First Nations Development Institute has launched additional grant programs to support Native American farmers and ranchers. The application deadline is December 16, 2019.These grant programs are an outgrowth of the Keepseagle v. Vilsack case that spanned more than 18 years in federal litigation. Funding for the effort comes to First Nations from the Keepseagle-related Native American Agriculture Fast-Track Fund (NAAFTF).First Nations’ effort – known as the Keepseagle Fast-Track Grants to Support Native Farmers & Ranchers – falls under First Nations’ existing Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI). Under the new programs, First Nations expects to award two different series of grants.RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About the Native American Agriculture Fund’s Plans to Shepherd its $266M PortfolioThrough the Native Farmers & Ranchers Organization Grant First Nations expects to award 18 to 20 grants averaging $30,000 to organizations in Native communities, with the goal of growing and/or expanding direct services that serve or directly collaborate with Native American farmers and ranchers.The Native Farmer & Rancher Shared Equipment Grant will also award 10 grants averaging $10,000 to organizations in Native communities with the same goals, however priority will be given to projects aimed at expanding community access to shared equipment made available to Native farmers, ranchers, and producers who are increasing capacity, revenue and other positive farm outputs that will grow farmer capacity and Native farms and ranch operations.Types of eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:

  • Federal and State Recognized Tribal Governments and Departments (including but not limited to Heritage Departments, Economic Development Entities, Natural Resources, Agricultural Departments, etc.)
  • Native-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofits
  • Native-controlled community organizations with fiscal sponsorship
  • Native §7871 Organizations
  • Fiscal Sponsor for organizations of Native farmers and ranchers that have not been formally incorporated (for Native Farmers & Ranchers Organization Grant only).

Selected grantees under these opportunities must use the funding to support projects in Native communities with the goal of growing and/or expanding services or programs to Native American farmers and ranchers. Examples of allowable and unallowable activities under these funding opportunities can be found at each grant application pages links under the Current Grant Opportunities page.First Nations will hold informational webinars to address any questions onNative Farmers & Ranchers Organization Grant:

Native Farmer & Rancher Shared Equipment Grant:

(For general background about the Keepseagle v. Vilsack case and the subsequent distribution of funds from the settlement, please see our announcement at this link.)About First Nations Development InstituteFor 39 years, using a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating for systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native American communities. First Nations serves Native American communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.firstnations.org.