FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) has awarded $1 million dollars to 20 grantees serving Native youth across 115 Tribal Nations. The diverse range of grants for youth programming provides direct capital to projects impacting more than 3,500 Native youth in reservation, rural, suburban, and urban areas throughout Indian Country. The funded projects vary in focus areas such as agricultural education, sustainable agriculture activities and COVID response. All grants awarded go to support increased access to capital for the success of beginning Native farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food champions.
“An investment in Native youth is an investment for the future of Native American food and agriculture for generations to come,” said Toni Stanger-McLaughlin (Colville), CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund. “When youth are engaged in the process of food systems and food production development, we are equipping them to be the next generation of leaders who will continue to invest in the growth and preservation of Native agriculture and foodways.”
With the NAAF investment:
- More than 14% of the $1 million granted will go directly to youth as loans, re-grants, or scholarships
- Projects will impact Native youth across 15 states and 115 Tribal Nations
- Local tribes, schools, banks and more than 25 Native-serving entities will be engaged in supporting funded projects