PROGRAMS > Community Spirit Award
Named after FPF's founder, the annual Community Spirit Awards program offers grants of $50,000 to four to six Native artists who have worked selflessly throughout their lives to share their cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts with their communities. The award is designed to support these essential bearers of cultural practice to carry forward their wisdom and help Native communities heal and thrive.
The award is given out by nomination only to practicing Native artists of any medium, including music, dance, clothing design, basket weaving, beading, storytelling and much more, in both traditional and contemporary forms.
Identify an artist who you feel exemplifies the spirit of this award — and contact the artist to confirm their interest in the award.
Using the nomination form, linked above when the nomination window is open, briefly write the contributions the artist has made to his or her community. The nominator is encouraged to work collaboratively with their nominee to complete all nomination and application materials. Before nominating a culture bearer, we strongly encourage the nominator to contact the nominee in advance to fully discuss the guidelines and process of the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards.
After nominations close, application forms are sent to both the artist/nominee and nominator if the nomination has been selected to move forward in the application process. Subscribe to our mailing list to learn more.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone can nominate a Native artist for the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. Nominators tend to be students, mentees, colleagues, and tribal elders who have recognized these exceptional artists for knowing themselves, honoring others, and sustaining spirit in their own communities.
Can the nominator help the CSA applicant?
The nominator is encouraged to work collaboratively with their nominee to complete all application materials.
Can I nominate mysel for a CSA?
No, self-nominations are not accepted for the Community Spirit Award.
Fox Spears, Program Manager of Fellowships, fox@firstpeoplesfund.org
First Peoples Fund’s family of artists includes hundreds of Native artists and culture bearers from across the country who work in a variety of creative mediums. Explore the current and past Native artists and culture bearers who have received FPF fellowships and awards.
Discover the inspiring journey of over 100 honorees who have received The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award. This prestigious award, named after FPF’s founder, recognizes Native artists who have dedicated their lives to selflessly sharing cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts within their communities. With grants of $25,000 each, these remarkable individuals have nurtured traditions, fostered healing, and contributed to the thriving resilience of Native communities.
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