Deadline: 03-Jul-2026
Native Voices Rising provides general operating support grants to strengthen Native-led organizations that advance community leadership, collective action, and progressive social change. The program supports grassroots Native organizations working to improve policies, systems, and conditions affecting Native communities across tribal, local, state, national, and international levels.
The initiative focuses on building long-term community power through organizing, advocacy, leadership development, and civic engagement. Selected organizations receive general operating support grants of approximately $30,000 to strengthen their capacity and sustain community-driven work.
What is Native Voices Rising?
Native Voices Rising is a funding initiative designed to support Native-led organizations that are rooted in community accountability and collective action.
The program supports:
- Native-led community organizing
- Leadership development initiatives
- Political education and civic engagement
- Advocacy for policy and systems change
- Community-led decision-making processes
- Corporate accountability campaigns
- Grassroots social justice work
The core goal is to strengthen Native communities through sustained, community-driven organizing and leadership development.
Purpose of the Program
The program aims to increase the capacity and impact of Native-led organizations working on long-term social and political change.
Core Objectives Include:
- Strengthening Native community leadership
- Supporting grassroots organizing and advocacy
- Expanding political education initiatives
- Increasing community participation in decision-making
- Advancing policy and systems change
- Building collective action capacity
- Supporting sustainable organizational operations
Key Areas of Focus
Community Organizing and Advocacy
The program supports organizations engaged in:
- Grassroots organizing campaigns
- Policy advocacy at multiple governance levels
- Collective action for systemic change
- Community-driven campaign development
Leadership Development
Funding supports programs that:
- Train and mentor Native community leaders
- Build leadership pipelines within Native communities
- Strengthen civic participation skills
- Support youth and emerging leaders
Political Education
Eligible activities include:
- Civic and political education programs
- Community awareness campaigns
- Education on rights and governance systems
- Capacity building for informed participation
Community Engagement and Participation
Organizations must actively:
- Engage community members in decision-making
- Incorporate community priorities into programming
- Facilitate collective action initiatives
- Maintain accountability to Native communities served
Corporate and Policy Accountability
The program supports campaigns that:
- Hold corporations accountable for harmful practices
- Advocate for policy reforms affecting Native communities
- Address systemic inequities
- Promote environmental and social justice
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
Selected organizations receive:
- Approximately $30,000 in general operating support
The funding is flexible and intended to support overall organizational sustainability and mission-driven work.
Eligible Use of Funds
Funds may be used for:
- Organizational operations
- Staff support and salaries
- Community organizing activities
- Leadership development programs
- Advocacy and campaign work
- Political education initiatives
- Community engagement efforts
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be Native-led organizations serving Native communities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be based in and serve Native communities or populations
- Be Native-led and accountable to those communities
- Demonstrate active community engagement in decision-making
- Operate leadership development or political education programs
- Mobilize community members for collective action
Legal and Tax Status Requirements
Organizations must have one of the following:
- IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Section 7871 designation
- Fiscal sponsorship from an eligible 501(c)(3) or 7871 organization
Organizational Expectations
Eligible organizations should demonstrate:
- Strong grassroots membership base
- Active community participation in governance
- Experience in organizing and advocacy
- Commitment to long-term systems change
- Accountability to Native communities served
What the Program Does NOT Fund
Native Voices Rising does not support:
- Organizations outside the United States and its territories
- Capital campaigns
- Construction or renovation projects
- Endowments
- Scholarships or individual aid
- Research projects or fellowships
- Land trusts or land acquisition
- Government-sponsored programs
- Films, books, or standalone documentation projects
- Emergency funding requests
- Grantmaking institutions
Why Native Voices Rising Matters
Strengthens Grassroots Native Leadership
The program builds long-term leadership capacity within Native communities.
Supports Community-Led Change
It prioritizes community-defined priorities and collective action.
Enhances Policy and Systems Advocacy
Organizations are supported in influencing policy at multiple levels.
Promotes Accountability and Justice
The program supports campaigns addressing corporate and institutional accountability.
Builds Sustainable Organizing Infrastructure
General operating support strengthens long-term organizational stability.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization:
- Is Native-led
- Serves Native communities
- Meets legal or fiscal sponsorship requirements
Step 2: Demonstrate Community Accountability
Show that your organization:
- Engages community members in decision-making
- Reflects community priorities
- Maintains grassroots leadership structures
Step 3: Prepare Organizational Information
Include details on:
- Leadership structure
- Community engagement methods
- Advocacy and organizing work
- Leadership development programs
Step 4: Show Impact Areas
Highlight work in:
- Policy change
- Community organizing
- Leadership development
- Political education
Step 5: Submit Application
Apply through the Native Voices Rising online grant portal.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate Native leadership and accountability
- Highlight strong community participation mechanisms
- Show measurable organizing or advocacy impact
- Provide evidence of leadership development work
- Emphasize long-term systems change goals
- Demonstrate strong grassroots membership base
- Align activities with community-identified priorities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without Native community accountability
- Weak evidence of community organizing activity
- Submitting ineligible project types (e.g., research or capital projects)
- Lack of leadership development programming
- Insufficient demonstration of collective action work
- Missing tax-exempt or fiscal sponsorship documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Native Voices Rising?
It is a grant program providing general operating support to Native-led organizations focused on community organizing and social change.
How much funding is available?
Selected organizations typically receive approximately $30,000.
Who can apply?
Native-led organizations based in and serving Native communities in the United States and its territories.
What kind of work is supported?
The program supports organizing, advocacy, leadership development, and political education.
Can individuals apply?
No, only eligible Native-led organizations may apply.
Are research projects funded?
No, research, fellowships, and documentation-only projects are not eligible.
Can organizations outside the US apply?
No, eligibility is limited to the United States and its territories.
Final Thoughts
Native Voices Rising provides essential general operating support to Native-led organizations working at the forefront of community organizing and advocacy.
By investing in grassroots leadership, political education, and collective action, the program strengthens long-term capacity for Native communities to drive meaningful and sustainable social change.
For more information, visit Native Voices Rising.