Native Farmer Professional Cohort Program

The Native Farmer Professional Cohort is a grant-supported initiative offered by the First Nations Development Institute, a Native-led nonprofit that has been active since 1980. This organization has a longstanding history of supporting American Indian communities by investing in asset control and economic development through innovative institutions and grantmaking. Since launching its national grant program in 1993, First Nations has distributed over 3,470 grants totaling $85 million to Native American projects across 45 states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa. This cohort opportunity is managed in collaboration with two of the organization’s key programs: Stewarding Native Lands and Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments (NAFSI), both of which aim to reinforce Native sovereignty over land and food systems. The Native Farmer Professional Cohort specifically aims to support 12 Native farmers over a 12-month period in enhancing their agricultural practices and land stewardship. The core objectives of the program are to improve soil health, water quality, local food systems, and conservation practices that align with Native values. Participants will receive training in conservation and business planning, traditional agricultural knowledge, and natural resource management. Additionally, the cohort provides a forum for peer networking and knowledge-sharing among Native beginning farmers. Selected applicants will receive a total stipend of $10,000 distributed in three payments throughout the program year. The cohort runs from August 4, 2025, to July 31, 2026. Participants will engage in a hybrid program that includes virtual webinars, fieldwork, and three in-person training sessions. First Nations will also provide individualized technical assistance, and travel-related expenses will be covered. Participants are expected to complete a project evaluation and submit a one-page reflection upon program conclusion. To qualify, applicants must be tribally affiliated and identify as beginning or very beginning farmers with 10 or fewer years of experience. They must also be involved in the stewardship of land, animals, or plants with efforts that contribute to Native food security, community health, and local economic development. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Only complete applications submitted through the online portal by July 18, 2025, at 5 PM Mountain Time will be considered. Exceptions for those without internet access must be requested by July 3, 2025. Applicants must answer several short essay questions regarding their community impact, vision for the cohort period, and land access details. Additional required materials include one letter of recommendation, a high-quality photo of the applicant, and a personal biography. Evaluation criteria focus on the applicant's commitment to the cohort, interest in stewardship aligned with cultural values, and desire to build leadership and management skills. All submissions must be completed via the online system. For application support, applicants may contact Kenaba Hatathlie at khatathlie@firstnations.org or by calling (303) 774-7836. Questions about the cohort itself can be directed to Lead Program Officer Cetan Christensen at cchristensen@firstnations.org or (720) 669-4523. Selected participants will be notified by August 4, 2025.