Native American communities have sustainably managed their lands for thousands of years, cultivating, adapting, and transferring traditional ecological knowledge over many generations. This expansive reservoir of knowledge and deep connection to land keep Native communities strong and encourage the land to be productive. Such relationships benefit the natural world that we depend on, and acknowledge the importance of being in harmony with and having true connection with places. First Nations recognizes Native communities’ ability to steward their land to ensure their sustainable, economic, spiritual and cultural well-being. In response, First Nations created its Stewarding Native Lands program to provide financial and technical assistance to support Native ecological stewardship and improve Native control of and access to ancestral lands and resources.
Grant Overview
As the world confronts climate change and its disastrous effects, many institutions now look to Indigenous knowledge and practices to mitigate and adapt to these changes. Despite this, Native communities remain some of the most vulnerable to extreme weather events due to the lack of access to resources and infrastructure.
This grant aims to support 10 Native-led organizations to host conversations on climate resiliency and the Justice40 initiative Native communities. Conversations can take place in the form of convenings, conferences, meetings, round tables, etc.
First Nations is now accepting applications under our Stewarding Native Lands program for Native-led organization proposals related to planning and hosting state- or regional-focused climate resiliency conversations. First Nations expects to award 10 grants averaging $50,000 each to eligible tribes or organizations. Organizations that have not been formalized as a nonprofit are encouraged to apply through a fiscal sponsor.
The Regional Dialogues on Climate Resiliency Grant is separate from the Climate Resiliency in Indian Country Grant. Tribes and Organizations can, and are encouraged to, apply for one or both opportunities if they have interest and capacity. Review processes for each grant opportunity are distinct.
Grant support is made possible through funding from the Bezos Earth Fund.
Grant Period
The grant period for this funding opportunity is July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.
Grant Award Ceilings
Total requests for project budgets within this funding opportunity should not exceed $50,000.
Grant Submission Deadlines
The proposal-selection process is a one stage competitive process. All applicants must complete the First Nations online grant application, including submission of necessary attachments.
Full proposals will be due June 7, 2022, at 5pm MT
First Nations recognizes that some of our most rural and remote applicants may have limited access to high-speed internet. Any exceptions to use of the online system must be requested at least two weeks in advance of the application deadline by submitting an email request to grantmaking@firstnations.org. Please include your name, organization, contact information and the name of the funding opportunity for which you are applying. If you do not have access to email, you can call our office at (303) 774-7836 and ask to speak with a member of the Grantmaking Department.
Download instructions for First Nations’ Online Application System here. Access First Nations’ Online Application system here.
Unfortunately, First Nations cannot make any emergency exceptions to application deadlines. Partial applications, incomplete applications due to user error, or faxed/emailed/mailed applications will not be considered unless they have received prior approval.
Please allow yourself enough time to submit a complete application before the deadline, as the system will shut down automatically at 5 pm Mountain Time on June 1, 2022, and no data may be entered thereafter. We do not accept partial, faxed, emailed or mailed applications. Applications that are not received on time due to user error will not be considered.
