Understand Native Minnesota mini-grant

Text courtesy of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

Educators at schools across Minnesota can now apply for the second and final round of mini-grants awarded by Understand Native Minnesota to support classroom learning about Native American culture, history, and modern tribal governments.

The program, administered by the Minneapolis Foundation, builds on nearly $400,000 in funding that was awarded to 173 educators and schools earlier this year. A total of $150,000 will be distributed this fall, with awards of up to $2,000 per educator.

The mini-grants can be used for classroom resources, materials and projects, professional development, or curriculum and resource development to support teaching about Native American culture, history, and modern tribal governments. Educators in Minnesota's K-12 public, charter, tribal, and private schools are all eligible.

Since the first round of this grant program, the SMSC published A Guide to Reliable Native American Teaching Resources. Prospective grant applicants may find this helpful.

Grant applications will be accepted through 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024.  Learn more and apply.

Established and funded by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Understand Native Minnesota campaign, this mini-grant program aims to improve the teaching of Native history and culture. The program supports educators who are pursuing training or classroom projects to share accurate narratives and build understanding of the contributions and experiences of Native peoples in Minnesota.