Cedar Spirit Foundation
An Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) public charity establishing endowments and scholarships that support education across Indigenous communities.
Who we are
Cedar Spirit Foundation is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 33-2005800). We empower Indigenous scholars by supporting access to educational pathways through scholarships, fellowships, and direct funding for scholars, faculty, and staff — while fostering institutional change to better serve Indigenous scholars. As a younger 501(c)(3), Cedar Spirit Foundation partnered with Chuckanut Health Foundation as our fiscal sponsor — for mentorship and compliance management at an extremely fair price.
The why
19%
of Native American students earn a bachelor’s degree or higher
vs.
41%
of the general U.S. population
Cedar Spirit Foundation exists to close that gap — one scholar, one fellowship, one program at a time.
What we do
Our funding priorities honor Ancestral Wisdom, advance community-centered research, preserve Indigenous languages, and revitalize cultural practices.
Scholarships & Fellowships
Direct financial support for Indigenous scholars pursuing higher education, including the Lynda Zambrano Legacy Scholarship and the Pacific Northwest Endowment Fund.
Cultural & Language Programs
Support for programs that preserve Indigenous languages, traditional practices, and Ancestral Wisdom — the knowledge that has sustained our communities for generations.
Community Research
Funding for community-centered research that benefits Indigenous communities, supporting Indigenous faculty and staff at the institutions where they teach and serve.
“We honor our responsibility to past and future generations by making decisions that consider their long-term impact on Indigenous communities.”
Seven Generations Perspective
Our impact
Public proof of work. We share the grants we have received and the scholars they support.
Approved 2025
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
Indigenous Scholar Support Initiative — funding that follows Indigenous scholars wherever they pursue their education, with a focus on emergency management, environmental science, and research disciplines.
Approved 2025
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Seed funding for the Pacific Northwest Indigenous Student Endowment Fund — projected to serve 25 students annually with sustainable scholarship support honoring Tribally enrolled students.
Get involved
There are many ways to support Indigenous scholars and Cedar Spirit Foundation’s mission.
Donate
Your gift funds scholarships, fellowships, and direct support for Indigenous scholars.
Apply
Indigenous students, faculty, and community organizations: apply for support.
Partner
Tribes, institutions, and community organizations: tell us what your community needs.
Stay connected
Sign up to be the first to know about scholarship openings, fundraising events, and the scholars your support makes possible.
[Newsletter signup form — MailerLite embed coming soon]