First Peoples Fund

14 Grants from 2004 - 2023

  • Total Amount Received: $3,777,068
  • Location: Rapid City, SD

First Peoples Fund’s mission is to support those who see art and culture as ways to strengthen Native communities. They provide direct support through grants to Native artists, culture bearers and the organizations that support them. They provide trainings that 1,500+ Native artists have attended, and they conduct national research and develop reports on investing in the Indigenous arts ecology. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Grants received

$460,000 in 2023

  • Program: Ecosystem
  • Term: 36 Months

First Peoples Fund’s mission is to support those who see art and culture as ways to strengthen Native communities. They provide direct support through grants to Native artists, culture bearers and the organizations that support them. They provide trainings that 1,500+ Native artists have attended, and they conduct national research and develop reports on investing in the Indigenous arts ecology. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

$310,000 in 2020

  • Program: Ecosystem
  • Term: 36 Months

This Ecosystem Grant provides general operating support for First Peoples Fund to help advance its charitable mission in MN, ND, SD and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography

$87,500 in 2020

  • Term: 7 Months

To provide financial support for artists and culture bearers who are impacted by COVID-19

$30,000 in 2018

  • Term: 6 Months

Sponsorship of ArtChangeUS REMAP Pine Ridge: Reclaiming Our Way of Knowing

$205,000 in 2018

  • Program: Ecosystem
  • Term: 24 Months

This Ecosystem Grant provides general operating support for First Peoples Fund to help advance its charitable mission in MN, ND, SD and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography

$1,300,000 in 2017

  • Term: 35 Months

Build the capacity of Indigenous artists and culture bearers

$200,000 in 2016

  • Program: Ecosystem
  • Term: 23 Months

This Ecosystem Grant provides general operating support for First Peoples Fund's work in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native Nations that share the same geography

$100,000 in 2015

  • Term: 13 Months

In recognition of being selected to the 2015 Community Creativity Cohort

$200,000 in 2015

  • Term: 13 Months

To increase arts capacity and access to space through the Rez Arts Nomad

$313,068 in 2014

  • Program: Bush Prize
  • Term: 31 Months

In recognition of winning a 2014 Bush Prize for Community Innovation, this grant will advance this organization's charitable purpose

$375,000 in 2010

  • Term: 49 Months

Bush funding will be used for general operating support through the Regional Arts Development Program II (RADP II)

$94,000 in 2009

  • Term: 18 Months

Continued entry-period support through the Regional Arts Development Program II (RADP II)

$52,500 in 2007

  • Term: 12 Months

For entry-year support through the Regional Arts Development Program II

$50,000 in 2004

  • Term: 14 Months

To support a comprehensive strategic planning process and to complete the transition to independent nonprofit status