Earth & Climate
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Indigenous Earth Fund

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:

  1. Ecosystem and Cultural Conservation
    1. Protection of ecosystems and bio-cultural heritage
    2. Restoration of water sources and other critical natural resources
    3. Management of land, forest, freshwater, and marine environments through Indigenous frameworks
  2. Food Sovereignty and Subsistence Rights
    1. Revitalization of traditional practices: harvesting, hunting, foraging, fishing
    2. Defense of subsistence resources, such as salmon
    3. Reinforcement of Indigenous food systems and climate resilience strategies
  3. Just Transition  and Economic Development
    1. 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.

Granted to organizations and Tribes

$4.3M

Women-led organizations and Tribes supported

70%

Tribes engaged

200+

How To Apply

Please note there are different instructions for current grantee partners of the Indigenous Earth Fund grant in 2024 and new applicants. To avoid delay in processing your application, please follow the instructions applicable to your situation. 

All applications are required to be submitted via the JustFund platform. Applications sent outside of the JustFund platform will not be considered. You can read more about the JustFund platform and application here.

CURRENT GRANTEE PARTNERS 

(recipient of Indigenous Earth Fund grant in 2024)

Like last year, applications will be submitted via the JustFund platform.  The full RFP and instructions for Current Grantee Partners is here

NEW APPLICANTS

Applications will be submitted via the JustFund platform and you must be registered with JustFund to submit an application. The full RFP and application instructions for New Applicants is here.


INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
An applicant informational session and Q&A session will be held on August 7, 2025, at 2-3:30 PM EST, 11-12:30 PM PST.
Attendance is encouraged, but not required. Register here. A recording will be available following the conversation.

In addition to the FAQs below, a list of running questions and responses can be found here.

FAQ

  • When are applications due, and when will the awards be announced?

    2025 KEY DATES 

    Proposals are due by August 19, 2025, at 5 pm PST.

    Application Portal Opens: July 15th, 2025

    Informational Webinar: August 7, 2025

    Proposal Submission Deadline: August 19, 2025

    Funding Decisions Announced by:   End of October 2025

    Grant Dollars Disbursed by: End of November 2025

  • Will there be a webinar or meeting to learn more about the fund and hear from the DWP team?

    An applicant informational session and Q&A session will be held on August 7, 2025, at 2-3:30 PM EST, 11-12:30 PM PST.

    Attendance is encouraged, but not required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5Di3CNk6SQmL_aE9oetTOQ. A recording of the Informational Webinar will be available.

Storytelling & Culture

Free Leonard Peltier

DWP is proud to be a funder and supporter of the documentary, Free Leonard Peltier, which premiered at Sundance in January 2025. Films like this transform narratives by illuminating hidden histories, building empathy, and mobilizing movements for justice and repair.