The Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments (NAFSI) Scholarship is administered by the First Nations Development Institute, a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a history spanning over 44 years. The Institute has awarded over 3,640 grants totaling more than $94.3 million to Native American projects and organizations across 45 states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa. Through its NAFSI program, established in 2001, First Nations supports Native food systems by promoting food sovereignty, food security, and the growth of tribal food economies via grantmaking, advocacy, and educational convenings.
The NAFSI Scholarship supports Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing degrees in agriculture and food systems-related fields. These scholarships aim to bolster the capabilities of Native students to assist their communities in reclaiming and managing local food systems. For the 2025–2026 academic year, First Nations will offer 20 to 25 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 to eligible Native students majoring in fields such as agribusiness, environmental studies, fisheries and wildlife, horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and more.
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled full-time or part-time in undergraduate or graduate programs related to agriculture or demonstrate how their academic work connects to Native food systems. Additional eligibility requirements include tribal affiliation with documentation, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and a demonstrated commitment to food sovereignty within their community.
Applicants must submit an online application via the Fluxx grantmaking system by Thursday, July 11, 2025, at 5 pm Mountain Time. Required materials include a personal statement, proof of tribal affiliation, college enrollment verification, unofficial transcripts, and optionally, a resume and photograph. The online portal requires prior registration, which must be completed in advance. Exceptions for applicants with limited internet access must be requested at least two weeks before the deadline by contacting the grantmaking department.
The application window opens on May 5, 2025. Notifications will be sent in August 2025, and awards will be distributed in September 2025. Scholarship recipients must be aware that funds may be considered taxable income unless used for qualified educational expenses, in line with IRS guidelines. Awardees will be required to submit a W-9 form and will receive a 1099 tax document.
For further assistance or accommodations, applicants can contact Cetan Christensen at cchristensen@firstnations.org or call (720) 669-4523. Technical support is also available through the grantmaking department at grantmaking@firstnations.org or (303) 774-7836.
