NDN Collective Abundance Fund: $50,000 Grants for Indigenous Peoples Wealth Building

Grant Overview

Direct Cash Award Grants for Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota ready to build real wealth on their own terms

Most grants for indigenous peoples come with strings attached that make you jump through hoops for months just to maybe get a few thousand dollars. The NDN Collective Abundance Fund? Different animal entirely. We’re talking $25,000 to $50,000 in your hands, no bureaucratic nonsense, designed by Indigenous people who actually understand what wealth means in Native communities.

You ever look at the numbers and just feel sick? Native Americans holding just 8 cents for every dollar white Americans have in wealth. That’s not just a statistic it’s generations of systemic barriers playing out in real families, real communities, right now. The Collective Abundance Fund gets this. Like really gets it. Since 2023, they’ve moved $15.9 million to 396 people. That’s not grant money sitting in some foundation office – that’s cash building futures for Indigenous families right now. Unlike emergency assistance programs that patch holes temporarily, this fund builds foundations that last generations. Native American entrepreneurs have found similar opportunities, but nothing quite matches this approach.

Donor: NDN Collective

Focus: Indigenous wealth building, generational wealth, financial security, community well-being, cultural preservation, self-determination

Region: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, United States

Eligibility:
– Must be Indigenous (American Indian, Alaska Native, or other Indigenous peoples)
– Must be 18 years of age or older
– Must reside in Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota
– Cannot be immediate blood relatives, adopted family, or spouses/domestic partners of NDN Collective employees or Board members
– Must demonstrate commitment to wealth-building goals that align with Indigenous values

Benefits:
– Financial Award: $25,000 or $50,000 (depending on wealth-building goals and project scope)
– Term: 12-18 months for implementation
– Access to NDN Collective’s power-building resources and network
– Opportunity to participate in a growing community of Indigenous wealth builders
– Support for redefining wealth on Indigenous terms

Deadline: Ongoing – Cycle-based deadlines – Q4 2025 Registration closes October 17, 2025, 5pm Central Time US

The 2025 cycle launches Q4 with awards hitting accounts Q1 2026, and they’re doubling down on power-building. Why? Because individual wealth without collective strength stays vulnerable to the same systems that created the wealth gap originally.

What makes this fund different? Well, everything actually. They’ve thrown out the colonial playbook that defines wealth strictly in dollars and cents. Instead, they’re working with this definition that’ll make you nod your head: “Indigenous wealth is a quality of life and mindset that encircles family and community well-being and the care of relationships (self, family, extended family, community, land, environment), and a spirit of generosity.” Money becomes what it should be a tool for basic needs and security, not the end goal. This mindset shift? It’s revolutionary. And honestly, it’s about time someone funded Indigenous wealth building on Indigenous terms. Individual grants rarely take this holistic approach.

The statistics in these target states will break your heart. In North Dakota? Native Americans experience poverty at rates two to four times higher than the state average 32.24% living below the poverty line. Minnesota’s income inequality keeps growing mostly because Black and Indigenous residents keep getting left behind despite the state’s strong economy. And homeownership? Native Americans sit at 50.8% compared to 72.4% for white households. These aren’t just numbers on a page. They’re real barriers that keep Indigenous families from building the kind of generational wealth most Americans take for granted. Minnesota grants often don’t address these specific disparities.

The Real Story Behind This Fund

NDN Collective didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to give away money. They’re one of only two organizations chosen to steward a $100 million Community Trust Fund from the Bush Foundation, specifically created to address wealth disparities caused by historic racial injustice. That’s serious institutional backing for a completely Indigenous-led approach.

The fund operates on three pillars: DEFEND, DEVELOP, DECOLONIZE. Sounds like activism? It is. Environmental grants often support Indigenous land protection, but this goes deeper – it’s about reclaiming economic systems that work for Native communities instead of against them.

Here’s where it gets interesting: they completely redefined what wealth means.

