Tribal Nations and Indigenous Community Fellowship Funding
What is a CNAIR fellowship for Tribes and Indigenous Community Organizations ?
The Center’s fellowship program seeks to generate and support research that is responsive to and engaged with Native communities and organizations and NAI research. Fellows will present their work at the annual CNAIR research symposium, and join a community of scholars dedicated to research by and for Indigenous people.
CNAIR Tribal Nations Indigenous Research Support Fellowship: for Tribes and Indigenous Community Organizations
Deadline: May 31st 2026
This fellowship was developed with Tribal Nations and urban Native communities in mind. This fellowship is aimed to fund community-based research projects from any discipline. Applicants can request up to $10,000 in funding for community-based research that aligns with CNAIR mission and values.
Guidelines: The committee will prioritize projects that center Indigenous research methods, and project topics that are timely and relevant. There is an emphasis on community based and community driven research. All types of projects are welcome to apply. Federally and non-federally recognized tribes & urban Native American community organizations are all eligible to apply.
Northwestern currently has a responsibility to and continue to strengthen partnerships with tribal nations and Indigenous communities including Cheyenne & Arapaho tribes, local Indigenous serving organizations, tribes near the Great Lakes region, and many more through project partnerships.
Timeline:
Deadline: May 31st 2026
Early June: Applications reviewed by committee. Decisions finalized and applicants notified. CNAIR will provide support for approximately 2-5 projects in 2026-2027.
Payment distribution: June-July (payments can ONLY be made to an organization or tribal nation, not to individuals)
Eligibility: Tribal Nations (including non-federally recognized tribes) and urban Indigenous community organizations (i.e. tribal colleges, community organizations).
CNAIR recognizes that the lack of federal acknowledgment may limit access to federal, state, or private grants and non-federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply. All applicants are required to have a W-9 filled out by an NFP organization with tax-exempt # is required for both application and final payment, if selected.
You may also direct all application questions to KatherineCastillo@northwestern.edu
To apply by May 31st: