CHANGEMAKER FELLOWSHIP
A resource for the vision and development of individual Indigenous leaders.
The Changemaker Fellowship invests in the professional and personal development of individual movement-building Indigenous organizers who work to Defend, Develop, and Decolonize in their communities.
Total Funds invested in Indigenous LeadersHIP Development
$9 million
Total # of Changemakers Supported
104 Indigenous Community Leaders Supported since 2019
GRANT CYCLE
NDN is no longer accepting applications for the Changemaker Fellowship program
About THE CHANGEMAKER FELLOWSHIP
Since 2019, NDNās Changemaker Fellowship has provided direct support to 104 individual Indigenous Changemakers from across Turtle Island who are advancing powerful visions for their communities through organizing, advocacy, cultural revitalization, climate justice, education, food sovereignty, and more. The Fellowship was designed to support each fellowās personal and professional development by investing in education, skill-building, mentorship opportunities, and relationship-building. Through the program, fellows have strengthened their leadership, expanded their networks, and deepened connections with other Indigenous leaders working to create positive change in their communities.As of 2025, NDN Collective has decided to sunset the Fellowship program and will no longer be accepting applications for future cycles.
WHO THE FELLOWSHIP WAS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT
The NDN Changemaker Fellowship was designed specifically to support individuals aged 18 and over who are:Ā
Indigenous to and based in North America (Canada, Mexico, United States), and related Island Nations of Hawaiāi, BorikĆ©n/Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"Through this fellowship, NDN Collective has been honored to support Indigenous Changemakers from across Turtle Island by investing in their personal wellbeing, professional development, livelihoods, and long-term visions for creating positive change in their communities. We know the contributions of these fellows will continue to strengthen Indigenous communities for generations to come."
FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Changemaker Plan: Awarded fellows will turn their Full Applications into a Changemaker Plan with specifics on how fellows will fulfill the goals stated in their application.
Budget: Awarded fellows will be required to create a two year budget for the grant funds.
Attendance: four mandatory convenings over the fellowship years, the virtual Welcome & Orientation Convening, the Indigenous Leadership Training, a virtual convening at the mid-term of the fellowship, and a Final Showcase.
Reporting: A reporting guide will be provided to each fellow at the beginning of their fellowship. NDN Changemaker Fellows will be required to submit the following throughout the fellowship:
- short monthly reflections through the āChangemaker Journalā online
- A Mid-Term Report at the mid-term of the Fellowship
- A Final Report at the end of the Fellowship