Traditional grants measure success through individual financial metrics. Bank balances. Credit scores. Asset accumulation. The Collective Abundance Fund sees those as tools, not goals. Real Indigenous wealth circles around family and community well-being, relationship care, and generosity as a life principle.

Q: How do they actually measure success?
A: Community impact, relationship strengthening, and sustainable prosperity rather than just financial accumulation.

That shift changes everything about how applications get evaluated and how money gets used.

So what are they actually looking for in applications? It’s not just about having a great business idea or education plan though those definitely count. The selection committee wants to see that you understand their unique approach to wealth. They’re funding projects that fit into three big buckets: DEFEND (dismantling that wealth gap created by resource extraction and federal policy), DEVELOP (rebuilding generational wealth through social and cultural sharing), and DECOLONIZE (reclaiming Indigenous concepts of wealth). Past winners have done everything from pursuing education to buying homes to starting businesses. What connected them all? A clear vision for how the money would create lasting change beyond just their immediate needs. Native artists have found similar support for cultural preservation efforts.

What Past Winners Actually Did With The Money

Let’s talk specifics because vague success stories don’t help anyone.

Minnesota recipient used $25,000 for education and skill building. Their advice? “Stay focused on the current goal and plan, write everything down with dates, contact info, and every little detail.” They emphasized persistence and mentor consultation when doubts creep in.

South Dakota family got $50,000 for homeownership and household stability. Key insight: “Research your ideas and plans and make sure you find the total cost surrounding each goal. There may be more involved than you first thought.” They stressed preparation for unexpected circumstances while maintaining commitment to wealth-building objectives.

A North Dakota business developer shared: “Stick to your spending plan and try not to spend your money right away. Think hard about the decisions you make, as this truly is a life-changing opportunity.”

Notice the pattern? Successful grant recipients across different programs emphasize planning, patience, and community connection over rushing into spending.

Application Strategy That Actually Works

Forget everything you’ve learned about writing grant proposals for mainstream foundations. This requires a completely different approach.

Start with your definition of abundance. How does wealth serve your family? Your community? The land? Money becomes a tool for something bigger – articulate what that bigger thing actually is.

Let me tell you about some mistakes that’ll sink your application fast. First up too many applicants focus way too much on conventional business metrics and personal financial gain. The committee keeps saying they want projects that benefit not just individuals but entire communities and future generations. Another big one? Underestimating how much detailed planning matters. One South Dakota awardee who got $50,000 for homeownership put it perfectly: “Research your ideas and plans and make sure you find the total cost surrounding each goal. There may be more involved than you first thought.” Applications without specific, measurable outcomes or realistic timelines? They usually don’t make the cut. BIPOC business grants often have similar expectations.

Q: Should I hire a professional grant writer?
A: Only if they understand Indigenous values and can authentically represent your story.

Q: How detailed should my financial projections be?
A: Focus more on relationship outcomes than spreadsheet accuracy.

Q: What common mistakes sink applications?
A: Treating this like a business loan or emphasizing individual gain over community benefit.

The success stories from previous rounds really show what’s possible. In Minnesota, someone used their $25,000 award for education and skill building, creating a reliable livelihood path. Their advice? Stay focused, write everything down with dates and contact info, and don’t be afraid to ask mentors for help. Simple but powerful stuff. Then there’s that South Dakota homeowner who got $50,000 and emphasized being ready for unexpected obstacles while staying committed to your goals. And in North Dakota, a business-focused recipient reminded everyone to “give it 100 percent and always bet on yourself.” These aren’t just feel-good stories  they’re roadmaps for what works. Indigenous storytellers have similar opportunities to preserve cultural narratives.

Something big is changing for 2025 though. The fund’s really doubling down on power building. What does that even mean? Basically, they recognize that economic empowerment alone won’t create lasting change without also building political and social power. With authoritarianism rising and democracy under threat, they’re focusing on strengthening Indigenous communities’ ability to exercise self-determination. This means successful 2025 applications need to show how your project doesn’t just build individual or family wealth but contributes to broader community power building. The selection committee will be looking for projects that create ripple effects, strengthening Indigenous communities’ ability to resist external pressures and build sustainable economic systems. Minnesota businesses have similar community-focused opportunities.

