Former Tribal Leader Jeremy Zahn Ushers In the Future of Grant Writing for Native American Tribes

Top grant consultant Jeremy Zahn is leading the way to help Native American tribes secure grants to address their most pressing needs.

United States - September 29, 2023 —

Grant writers are experts skilled in researching and crafting grant proposals. These proposals help secure funding to support organizations and projects focused on addressing a wide range of social disparities and challenges. With 576 federally recognized tribes in the United States, Jeremy Zahn, a former elected leader of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, is combining this skill with Indigenous culture to help many underserved Native American communities overcome decades of poverty and intergenerational trauma.

In a recent interview, Zahn, who is one of only 43 estimated Native American grant writers in the country, said many tribes are not aware of the various funding opportunities available for them and how to leverage their own unique ancestral stories to get there.  

"Everything I do incorporates Indigenous culture as a solution. We constantly look for different ways to tie it into every project. This is what really sets our work apart. Many tribes are also seeking funding for technology today. When you’re developing a multi-million-dollar project, for example, such as a tribal health clinic or language preservation program, you’re likely going to need something to house that data. Many may not realize that could be one way to strategically obtain funding for technology. It essentially becomes part of the mission to address an unmet social issue," said Zahn.

All-in-one

Zahn does everything – from tribal grant writing to Indigenous research, evaluation, and technical assistance for communities in need. He also assists tribes with developing new laws to effectively govern themselves as sovereign nations. 

Zahn, who built the first Native American education program for K-12 students in Texas, has addressed several grant challenges, which include where to start, how to connect to a grant writer, and not having the bandwidth to designate such tasks. 

"When bandwidth is not there, that's when you become strategic and creative. Sometimes, that means partnering up with other tribes and organizations that do have that bandwidth," shares Zahn. 

Matrix of opportunities

Zahn has raised over $65 million in grants and federal funding and is a "40 Under 40" award winner, making him one of the sought-after and most accomplished young leaders spearheading efforts that aim to improve Native American communities throughout the country. 

“I’m not in this business to make money. My driving force is to help our people build that capacity to do this on their own. And there are creative ways to do that,” shares Zahn.

According to Zahn, the strategy is not about “applying to whatever’s out there and hoping you get lucky.” The former council member adds, “I come back with a funding strategy or matrix of potential opportunities that align with each tribe itself. We look at everything possible, including existing cultural practices, data sets, and unmet social needs. It really helps the tribe strategically overcome challenges and secure these opportunities." 

Zahn, who hails from the Tunica-Biloxi Indian reservation near Marksville, Louisiana, has already developed three clinics, an urban Indian center, and served over 40 tribes and Native-serving non-profit clients. 

Those who want to know the "secret sauce" for Native American grant writing and secure a jumpstart on leveraging grants may contact Jeremy Zahn right away or visit www.jeremyzahn.com to get started. 

Contact Info:
Name: Jeremy Zahn
Email: Send Email
Organization: Jeremy Zahn
Website: http://www.jeremyzahn.com/

Release ID: 89108648

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