Indigenous Earth Fund

The Indigenous Earth Fund is a grant initiative led by the Decolonizing Wealth Project (DWP), a fiscally sponsored project of the Amalgamated Charitable Foundation. This program aligns with DWP’s mission of supporting Indigenous-led efforts across the United States by addressing climate change, land conservation, and cultural restoration. The 2025 grant cycle includes a renewed investment of $1 million specifically allocated to support Indigenous-led organizations and federally recognized Tribes that are implementing solutions rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. This initiative is situated within DWP’s broader Earth & Climate strategy and aims to amplify political power, community movements, and campaigns that center Indigenous values in climate advocacy. The core purpose of the Indigenous Earth Fund is to advance climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and sustainable community development through Indigenous leadership. The fund prioritizes programs in three primary areas: ecosystem and cultural conservation, food sovereignty and subsistence rights, and just transition and economic development. Within these domains, eligible proposals may include restoration of water sources, protection of biocultural heritage, revitalization of traditional harvesting practices, and advocacy for renewable energy transitions. Strategic initiatives such as policy advocacy, legal rights defense, and narrative building around Indigenous climate justice are also encouraged under this opportunity. Funding is available only to nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)(3), federally recognized Native American Tribes, and fiscally sponsored projects under a 501(c)(3) umbrella. Non-federally recognized Tribes may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Applicants must be U.S.-based and focused on work within the U.S. or its territories. Private non-operating foundations and individuals are not eligible. Indigenous leadership is emphasized as a key consideration, with preference given to Native-led groups and past grantee partners involved in climate campaigns aligned with the fund’s current priorities. Applications for the 2025 cycle must be submitted via the JustFund platform, with distinct instructions provided for new applicants and returning grantee partners from 2024. Submissions outside this platform will not be considered. All applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar scheduled for August 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM EST, although attendance is not mandatory. A recording of the session will be available after the event for those unable to participate live. The application portal opened on July 15, 2025, and the deadline for submission is August 19, 2025, at 5 PM Pacific Time. Funding decisions will be announced by the end of October 2025, and funds will be disbursed by the end of November 2025. There is no indication that this grant operates on a rolling basis, but given its repeat occurrence, it appears to be recurring, and a similar cycle is expected in 2026. Applicants must register on the JustFund platform before submitting and are advised to consult the detailed RFP instructions applicable to their status as either new applicants or current grantee partners. For questions not covered by the FAQ, a live Q&A is maintained on the grant’s information page.