Good Relatives Collaborative Grants

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants are administered with a foundational respect for the Native worldview, particularly the life cycle approach that acknowledges varying stages of organizational growth. This initiative is designed to nurture both emerging and mature Native-led and serving organizations. The grantmakers prioritize groups that are new and exploring, offering support as they develop, while also continuing to uplift more established entities by encouraging the sharing of experience and community wisdom. This perspective fosters a holistic environment of growth, learning, and mentorship among Indigenous organizations. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated qualifications and a letter of application, which collectively form a comprehensive picture of each applicant's mission and capacity. The application process is composed of two parts: the submission of documents showing the applicant's qualifications and a detailed letter of application. This approach ensures a community-centered review that values transparency and authenticity in the grantmaking process. For the 2025 cycle, the program offers two levels of unrestricted grant funding. Eight grants of $50,000 and eight grants of $100,000 will be distributed. Organizations that have previously received funding from the Collaborative may reapply if their total past awards amount to less than $49,999. All applicant organizations must have an operating budget of less than $2.5 million. This framework aims to prioritize smaller organizations that may benefit most from substantial financial support. In place of a traditional written report, selected grantees are required to participate in an annual two-day convening, during which at least one representative from each organization will provide a verbal presentation of their learning and future aspirations. This collaborative event emphasizes community building and shared growth. Details regarding the convening's date and travel logistics will be provided in the award letter. The grant application window opens on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Central Time) and closes on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time (6:00 p.m. Central Time). Awards will be announced in early fall 2025. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. Assistance is available through state representatives for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, providing localized support to prospective applicants. For additional guidance or questions, applicants can contact their designated representatives: John Williams in Minnesota at jwilliams@nacdi.org, Cheryl Ann Kary in North Dakota at cheryl@sacredpipe.net, or Alissa Benoist in South Dakota at alissa@fourbands.org.