Business Details
37 Years
experience
Empowering Native Students Through Higher Education
The American Indian College Fund has been the nation's largest charity supporting Native student access to higher education since 1989. We provide scholarships and programming for American Indian and Alaska Native students, ensuring they have the tools to graduate and succeed in their chosen careers. Our work extends to supporting 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities, most of which are chartered by tribal governments and located on or near Indian reservations.We are committed to transparency and accountability, consistently receiving top ratings from independent charity evaluators. Our values drive our relationships with supporters and enable us to maintain the mission that guides our work. We focus on creating opportunities for Native individuals and communities through culturally relevant education, faculty development, and community programs that address health, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
Services
Scholarships
Student Support Programs
Faculty Development
Research Initiatives
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are the nation's largest Native-led charity supporting Indigenous higher education.
- We support 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities across the United States.
- Our scholars have higher graduation rates than non-scholars in two- and four-year programs.
- We maintain top charity accountability ratings from independent evaluators.
- We integrate cultural preservation with academic success through tribal college partnerships.
Associations and certifications
- Guidestar
- Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
- Charity Navigator
Services
Scholarships
We provide scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Our programs support access to tribal colleges and accredited institutions. Scholarships help reduce financial barriers while promoting cultural preservation through education.
Student Support Programs
Our initiatives include career readiness, mental wellness, and academic resources for Native students. We connect scholars with culturally relevant programming that increases graduation rates and community impact through education.
Faculty Development
We offer fellowships and professional development for tribal college faculty. Our programs strengthen teaching skills, support research, and foster peer networks while promoting Indigenous-centered education approaches across 35 institutions.
Tribal College Support
We provide capacity-building grants for tribal colleges in areas like computer science, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure. Our funding helps maintain culturally relevant curricula and community services at 34 accredited institutions.
Community Programs
Our initiatives strengthen Native communities through language preservation, environmental programs, and wellness services. We support efforts that connect education with cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge sharing across 254 tribal nations.
People
Cheryl Crazy Bull
President and CEO
Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota) leads our organization with decades of experience in Indigenous education. She advocates for Native student access and success while directing strategic initiatives that support tribal colleges and cultural preservation through higher education.
Questions
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Visit our website to access scholarship applications and eligibility requirements. We offer opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students attending tribal colleges and accredited institutions nationwide.
What are tribal colleges?
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are 34 accredited institutions chartered by tribal governments. They offer culturally relevant education programs on or near reservations while serving local community needs.
How are donations used?
76% of donations directly fund scholarships, programs, and public education. 20% supports fundraising efforts, and 4% covers administrative costs according to our latest financial report.
Do you support graduate students?
Yes, we provide scholarships for graduate degree programs at tribal colleges and accredited institutions. Our funding supports advanced degrees that prepare Native professionals to serve their communities.
How do you measure success?
We track graduation rates, community impact, and alumni outcomes. 80% of employed scholar graduates work in jobs that give back to Native communities, demonstrating our programs' long-term benefits.
Can non-Native students receive support?
Our primary focus is American Indian and Alaska Native students. However, TCUs serve all community members through educational programs and public services at their 34 institutions nationwide.
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