Community Spirit Awards

The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award is an annual grant program offered by the First Peoples Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Native artists and culture bearers across the United States. Named in honor of the organization's founder, the award acknowledges Native artists who have devoted their lives to sharing cultural knowledge and preserving ancestral traditions within their communities. The program provides unrestricted grants of $50,000 to 4 to 6 Native artists each year, based on available funding. Eligible artists may work in a wide range of creative disciplines, from traditional crafts such as basket weaving and beadwork to contemporary forms including music and storytelling. The key criteria for the award include deep ties to a Native community, a demonstrated history of cultural generosity, and a strong commitment to community enrichment through artistic and cultural practices. Only nominations are accepted for this award, and self-nominations are not permitted. The nomination period for the 2026 award cycle is open from May 19 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time through June 18 at 6:00 PM Mountain Time. The selected honorees will be announced in 2026. Nomination questions and full eligibility guidelines are available on the First Peoples Fund’s website. To be eligible, nominees must be practicing Native artists who embody the spirit of community generosity and actively engage in passing on the traditions and knowledge of their culture. Nominees must also be recognized within their communities for their cultural leadership and commitment to Indigenous values. Nominations must be submitted during the specified window and include responses to a detailed nomination questionnaire. The process typically takes several hours and requires thoughtful reflections on the artist’s cultural impact, artistic work, and community engagement. For more information or to submit a nomination, contact Fox Spears, Program Manager of Fellowships, at fox@firstpeoplesfund.org or call (605) 348-0324. The award aims to uplift Indigenous artists who have quietly and powerfully contributed to the strength and resilience of Native cultures across generations.

Nominations should highlight cultural generosity, deep community ties, and long-term service.