Healthy Environments for All (HEAL) Grant

The Healthy Environments for All (HEAL) Grant is administered by the Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF), in collaboration with four community-based partners: Front & Centered, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Latino Community Fund, and Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders. This initiative aims to disburse $3 million in capacity-building grants to Indigenous-led initiatives focused on environmental justice and cultural resilience in Washington State. NIF is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting Indigenous communities and leadership, particularly in addressing systemic inequities that impact ecological and community health. The HEAL Grant supports projects that address pollution and environmental degradation, advance Indigenous food sovereignty through traditional practices, promote sustainable infrastructure like clean energy and composting, and foster civic engagement aligned with the goals of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act. These grants are designed to empower Indigenous communities to mitigate environmental disparities and promote culturally grounded health and sustainability practices. Eligible applicants include Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) organizations, Tribal Nations, and fiscally-sponsored community groups operating in Washington State. Projects must serve Indigenous communities and align with the HEAL Act, which ensures equitable environmental access for overburdened and vulnerable populations. Na’ah Illahee Fund defines Indigenous inclusively, encompassing individuals affiliated with or identifying as Indigenous nations across the Americas and Native Hawaiians. Applicants must not have received another NIF grant within the same calendar year. The HEAL Grant offers funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, either for general operating expenses or specific project costs. Approximately $400,000 will be distributed in this funding cycle. Awards are disbursed upfront, reflecting NIF’s trust-based philanthropy. The grant performance period spans from May 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026. Reporting requirements are intentionally flexible, with a focus on narrative updates, storytelling, and multimedia submissions via a post-grant Google Form. Additionally, grantees are invited to engage in convenings and peer learning to foster community capacity and environmental advocacy. Applications are submitted through the JustFund online platform. The process involves RSVP’ing for an informational webinar, completing a common application, and applying specifically to the HEAL Grant. Applicants must also provide a budget, using the provided template if needed. For those requiring accommodations or assistance, program contact Janine Savok is available via phone or email. The application deadline is April 1, 2025, at 5 PM PST. Proposals will be reviewed by the HEAL Committee, comprising individuals with lived experience in frontline communities across Washington. The committee prioritizes culturally grounded, community-driven, and solutions-oriented initiatives that demonstrate innovation and address urgent environmental needs. Preference is given to projects serving under-resourced and disproportionately impacted communities. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and funding decisions are contingent upon the overall pool of applicants and available resources.

Reviewers prioritize cultural relevance, lived experience, and completeness of applications.