Every year on August 9, the world comes together to observe the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a moment to recognize the rich cultures, enduring knowledge systems, and unwavering resilience of over 476 million Indigenous people across the globe.
Established by the United Nations in 1994, this day commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations and continues to shine a light on the rights, voices, and aspirations of Indigenous communities.
Indigenous peoples play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, combating climate change, and sustaining cultural heritage. Yet, they often remain marginalized—facing threats to their land, identity, and livelihoods.
On this day, it is vital not just to celebrate their contributions, but to support concrete actions that empower Indigenous communities and safeguard their rights.
Below, we highlight active grant opportunities and key donors who are working year-round to support Indigenous-led development, advocacy, and environmental stewardship.
🌱 Current Grants Supporting Indigenous Communities
Connecting Indigenous Research Leadership Program 2025 (Deadline: 23 September 2025) The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has launched a call for proposals aimed at connecting Indigenous research and leadership in Canada with Indigenous communities in the Global South. This initiative complements the SSHRC-led Indigenous Capacity and Leadership. 👉 Learn more
Keepers of the Earth Fund 2025 (Deadline: August 22, 2025) Cultural Survival has opened its 2025 Call for Project Concepts under the Keepers of the Earth Fund, specifically targeting Indigenous communities in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The fund supports grassroots initiatives that promote sustainability, self-sufficiency, and Indigenous rights. 👉 Learn more
“Dwabo” Small Grants Programme (Ghana – 5th Edition) (Deadline: 01-Sep-2025) The Embassy of France has launched the 5th edition of its “Dwabo” Small Grants Programme, focusing on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of women. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health. 👉 Learn more
Creative Shorts Fellowship (USA) (Deadline: January 1, 2026) Vision Maker Media is offering mentorship and production support to emerging Native filmmakers to create short films that reflect Indigenous stories and realities. 👉 Learn more
Grants to support CSOs in enhancing the Protection from Discrimination against Vulnerable Groups in Albania (Deadline: 18 August 2025): The European Union and Council of Europe have launched a call for proposals under the joint action “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania.” The initiative aims to support national and local projects that promote and protect the rights of national minorities and people with disabilities across the country. 👉 Learn more
C-CAF Climate Quick Impact Grants for Saint Kitts and Nevis (Deadline: 20 August 2025): The Communities Climate Adaptation Facility (C-CAF) is now accepting applications to support local communities in addressing urgent climate-related challenges. This global initiative is led by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) under the UNOPS-hosted secretariat. 👉 Learn more.
Ireland Against Racism Fund 2025 (Deadline: 27-Aug-2025): The Ireland Against Racism Fund (IARF) provides funding for national, regional, and local projects that aim to combat racism and promote racial equality and community cohesion. The fund supports the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism and its related. 👉 Learn more.
Small Grant Accessibility Program in Canada (Deadline: 15 August 2025): Applications are now open for the Small Grant Accessibility Program, which aims to support grassroots and innovative cultural initiatives in Saskatchewan. The program is designed to respond to emergent needs or changes in the cultural sector and create access for first-time users. 👉 Learn more.
Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant Program in the United States (Deadline: 15 August 2025): The Tribal Energy Alternatives is inviting applications for its Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant Program. This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and create solar-related job opportunities within tribal communities across the United States. 👉 Learn more.
Equinox Program for Indigenous Artists – Canada (Deadline: 15 September 2025): The Equinox program offers flexible, short-term support to Indigenous artists, curators, collectives, and groups. It is designed to foster artistic creation and professional development while strengthening the arts ecosystem in Indigenous communities. 👉 Learn more.
Trust Waikato Community Response Grant Program – New Zealand (Deadline: 12 September 2025): The Trust Waikato is inviting applications for its Community Response Grant Program, aimed at creating transformational change for people, families, communities, and places with the greatest needs. The program supports initiatives that enhance community vibrancy. 👉 Learn more.
Northwestern Alberta Foundation Grant Program in Canada (Deadline: 25-Sep-2025) The Northwestern Alberta Foundation is inviting grant applications to foster a healthy and vibrant community that values diversity and supports all its members. The foundation is focused on creating a fair, transparent, and impactful grant process that aligns with its mission. 👉 Learn more.
Inclusive Arts Fund in Ireland (Deadline: 14 August 2025) Applications are now open for the Inclusive Arts Fund, created by Rethink Ireland with support from Tomar Trust, the Drouillard Family Fund through The Community Foundation of Ireland, and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts. 👉 Learn more
Call for Proposals: Innovation and Implementation Programs in Canada (Deadline: 3 October 2025) Are you working on a bold, evidence-based project to improve the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) and their families? The Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is offering a funding opportunity in 2025 for projects ready to scale. 👉 Learn more.
🌍 Top Donors Championing Indigenous Rights
1. Cultural Survival
An Indigenous-led organization offering funding through the Keepers of the Earth Fund and the Indigenous Community Media Fund, supporting self-determined development and media freedom.
2. Rainforest Foundation Fund
Backs Indigenous rainforest communities in securing land rights and environmental protection through legal, technical, and financial support.
3. Global Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Funds grassroots organizations focused on cultural preservation, land defense, and Indigenous leadership.
4. Ford Foundation
A major philanthropic force supporting Indigenous governance, legal empowerment, and advocacy across the Global South.
5. Open Society Foundations
Provides grants that address systemic injustice and promotes the political and economic inclusion of Indigenous peoples.
6. UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Offers grants through programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advancing Indigenous resilience and inclusion.
7. IFAD’s Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF)
Supports Indigenous organizations implementing sustainable rural development projects with a strong cultural component.
8. Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Finances biodiversity and climate projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.
9. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Partners with Indigenous communities to advance conservation through co-managed ecosystems and rights-based approaches.
10. International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP)
A donor network advancing Indigenous philanthropy, promoting equity, and facilitating direct funding channels to Indigenous-led organizations.
🌟 Why It Matters
On World Indigenous Peoples Day, let us move beyond recognition and toward action. These grants and donor programs provide Indigenous communities with the tools and resources they need to thrive—on their own terms, rooted in culture, and with full sovereignty over their future.
Whether you’re an Indigenous organization, an ally, or a development professional, now is the time to amplify Indigenous voices, advocate for inclusive funding, and help create a world where Indigenous knowledge and leadership are at the forefront of global progress.
