A boat parade with people holding decorated paddles, some wearing hats and sunglasses, on a body of water with other individuals and boats in the background.

Seasonal Grants

Upholding traditions of generosity and investing in Native communities via support for seasonal activities.

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A young girl crouching in a field of wildflowers, holding a flower in her hand, smiling at the camera, with several people in colorful clothing in the background under a cloudy sky.

Powered by the generous support of our community, relatives, and partners, seasonal grant opportunities prioritize support for Native seasonal activities with low-barrier grants of $2,500.

Potlatch Makes Possible

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must serve and reside in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska

  • Native-serving (at least 51% Native community)

  • Native-controlled: Majority of staff and board are Native, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian

  • Identify as one of the following:

    • Federal- or state-recognized Indian tribe or tribal government/department

    • Native-controlled 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or a fiscally sponsored Native organization, activity, or program

    • Native artist who is recognized or seeking recognition at the federal or state level, or a descendant of a Tribe, Band, or Nation. (Definition of Native Individual: Can successfully illustrate indigeneity by weaving direct connection, experiences, and histories to people they identify with and/or anyone who holds tribal affiliation/identifies with Native nations in North America or identifies as Native Hawaiian.)  

Eligible Seasonal Activities

Potlatch Fund’s grants are intended to support activities that align with seasonal traditions, events, and celebrations.

  • Themes: Food sovereignty, regalia making, ceremony or ceremony preparation, material gathering, medicine gathering, Native art, community events and celebrations. 

    Example activities:

    • Gathering traditional or first foods

    • First foods ceremonies

    • Clothing making

    • Native arts

  • Themes: Land sovereignty, Native active military and veterans, Native art, community events and celebrations, youth, ceremony, or ceremony preparation.

    Example activities:

    • Veteran or active service member recognition

    • Powwows

    • Canoe races

    • Potlatches

  • Themes: Food sovereignty, language Native art, community events and celebrations, transmission of cultural teachings, learnings, and wisdom.

    Example activities:

    • Food preservation

    • Hosting workshops

  • Themes: Language, rest, Native art, community events and celebrations, transmission of cultural teachings, learnings, and wisdom.

    Example activities:

    • Storytelling gatherings

    • Art creation

    • Language education

    • Workshops

Ineligible Activities

In order to preserve the integrity and foundational values of the seasonal grant program, some activities are not eligible for funding through Potlatch Fund.

If you’re unsure whether your proposed activity qualifies for funding under these guidelines, please contact us for clarification.

  • Academic institutions, school districts, religious organizations, governmental agencies, or any other organization that may serve Native and Tribal communities but do not meet the criteria of being a Native-led organization

  • Publications, reports, personal travel, loans, scholarships, litigation or attorney fees

  • Organizations located outside the Potlatch Fund service area (WA, OR, ID, MT, AK)  

  • Campaigns to elect public officials or partisan political projects

  • Individual scholarship funds or other aid to individuals, including research funding or fellowships 

  • Pass-through grants that move to other agencies, groups, etc.

  • Projects inconsistent with Potlatch Fund’s values.  

Three Native American women and a girl sitting in tall grass and wildflowers, engaged in a craft activity, wearing colorful traditional clothing and accessories.

Grant Stories

The impact of Potlatch Fund is best described through the stories of the artists, craftspeople, medicine gatherers, organizers, and educators who bring the generosity of our community to life.

Read Stories