Q: What exactly can I use this money for?
A: Pretty much anything that builds wealth the Indigenous way education, starting a business, buying a home, cultural preservation, land stewardship, community projects. Just make sure it aligns with their definition of wealth.

Q: Do I need to live in one of the three states to apply?
A: Yep, eligibility is strictly for Indigenous folks living in Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota. No exceptions.

Q: How do they decide who gets $25K versus $50K?
A: It depends on your project scope, how complex it is, and what you actually need to make it happen. They’re pretty practical about it.

Q: What’s this “power building” thing all about?
A: It’s about developing Indigenous communities’ capacity to make their own decisions, resist outside pressures, and create economic systems that actually work for them.

Q: Are there strings attached to how I spend the money?
A: The funds need to support wealth-building goals that match their Indigenous wealth definition benefiting you, your family, and your community.

Money Logistics and Timeline Details

Awards come in two amounts: $25,000 or $50,000. The difference isn’t arbitrary.

The timeline for 2025 gives you plenty of time to prepare but also creates that healthy pressure to get moving. Applications open in the fourth quarter of 2025, with registration closing October 17th at 5pm Central. That deadline feels real but manageable. The review process happens through late Q4 and early Q1 2026, with awards announced in the first quarter of next year. If you’re selected, you’ll have 12-18 months to implement your wealth-building project, with support from NDN Collective the whole way. This timeline reflects how seriously they take both thorough evaluation and timely support for Indigenous wealth-building initiatives. South Dakota funding opportunities follow similar schedules.

$25,000 typically supports education, skill development, or smaller business ventures. Recipients use this funding for professional certifications, traditional knowledge preservation projects, or enterprises that employ family members.

$50,000 usually goes toward homeownership, larger business development, or multi-generational wealth projects. One family used this amount to purchase land that kept them connected to ancestral territory while building equity.

The 12-18 month award term means you have flexibility in implementation timing, but progress reporting keeps you accountable to stated goals. Emergency hardship grants operate on completely different timelines since they address immediate crises rather than long-term wealth building.

Q: Can I change my wealth-building plan after receiving the award?
A: Minor adjustments are possible, but major changes require approval from program administrators.

Q: What happens if my project doesn’t work out?
A: The program provides ongoing support to help recipients navigate challenges and find alternative paths to success.

What They Don’t Tell You About Indigenous Wealth Building

Traditional financial advice assumes starting from zero. Indigenous families often start from negative positions due to historical trauma and systemic barriers. Building wealth means first undoing damage, then creating sustainable prosperity.

The Collective Abundance Fund acknowledges this reality by providing unrestricted funding that recipients can use to address immediate stability issues before pursuing growth opportunities. That flexibility matters because financial healing doesn’t follow neat timelines.

Recipients consistently report that the program’s community-centered approach provides psychological benefits alongside financial ones. When you’re building wealth within Indigenous definitions of abundance, isolation becomes the enemy of success.

Q: How do I know if I’m ready for this level of funding?
A: If you have clear wealth-building goals and understand how your success strengthens your community, you’re ready.

The Power-Building Focus Explained

2025’s emphasis on power-building reflects current political realities threatening Indigenous sovereignty and economic self-determination. Arts grants often support cultural preservation, but this fund connects wealth-building directly to community organizing and advocacy.

Power-building doesn’t mean every recipient becomes a full-time activist. It means understanding that individual prosperity serves broader Indigenous liberation. Your business success, educational achievement, or homeownership contributes to collective Native strength.

The program provides training and resources to help recipients develop organizing skills alongside wealth-building activities. Past participants have gone on to lead tribal economic development initiatives, mentor other Indigenous entrepreneurs, and advocate for policy changes that benefit Native communities.

This approach makes the Collective Abundance Fund one of the most comprehensive grants for indigenous peoples currently available – it’s building both individual prosperity and collective power simultaneously.

