The Community Spirit Awards recognizes extraordinary Native artists who embody cultural generosity, and use their ancestral knowledge and artistic talents to uplift their Native communities.
Donor Name: First Peoples Fund
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 06/17/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The award is designed to support these essential bearers of cultural practice to carry forward their wisdom and help Native communities heal and thrive. The award is given out by nomination only to practicing Native artists of any medium, including music, dance, clothing design, basket weaving, beading, storytelling and much more, in both traditional and contemporary forms.
The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award recognizes artists and culture bearers who:
- Are deeply rooted within and maintain direct ties to their Native community
- Show commitment to building the strength of Indigenous communities by sharing their skills and talents with others.
- Demonstrate an artistic and/or cultural practice that passes on the traditions and the life of ways of their Indigenous Culture.
Funding Information
Award grant of up to $50,000
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees for the Community Spirit Award must meet the following criteria:
- An enrolled member of, or provide proof of lineal descendancy from, a U.S. federally or U.S. state recognized tribe, or be able to provide proof of ancestry as an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian.
- A U.S. resident.
- Work with art mediums that are rooted in the traditions of their Native culture(s).
- Active within a Native community and/or lives within a tribal community.
- Actively involved in sharing their artistic and/or cultural knowledge with community members.
- Nominees must be practicing Native artists or culture bearers who have demonstrated maturity in their field, and have been engaged in their medium for at least 10 years.
- Self-nominations are not accepted
For more information, visit First Peoples Fund.
