Community Self-Determination Grant Program

Deadline: 17-Jul-24
Submissions are now open for the Community Self-Determination Grant Program to support, strengthen and invest in the long-term visions, sustainability, and building of collective power of Indigenous Tribal Nations, Pueblos, tribal communities, grassroots movements and Indigenous-led organizations.

While they consider national efforts, they intentionally prioritize grassroots, community-based efforts and solutions. Climate and Indigenous justice are at the heart of the intent behind the Community Self-Determination Grant.

This grant opportunity will provide Tribal Nations, communities and organizations as an investment in Indigenous power and a means to foster equity and inclusion, and to reframe decision-making with those most impacted.

The best days of the people are ahead of them. To truly advance this as Indigenous people, they have to imagine the future of the people and take action towards this vision.

Focus Areas

• Applicants are encouraged to describe your community self-determination efforts within one of the following strategic focus areas that is best suited for your intentions and goals.  They understand some efforts may encompass all three focus areas and encourage applicants to select the area that best suits your work. Priority is given to organizations engaged in climate justice work, such as clean energy initiatives and access to clean water, soil, and air for all. Up to 50% of total grants awarded may reflect this priority.
  • Defend
    • Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations defend and protect the land, air, water and natural resources.
    • Efforts may include but are not limited to:
      • Protecting sovereignty, Landback efforts, Water, and Natural Resources;
      • Such as:
        • Grassroots, frontline organizing and community mobilization to defend and protect clean water, air and land from extractive industries and exploitation;
        • Indigenous-led environmental movements and efforts to stop the extraction of the earth’s natural resources on and near tribal territories.
        • Deepening the results and/or progress of direct-action efforts of the climate and environmental justice movement.
  • Develop
    • Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations are developed in a resilient, regenerative and sustainable manner based on the values and connection to land, culture and identity.
    • Efforts may include but are not limited to:
      • Community and economic development/resilience based on sustainable, regenerative principles, climate change solutions and mitigation Such as:
        • Sustainable food systems, food sovereignty/security initiatives; sustainable community agriculture, gardens, food harvesting and processing, community hunting and fishing, sustainable herd management, shared community food pantries and food distribution;
        • Community water initiatives; protecting or developing clean water sources; community pumps or wells, water purification and sanitation, ecological wastewater treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands, greywater systems, and composting toilet implementation, and bioremediation of contaminated soils and water;
        • Community planning and implementation of sustainable, regenerative, and innovative solutions for community preparedness and resiliency;
        • Renewable energy sources, i.e.; wind, solar, geo-thermal
        • Energy transition that is environmentally, socially and economically just; that reduces carbon emissions and footprints;
        • Financial planning and transition to new or alternative revenue streams based on regenerative principles of economic and community development;
        • Resilient and regenerative infrastructure improvements or development, including housing, broadband or increased internet speed and capacity; improved or upgraded software systems and technological training to support virtual and tele-abilities to learn, access health, conduct business, up-to-date communications access;
        • Capital investments for economic mobility to diversify economies, long-term regenerative business development in various sectors, including decreasing risk of a larger investment; and investments in building the capacity of people through education, training, and consulting to be well-equipped leaders in creating just, and resilient economies and infrastructure.
  • Decolonize
    • Indigenous ceremonies, cultures, languages and ways of life are revitalized, recognized and celebrated.
    • Efforts may include, but are not limited to:
      • Reclamation, transmission and continuity of language, culture, ceremonial practices, traditional governance and decision-making structures, and lifeways. Such as:
        • Governance and leadership development and transformation grounded in Indigenous values and practices, including reintegration of traditional governance structures, or decentralized, consensus-based decision-making practices;
        • Indigenous health and safety; providing and reclamation of Indigenous health, wellness, community care, healing and medicinal practices, including social, emotional, and cultural support;
        • Language revitalization – Community immersion programs; teacher preparation and language apprentice programs; family language nests;
        • Decolonized education models;
        • Youth, family and community initiatives to restore, renew and support Indigenous language, cultural practices, creativity and lifeways;
        • Community harmony, safety and protection efforts, including addressing physical and sexual violence; Indigenous peace-making and conflict resolution initiatives, community restorative justice practices, protocols and teachings.

Funding Information

• Grants of $125,000 USD per year, with commitments up to two years, are available, with a maximum grant award of $250,000 over two years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Values and mission connection: NDN Collective provides grants to Indigenous-led organizations, Nations, Tribes, and groups, whose work, goals and intentions are consistent with the NDN mission, values, core principles and strategies.  NDN grantmaking is intended to honor and advance the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples.
• Geographic focus: Turtle Island also known as the post-colonial regions of North America:  The United States and related Island Nations of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and Mexico.
• Organizations:
  • Grantmaking may be provided to the following recipients:
    • Indigenous-led non-profit organizations within the U.S. Indigenous-led is defined as 100% Indigenous Board of Directors/Decision-makers, and 70% Indigenous staff.
    • U.S.-based tribal non-profit entities or tribal programs, Alaska Native Villages, or their non-profit entities.
    • First Nations or Aboriginal communities, groups, and organizations based in Canada.
    • Indigenous communities, groups, and organizations based in Mexico.
    • Indigenous owned businesses in the US and related Island Nations, Canada or Mexico

For more information, visit NDNCollective.