Running Strong for American Indian Youth supports Native artists as culture protectors, tradition keepers, and valuable contributors to the contemporary American art world. We are proud to release Dreamstarter® Creative as a program to encourage Native artists who describe and celebrate Indigenous culture in their work in whatever form it may take.
How It Works
Running Strong is donating up to $25,000 in grants each year to Native artisans who celebrate their Indigenous identity in their artwork. We will select up to 10 Native artists, graphic designers, beadworkers, seamstresses, painters, photographers, illustrators, and more, to receive up to $2,500 each to sponsor their work.
Grant funds may be used for:
Supplies, materials, and equipment
Workshops and seminars
Stipends for culture bearers
Professional development
Weight will be given to unique, self-driven projects over travel to or attendance of projects sponsored by other organizations. Grant may be disbursed to either individual applicant or to partnering nonprofit organization.
How To Apply
Interested applicants can fill out the Running Strong Dreamstarter Creative Grant form. Please note you cannot save a draft of this application, so print or read the application fully before beginning so you are prepared to submit your form at once.
To complete your application, you will also need to submit a grant budget, 3-5 photo samples of your work, a personal headshot you are willing to share on social media, a W-9 signed by you or your signing organization, and your tribal enrollment document/identification. At this time, we can only accept applicants who are 18 years of age or older and who are members of state or federally recognized tribes.
Important Dates
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Online Applications OPEN July 1, 2021
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Online Applications DUE September 1, 2021
Online applications using the provided form are due by 11:59PM EST. You must hit "submit" and ensure that there are no errors before the deadline in order for your application to be considered.
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Successful Applicants Notified October 5, 2021
Successful applicants will be notified.
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Grant Disbursement October 15, 2021
Either individual application or partnering organization receives grant money.
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Grant Period ENDS June 30, 2022
All grant monies must be spent by this point.
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Grant Report DUE August 15, 2022
All project expense receipts and grant reporting are due.
Other Information
Running Strong for American Indian Youth is committed to helping Native populations thrive through long-term investment in communities and people. All applicants will have the support and guidance of our staff to help your grant year be successful; offering mentorship on your artwork, budget, timeline, resources, and any other help you may need.
We welcome you to contact us with any questions or concerns about your potential project at Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org.
a project of Christian Relief Services, Inc.