Q: What kind of power-building training do they provide?
A: Community organizing, advocacy skills, and leadership development tailored to Indigenous contexts.

Q: Is participation in power-building activities required?
A: Encouraged but not mandatory – they want willing participants, not reluctant activists.

The application process reflects this dual focus. You’ll need to articulate both your personal wealth-building goals and your understanding of how individual success connects to Indigenous community strength.

Honestly, exploring this balance between personal ambition and community responsibility requires careful thought and authentic reflection. Professional grant writing support can help you articulate this connection genuinely without sounding performative. That’s exactly what we do at Grantaura – we help Indigenous applicants tell their stories in ways that honor both individual dreams and collective values.

Check Your Eligibility

This interactive tool helps you figure out fast if you qualify for the Collective Abundance Fund and other Indigenous funding opportunities. Answer a few simple questions about your background, location, and goals get instant feedback on your eligibility status. If you qualify, you’ll go to an assessment form where our experts can help you prepare a strong application that maximizes your chances of success. It’s pretty straightforward actually.

18 More Grants for Indigenous Peoples

Our research team tracks hundreds of active grants for indigenous peoples across federal agencies, tribal organizations, and private foundations. Grantaura’s free platform updates daily with new opportunities, application deadlines, and insider tips from successful Indigenous recipients.

1. Yéigo Action Grant for Native Artists and Culture Bearers: Monthly grants up to $2,500 for Indigenous artists facing urgent needs or time-sensitive opportunities, with quick response times and minimal application barriers.
2. Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant: Specialized funding for Native American entrepreneurs and tribal organizations seeking to establish or expand small businesses within their communities.
3. BIPOC Business Exhibition Grants 2025: Full-support grants covering exhibition costs at high-impact business events, enabling BIPOC-owned enterprises to showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners.
4. Wish Local Empowerment Program for Minority Entrepreneurs: Small business owners from Indigenous backgrounds can access $500-$2,000 through this $2 million fund supporting underrepresented brick-and-mortar establishments with 20 or fewer employees across America.
5. Amika Rooted in Growth Grant for Underrepresented Beauty Founders: Four $50,000 awards annually support hair care entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, including Indigenous founders developing culturally authentic beauty products. Includes mentorship and industry exposure.
6. Galaxy Monthly Grant for Women and Minority Business Owners: Indigenous women entrepreneurs can compete for $2,450 monthly awards plus luxury prizes, building business momentum while maintaining cultural values and community connections.
7. Hey Helen Grant for Mission-Driven Women Founders: This $5,000 program specifically seeks women entrepreneurs building ventures that strengthen communities, aligning perfectly with Indigenous values of collective prosperity and social responsibility.
8. Patagonia Action Works Grants for Indigenous Environmental Protection: Native-led organizations defending ancestral lands and natural resources can secure $5,000-$20,000 for direct-action environmental campaigns and community organizing efforts.
9. She’s Connected by AT&T Small Business Contest: $50,000 grand prize supports minority entrepreneurs with established businesses ready for national exposure, including Indigenous founders scaling community-focused enterprises.
10. Vision Maker Media’s Acquisitions Fund for Native Filmmakers: Prestigious funding helping Indigenous storytellers share authentic narratives that might otherwise remain untold in mainstream media channels.
11. Minnesota Forward Fund: Business Expansion & Federal Matches: Substantial funding opportunity offering up to $15 million in combined grants and loans for individual business expansion projects in Minnesota.
12. PFund Equity Fund: $5K LGBTQ+ BIPOC Business Grants MN: Targeted $5,000 grants for LGBTQ+ BIPOC entrepreneurs in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, including business training and networking opportunities.
13. CHS Seeds Stewardship Grant $5K Rural Community Match: Matching grants for rural cooperatives supporting agricultural education, safety initiatives, and community development projects across the Midwest.
14. Individual Grants Category: Comprehensive collection of funding opportunities specifically designed for individual growth, education, and personal development across various fields and interests.
15. Minnesota Grants & Funding Opportunities: Curated selection of grant opportunities available to Minnesota residents, including state-specific programs and national initiatives with Minnesota focus.
16. South Dakota Grants & Funding Opportunities: Targeted funding resources for South Dakota residents, featuring both local and national grant programs that support various community and economic development goals.
17. North Dakota Native Economic Opportunities: Regional funding landscape featuring oil revenue sharing programs, agricultural development support, and traditional knowledge commercialization grants for Indigenous communities.
18. BIPOC-Owned Business Grants: Extensive collection of funding opportunities specifically designed for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color owned businesses seeking growth capital.

