Indigenous Papermakers Grant 2026
As part of our commitment to papermakers, artists, researchers, and practitioners the North American Hand Papermakers (NAHP) Organization invites and encourages people Indigenous to the Americas or North America to apply for our Annual Indigenous Papermakers Grant.
NAHP is accepting project proposals from First Nations people in Canada, Native Americans in the United States, and the Indigenous Peoples of Mexico at any stage of their career or practice. The Indigenous Papermakers Grant awards $1,000 to fund projects such as: making a new body of artwork consisting primarily of handmade paper, conducting handmade paper-related research, tool & material development, organizing community papermaking outreach events or activations.
Artworks, research, events, activations or projects should be completed within one year from the grant funds disbursement date. Recipients will be asked to share the results with NAHP via presentation at our annual conference or virtually. Presentation details and additional honorarium payment will be finalized upon acceptance of the grant. The 2026 winner will be announced on August 1, 2026.
Submission Considerations
Included Project Concept
The application clearly defines the scope of the project; what actions will be taken, as well as where and when the project will take place.
What will the work look, sound or feel like?
What process, methodologies, materials and research will you use?
What is the work’s scale, duration, tone or style?
Project Feasibility
Applicant demonstrates experience and capacity to execute the project
Project is achievable within the designated time frame
Budget is clearly outlined
Submission Considerations
Intentional Impact
This project demonstrates clear impact in one or more of the following areas: academic/artistic research, community access and engagement, personal research, personal access/engagement.
Who is the intended audience and/or how will audiences experience the work?
What kinds of discourse will the project spark and for who?
What do you want your target audience to leave with?
How does your work fit into a larger discourse? What work are you placing your work in conversation with? Are you drawing from cultural heritage or research outside of the arts?
Alignment with Organization Mission and Grant Purpose
This project aligns with North American Hand Papermakers mission to “to encourage sharing of practical, historical, and artistic knowledge about the craft of papermaking”
This project aligns with the North American Hand Papermakers effort to increase the opportunities within the field of papermaking specifically for First Nations people in Canada, Native Americans in the United States, and the Indigenous Peoples of Mexico at any stage of their career or practice.