Brookings Report Highlights Funding Gap in Indian Country Amid Federal Cuts — American Indian College Fund

Event summary

A Brookings report, published August 11, 2026, reveals a critical funding gap in Indian Country due to federal cuts and insufficient philanthropic support.
Federal funding reductions under the OBBBA Act (2025) and agency closures have slashed investments in clean energy, food assistance, and healthcare.
Less than 1% of U.S. philanthropic investments serve Indian Country, with only 51 cents per $100 going directly to Native-focused organizations.
The report recommends mandatory federal funding, better data accessibility, and reformed philanthropic approaches to address the gap.

The big picture

The report underscores the systemic underinvestment in Indian Country, highlighting how federal cuts violate trust obligations while also harming broader economic outcomes. With every dollar invested in Tribal Colleges returning $1.60 in public sector savings, the funding gap represents a missed opportunity for both Native and non-Native communities. The recommendations aim to create more stable, predictable investments through mandatory funding and improved data accessibility.

What we're watching

Policy Shifts: How federal policy changes will affect long-term funding stability for Tribal communities.
Philanthropic Engagement: Whether philanthropic organizations can sustain increased, targeted investments in Native-led initiatives.
Data Transparency: The pace at which federal agencies standardize and improve data reporting on Native-focused funding.