Native American & Tribal Communities Grant Program

The Legal Foundation of Washington’s (LFW) Native American & Tribal Communities Grant aims to strengthen civil legal aid services for Native and Tribal communities in Washington State. This initiative aligns with LFW's broader mission to support civil legal aid for low-income families. The grant is designed to be culturally responsive, developed in partnership with Kauffman and Associates, a Native and woman-led consulting firm, and includes an application review panel of community experts and ongoing technical assistance to ensure its effectiveness and cultural relevance. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are low-income Native American clients in Washington State, with a focus on expanding civil legal aid programming within these communities. The program prioritizes investing in Indigenous models and approaches to civil justice, fostering long-lasting legal aid infrastructure, and building partnerships and support for Native and Tribal communities. The LFW aims to elevate promising legal aid strategies through collaborative learning, ensuring that the services provided are both effective and culturally appropriate. Eligible grant activities include peacemaking civil courts utilizing traditional restorative practices, partnerships between Tribal Courts and pro bono volunteer attorney programs, and culturally responsive legal clinics embedded in trusted community-based organizations. LFW funds civil legal aid programs serving low-income families in Washington State, and eligible applicants include Tribal Nations, Tribal agencies, Tribally chartered nonprofits, Native-led nonprofits, nonprofits serving Native American clients, and collaborative proposals among these entities. LFW expects to award 5-10 grants, ranging from $100,000 to $750,000 each, with a total grant size of $500,000 to $1 million. The grant term is three years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The expected outcomes include expanded access to civil legal aid, the implementation of culturally responsive legal practices, and the development of robust, community-driven legal aid infrastructure that addresses the specific needs of Native and Tribal communities in Washington State. Through these efforts, LFW aims to achieve measurable results in increasing access to justice and improving legal outcomes for low-income Native Americans.