrant community of practice. The fellowship emphasizes flexibility, enabling recipients to use funds for personal and professional growth, community impact, and the perpetuation of Indigenous knowledge in areas such as agriculture, arts, language revitalization, youth leadership, natural resource management, STEM, and more. --- ## Due Dates - April 2027: Stage 1 application deadline (anticipated/projected; completed applications must be submitted no later than 5 pm MT) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $75,000 per fellow, awarded to 10 individuals per cycle - Disbursed in two installments over two years (one payment per year) - Funds are flexible and may be used for a wide range of personal, professional, and community-related expenses (e.g., living expenses, travel, equipment, childcare) - Award is considered taxable income --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Self-identify or be nominated as a Native knowledge holder or knowledge maker - Be at least 18 years old - Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident - Be tribally affiliated with a Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian community - Be actively engaged in the creation, dissemination, and perpetuation of knowledge in their field - Have a demonstrated body of work in their knowledge area - Clearly demonstrate how their work benefits Native communities in the U.S. or U.S. territories - Apply as an individual (not on behalf of an organization or group) - Canadian First Nations individuals may be eligible if they qualify as lawful permanent residents under the Jay Treaty Students are eligible, but must demonstrate significant engagement and impact in their field. --- ## Application Process - **Two-stage process:** - **Stage 1:** Submit a preliminary application, including two short essays (community impact and vision for fellowship) and a resume/CV/biographical sketch. Nominations require a signed consent form from the nominee. - **Stage 2:** Approximately 75 applicants are invited to submit a full application with expanded essays, two letters of reference, a high-quality photo, and optional supporting materials. - **Interviews:** 20 semifinalists are invited for in-person interviews. - All applications must be submitted via the [First Nations online grants portal](https://firstnations.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). Exceptions for those with limited internet access must be requested at least two weeks in advance. - No detailed budget required; applicants should describe generally how funds will support their goals. - Reference letters are required in Stage 2 and should address the applicant's work, experience with Native communities, and character. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows must attend three convenings per year and submit annual reports. - The fellowship does not require a specific project; support is for ongoing work and leadership. - Award funds cannot be redirected to other individuals or organizations. - Participation in an informational Q&A webinar is encouraged but not mandatory. - The award may affect eligibility for certain income-based services; recipients are responsible for understanding any impacts. --- ## External Links - [Program RFP & Details](https://www.firstnations.org/rfps/luce-indigenous-knowledge-fellowship) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Luce-Fellowship-2026-FAQ-Sheet.pdf) - [Consent Form for Nominees (PDF)](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Luce-Fellowship-Consent-Form-2024.pdf) - [Start Application / Grants Portal](https://firstnations.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Henry Luce Foundation Indigenous Knowledge Initiative](https://hluce.org/programs/indigenous-knowledge/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Email | Phone | |----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------| | General Fellowship Questions | NALK@firstnations.org | 303-774-7836 | | Application/Portal Assistance | grantmaking@firstnations.org | 303-774-7836 | | General Funder Contact | info@firstnations.org | 303-774-7836 | For technical support or exemption requests due to limited internet access, contact grantmaking@firstnations.org at least two weeks before the deadline.

Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship

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