ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION. The Association on American Indian Affairs is the oldest national Native non-profit serving Native Country protecting sovereignty, preserving culture, educating youth and building capacity. The Association was formed in 1922 to change the destructive path of federal policy from assimilation, termination and allotment, to sovereignty, self-determination and self-sufficiency. Throughout our more than 100-year history, we have provided national advocacy on watershed issues that support sovereignty and culture, while working at a grassroots level with Native Nations to support the implementation of programs that affect real lives on the ground.
SUMMER CAMP GRANTS. The Association began providing grants to Native Youth Summer Camps in 1963 as a powerful way that the Association can support the health and well-being of Native youth. Moreover, Native youth summer camps support our vision to create a world where diverse Native American cultures and values are lived, protected, and respected. There is significant research that shows when young Native people are connected to their culture, they fare better mentally and emotionally than those who are not. Healthy and strong Native American youth will sustain strong Native cultures and protect sovereignty and self-determination for years to come.
Applications for funding are based on the following required criteria:
- The camp should provide summer programming to Native youth up to 18 years of age
- The camp must be inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ2S+ youth;
- The program should include education on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health;
- The program should include connections to culture, language and community advocacy;
- The program should involve Elders and have active Native Nation involvement; and
- The camp must follow safety and security protocols and procedures to protect the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the campers and all involved.
Requirements for a successful grant:
Native Youth Summer Camps that are approved for funding must submit a report that will be provided to you. The form report is due at the end of the camp or no later than Friday, August 29, 2025. The report will provide a description of activities that include:
- Length, term, location and dates of the camp;
- How many Native youth participated, their ages and which Native Nations were represented;
- How the camp was inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ2S+ youth;
- How the program included education on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health;
- How the program included education on culture, language and community advocacy;
- How the program involved Elders and Native Nation involvement;
- How the program followed safety and security procedures to protect and care for the youth; and
- Photo release forms and digital photos to share about the camp’s success!
Applications are due on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Grants for the Association’s Native Youth Summer Camp Grants are dependent upon the generosity of our donors. Funding may vary from year to year; therefore, an award is not guaranteed. The Association generally does not have the ability to fund costs for the entirety of summer programming. **Funding provided is usually between $250 and $1,000, depending on the number of qualified programs applying for funding.**
If you have questions about your application, please email Cassie at general@indian-affairs.org or call (240) 314-7155.
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