Deadline: 01-Oct-2025
The IEN/WMAN Mining Mini-Grants Program offers $4,000 USD financial grant assistance to non-profit
grassroots communities threatened or adversely affected by mining in the U.S. and Canada.
The program encourages projects that work to safeguard the environment, cultural resources, and public health from the consequences of mining. By providing timely and accessible support, the program strengthens the ability of communities to respond to these challenges.
Priority is given to Tribal, First Nations, and Indigenous communities as well as grassroots non-profit organizations directly affected by mining. At least half of the funding under this program is dedicated to Indigenous-led organizations, reflecting the disproportionate impacts mining has on Indigenous Peoples and their traditional lands. In addition, regional and national organizations in the United States and Canada working on mining-specific issues may also be supported. The program emphasizes helping smaller groups by prioritizing applicants with organizational or mining-related program budgets under seventy-five thousand U.S. dollars.
The program has specific exclusions to ensure its focus remains on mining issues. It does not fund work related to oil, gas, pipelines, fracking, tar sands, aggregates, gravel, sand, or cement. Organizations outside the U.S. and Canada are not eligible, nor are proposals that seek funding for general operating expenses like rent or utilities. Staff salaries cannot exceed ten percent of the total grant amount, ensuring that funds are directed toward project-based activities.
Applicants are expected to propose projects that directly address hard rock, mineral, or metals mining issues. These can include activities related to gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc, nickel, tin, lead, uranium, placer, and coal mining, as well as problems stemming from legacy or abandoned mines. Proposals should clearly describe the mining issue affecting the community or environment and explain how the funds will be used to address it.
Eligible requests include project-specific needs such as technical, scientific, or legal assistance, education and outreach, organizing, media and material development, reporting, travel, mailings, or engaging interns and consultants. Projects must be achievable within twelve months and linked to a specific mining campaign. While general operating support is not covered, up to ten percent of the funding can be used for staff salaries within the applicant organization, and contractors engaged to carry out defined tasks face no such restriction.
Applications are open to both registered and unregistered organizations, though individuals cannot apply directly. Groups without a tax ID or bank account in their name must secure fiscal sponsorship from an established organization that can legally receive funds. Grants are issued by check and made payable only to organizations, not individuals. Each applicant is eligible to receive one grant during a twelve-month cycle.
Through this program, IEN-WMAN ensures that critical resources reach those who need them most—communities on the frontlines of mining impacts. By focusing on project-specific outcomes and uplifting smaller, community-led groups, the initiative fosters resilience, advocacy, and long-term protection of cultural and environmental heritage.
For more information, visit WMAN.