For over four decades, First Nations Development Institute has championed the economic empowerment of American Indian communities. It works to reinforce Native economies through the establishment of innovative institutions and models, aiming to enhance asset control and bolster economic development for American Indian individuals and their communities.
The Native Arts Initiative (NAI) by First Nations supports the preservation and advancement of traditional Native arts. It accomplishes this by providing direct grants, networking opportunities, and training and technical assistance to Native-led arts and cultural hubs. These hubs focus on supporting artists and facilitating the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge and skills. Since its inception in 2014, the NAI has allocated over $3.5 million in grants to a diverse array of Native-controlled nonprofits and tribal government programs. Annually, it offers around 15 two-year grants, with each grant up to $100,000, to eligible organizations.