Of the many grant sources concerning Native American women, and which seek to offer aid, many are not available to a single applicant. Of the areas that are, education is probably the most prominent. Individuals may apply as long as they prove ancestry, usually through a CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood).
Grant monies are also available to women through their tribal government. It is the tribe's name that lends force to the application, not a solitary beneficiary. Sometimes, as with the Native American Program and Indian Loans: Economic Development program, certain accredited groups other than tribal authorities may apply.
There are several grants for Native Americans in education. Two of the most advertised are the Tribal College Education Equity Grants and Tribal College Equity Grants. Both encourage study in the "food and agricultural" sciences specifically. Besides grants, far more Federal money for education is available in the form of scholarships and loan aid. The Indian Health Service is a key contributor in this area. There are special incentives for Native American women who opt to enter a specialized health field.
The American Indian College fund also offers a number of different scholarships but no specified grants. The four principle scholarships are the Tribal College general and special scholarships, Mainstream College Special Scholarships, and a fourth category for prospective graduate students.
Some federal grant resources are aimed at social issues on and off the reservation. Many focus on women and domesticity. There is nearly $11 million available to help tribal governments, associations, and other organizations in combating violence against women.
Some grant money supports Native American business ventures and traditional craft development. The Native American and Indian Loans are two examples. The "Even-Start" program is specifically aimed at building educational infrastructure and for attacking cyclical economic hardships that may leave Native American business communities stagnant.
The focus on preserving native American culture has led to several grants that encourage the production and success of traditional crafts and textiles.
While there are many grants available to Native Americans, few are specifically designed for women. Therefore, one effective way for women to attain these funds is to form women's associations, councils, and other groups which can become formally recognized as Native American organizations. Native American women's associations will have the leverage and credibility to apply for this money and invest it in areas most significant to their communities.