Federal

Federal programs and nationwide financial resources for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Each name links to the official website.

Federal programs

• BIA Office of Indian Economic Development

  Indian Affairs office that offers access to capital through grants and loan guarantees, and technical assistance to tribes.

• Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP)

  Indian Affairs program that helps tribes and Native individuals get financing on reasonable terms through loan guarantees and insurance.

• Indian Affairs Financial Assistance and Social Services

  BIA programs including general assistance, child assistance, burial assistance and emergency assistance.

• Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (IIM accounts)

  Interior bureau that manages Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust accounts; includes account self-service and money-management information.

• HUD Office of Native American Programs (ONAP)

  HUD office for housing programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

• Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program

  HUD home mortgage program designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, tribes and tribal housing entities.

• USDA Rural Development Tribal Relations

  Rural Development’s page for tribal-specific programs and set-asides, including loans and grants for tribal communities.

• SBA Office of Native American Affairs

  Small Business Administration office helping American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs use SBA lending, training and contracting programs.

• CDFI Fund Native Initiatives (U.S. Treasury)

  Treasury program that supports Native CDFIs with awards and training to build businesses and jobs in Native communities.

Paying for school

• Bureau of Indian Education: Scholarships & Internships

  BIE page on higher education scholarships and support for American Indian and Alaska Native students.

• IHS Scholarship Program

  Indian Health Service scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students in health professions.

• American Indian College Fund

  Provides scholarships for Native American college students.

• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  The U.S. Department of Education’s official site for filling out the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid.

• Native Forward Scholars Fund

  Scholarship provider for Native students in the U.S.; its site has a scholarship finder and a student center.

• AISES scholarships

  AISES supports Indigenous students and professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); this page lists the scholarships and internships it offers.

• Cobell Scholarship

  Scholarships and fellowships for Native American students in undergraduate, graduate, vocational and fellowship study, named in honor of Elouise Cobell and administered by Indigenous Education, Inc.

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (AIHEC)

  The American Indian Higher Education Consortium’s map and list of Tribal Colleges and Universities, each chartered by its own tribal government.

National Native financial organizations

• Native CDFI Network

  National network of Native community development financial institutions working to expand access to capital in Native communities.

• Oweesta Corporation

  National Native CDFI intermediary that provides tools, training and capital to Native CDFIs and the people they serve.

• First Nations Development Institute

  National organization that supports Native economic development through grants, technical assistance, training and research.

Links checked October 18, 2026. Check each program’s website for current details and who can apply.