Investing in Indigenous solutions for climate resiliency and land conservation
THE OPPORTUNITY
This year, the Indigenous Earth Fund will invest an additional $1 million in Indigenous-led organizations and Tribes working to build political power, movements, and lead campaigns to drive Indigenous solutions around climate change and conservation issues in the United States.
FUND PRIORITIES
We will prioritize programs that advance advocacy in the following domains:
- Ecosystem and Cultural Conservation
- Protection of ecosystems and bio-cultural heritage
- Restoration of water sources and other critical natural resources
- Management of land, forest, freshwater, and marine environments through Indigenous frameworks
- Food Sovereignty and Subsistence Rights
- Revitalization of traditional practices: harvesting, hunting, foraging, fishing
- Defense of subsistence resources, such as salmon
- Reinforcement of Indigenous food systems and climate resilience strategies
- Just Transition and Economic Development
- Advocacy and planning to prepare Tribes to transition to renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, hydro)
We also welcome proposals that build the strategic capacities of Native-led movements focused on climate, including:
- Narrative and communications strategies
- Policy advocacy and lobbying
- Legal support and rights defense
ELIGIBILITY
- Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and Federally Recognized Native American Tribes are eligible. Non-Federally Recognized Tribes are also eligible to apply under a 501(c)(3) organization. Fiscally-sponsored projects under a 501(c)(3) entity are eligible.
- Private non-operating foundations and individuals are not eligible.
- Applicants must be U.S.-based organizations and Tribes with work focusing on the U.S. and its territories.
- We value representative leadership and encourage organizations with Indigenous leadership to apply, including Native American Tribes and Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native-led organizations.
- Coalitions and organizations working on advocacy campaigns to center Indigenous solutions in climate and conservation efforts.
- Priority will be given to our current grantee partners deeply engaged in climate and conservation campaigns, policy, and advocacy work whose work is aligned with the priorities in this RFP.