There are even more opportunities waiting for you through Grantaura’s comprehensive database of grants for Indigenous peoples. Whether you’re looking for education funding, business support, housing assistance, or cultural preservation grants, never miss funding that could transform your family’s economic future – access our complete database designed specifically for Native entrepreneurs and wealth-builders.

Terms

• Indigenous Wealth: It’s this holistic concept that includes quality of life, community well-being, relationships with land and environment, and cultural connections. Money’s just a tool for basic needs and financial security not the main point.
• Wealth Gap: The huge disparity in financial resources between Indigenous peoples and other populations. Native Americans have just 8 cents of wealth for every dollar white Americans have. Think about that.
• Power Building: The process of developing Indigenous communities’ capacity to make their own decisions, resist external pressures, and create sustainable economic and political systems that actually work for them.
• Generational Wealth: Assets and resources passed down through families financial assets, property, cultural knowledge, community connections that provide long-term security and opportunity for future generations.
• Decolonization: Challenging and replacing colonial economic systems and mindsets with Indigenous concepts of wealth, relationships, and community well-being. It’s about taking back what was lost.
• Community Organizing: Strategic coordination of Indigenous community members building collective power and advocating for systemic changes supporting long-term prosperity, increasingly important as grants for indigenous peoples emphasize political engagement.
• Financial Security: Having enough resources to meet basic needs while still being able to pursue cultural activities and community engagement without constant financial stress and worry.
• Community Well-being: The collective health, prosperity, and resilience of Indigenous communities economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions all wrapped together.
• Social and Cultural Sharing: The practice of distributing resources, knowledge, and opportunities within communities to strengthen relationships and ensure collective prosperity for everyone involved.
• Self-Determination: The right of Indigenous peoples to make decisions about their own economic, social, and cultural development without outside interference or control telling them what to do.
• Resource Extraction: The historical and ongoing practice of removing natural resources from Indigenous lands without fair compensation or consideration of community impacts. It’s created lasting damage.
• Homeownership Gap: The disparity in homeownership rates between Indigenous peoples and other populations Native Americans at 50.8% compared to 72.4% for white households. That’s a massive difference.
• Poverty Rate: The percentage of population living below the poverty line 25.4% for Native Americans compared to 8% for white Americans nationally. These numbers tell an important story.
• Wealth-Building Goals: Specific objectives related to increasing financial stability, acquiring assets, developing skills, or strengthening community resources that contribute to long-term prosperity and security.
• Cultural Preservation: Efforts to maintain, revitalize, and pass on Indigenous languages, traditions, knowledge systems, and cultural practices to future generations so they don’t disappear.
• Land Stewardship: Indigenous practices of caring for and managing land and natural resources according to traditional ecological knowledge and cultural values that have sustained communities for centuries.

Author

Working with hundreds of clients seeking funding has shown me exactly how the Indigenous wealth gap affects real people every single day. I’ve seen the frustration, the barriers, the systemic issues that make building wealth so incredibly challenging for Indigenous communities. My background in communication and digital marketing helps, but what really matters is understanding that grants for indigenous peoples require storytelling that honors both traditional values and contemporary financial systems.

At Grantaura, we’re committed to helping Indigenous peoples navigate these funding opportunities because we understand something fundamental: true wealth building isn’t just about money. It’s about reclaiming power, preserving culture, and building sustainable futures for generations to come. My experience has taught me that when funding actually aligns with community values and self-determination, the impact extends way beyond individual beneficiaries to strengthen entire communities in ways that last.