Contact us
8301 Richmond Highway
Ste. 200
Alexandria, VA 22309
Toll Free: 1-888-491-9859
(703) 317-9881 | Fax: (703) 659-6231
info@indianyouth.org
Native youth, ages 15-30, can apply in partnership with the “Mentor Organization” of their choice, to receive $20,000 to pursue their dream of uplifting their communities, and creating sustainable positive change for generations to come.
1.You must identify a non-profit organization to apply with. Applicants must apply in partnership with a registered 501©3 or 7871 nonprofit organization, known as the Mentor Organization. Mentor Organizations should be schools, non-profits, or tribal organizations working in Indian Country and to which the Applicant has a personal connection. Each Mentor Organization will designate an authorized representative, known as the Dreamstarter Mentor, to apply with the applicant, attend Dreamstarter Academy, and oversee the grant year. This Mentor should be an individual with whom the Applicant has a good personal or professional relationship. Dreamstarter Applicants and Dreamstarter Mentors will need to fill out this application together, as there are sections of this application for both individually.
2.You must be enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribal nation. Applicants should be prepared to submit documentation with the Application. If you have any questions, please email Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org.
3.You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application.
4.Your proposed project must give back to or uplift your community. Have an idea that you aren’t sure is eligible? Email us at Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org.
5.Dreamstarter Grantees and Mentors are required to attend Dreamstarter Academy from April 24-27, 2025. Failure to confirm availability will result in rejection of the application and failure to attend will result in revocation of grant if awarded.
October 14, 2024: Applications OPEN.
January 03, 2025: Applications are DUE by 11:59 pm EST.
February 28, 2025: Successful applicants notified, Social media Announcement.
April 24-27, 2025: Dreamstarter Academy with all Dreamstarters & Mentors attendance required. Sacramento, CA.
May 15, 2025: First half of grant funding disbursed.
November 15, 2025: Program Update DUE. Second half of grant funding dispersed upon submission of update reporting.
June 30, 2026: Grant period ENDS and all grant monies must be spent. Grant Report DUE.
Please make sure to have the following items available when you’re filling out the application. The following attachments are required for application submission and review. To download templates for the attachments visit https://bit.ly/DSAPPattachments
PLEASE NOTE: The photo and video attachments you provide will be shared to Running Strong website and Social Media. Please provide large, good quality images. Headshots of Dreamstarter Applicants should have entire face visible, with a background that is not busy or distracting.
In video, please be sure to present yourself nicely, speak clearly, and film in 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical phone video). Prompt provided on application.
Native Youth, ages 18-30, can apply to receive $20,000.00 to pursue their dream of uplifting their communities and honoring the Seventh Generation!
In honor of the 10th Anniversary of the Dreamstarter program, we will honor the Seventh Generation and all the work they are doing to create positive change in their communities.
For many Native American tribes, the Seventh Generation is a promise of hope and healing for Indian Country to repair from centuries of injustices. It reminds us that we are connected not only to our ancestors but also future generations. There is a sacred duty to care for the earth and aid relatives, recognizing that every choice made today has a profound impact on future generations.
Elders predicted that it would take seven generations to heal. Today, the Seventh Generation are the young people that are making a difference in their communities.
For the 10th year of this program, we want to honor the Seventh Generation and all the work they are doing to create positive change in their communities across all program areas. This year’s projects will not be confined to one focus area, all ideas are welcome. Projects may focus on Environmental Stewardship, Health and Wellness, Entrepreneurship, Social Action, Education, Language Revitalization, Arts and Culture, and so much more.
How will you create positive, sustainable change in your community?
We invite you to apply for a Dreamstarter grant today!
8301 Richmond Highway
Ste. 200
Alexandria, VA 22309
Toll Free: 1-888-491-9859
(703) 317-9881 | Fax: (703) 659-6231
info@indianyouth.org