Community Self-Determination Grant

This grant opportunity will provide Tribal Nations, communities and organizations as an investment in Indigenous power and a means to foster equity and inclusion, and to reframe decision-making with those most impacted.

NDN Collective’s mission is to build the collective power of Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations to exercise our inherent right to self-determination while fostering a world that is built on a foundation of justice and equity for all people and Mother Earth.

NDN works to transform systems, shift power and generate sustainable solutions through the following three core strategies:

Defend

Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations defend and protect our land, air, water and natural resources.

Develop

Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations are developed in a regenerative and sustainable manner based on our values and connection to land, culture and identity.

Decolonize

Indigenous ceremonies, cultures, languages and ways of life are revitalized, recognized and celebrated.

GRANT CYCLE

Initial applications are due by 5pm CST on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.  

Invitations for full applications, if selected, are expected to be released by the end of May, early June 2023.   Applicants will be notified of either an invitation or declination at that time.

Final applications are due by 5pm CST on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023. 

Final Selections are expected by late August, 2023. Community Self-Determination Project start dates will begin on September 1, 2023.

GRANT PURPOSE AND APPROACH

Community Self-Determination Grants are intended to support community-based and community- driven sustainable solutions in all three of NDN Collective’s core strategies to Defend, Develop and Decolonize. Grants are intended to  support and invest in the long-term visions, sustainability, and power building of Indigenous Nations, communities and Indigenous-led organizations, fortifying the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples to create a just, equitable, and sustainable world for all people and the planet. Significant, flexible, multi-year funding will include the infusion of general operating support, power building, capital and holistic support for comprehensive initiatives and specific programs.  

Community Self-Determination Grants are intended to strengthen and leverage long-term financial sustainability of Indigenous-led organizations, including capital support and investments. This type of funding will not only give Indigenous organizations the kind of runway that has been long understood as healthy for startups and private-sector companies, but transformative for community-based and grass-roots organizations, including those who are closest to the issues and the impact. While we fund national efforts, we intentionally prioritize grassroots, community-based efforts.  Climate justice and Indigenous justice are at the heart of the intent behind the Community Self-Determination Grant.

NDN’s grantmaking approach is based on reciprocity and mutual aid, which may include thought partnership and power building resources. Relationship is at the core of this approach, encouraging systemic change and participation in which the people most affected take responsibility for one another and for changing systemic conditions. It is up to the community to determine the steps for true self-determination. NDN funds can support the material needs of communities while also addressing root causes and solution building that is shaped by the community. This approach encourages innovative, creative and free thinking for long-term change. 

NDN will remain steadfast in its commitment to uphold and advance regenerative, Earth-centered  principles of community and economic development. ‘Regenerative’ is the ability to regrow, renew or restore, particularly after loss or damage. NDN’s commitment to a new and better normal  is also  part of community self-determination, resilience and sustainability, therefore NDN seeks to support Tribes, Indigenous nations, communities and organizations who are also committed to more innovative, sustainable solutions. NDN is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination that supports justice and equity for people and Mother Earth. 

These principles and the NDN Collective’s framework of Defend, Develop, Decolonize will be utilized as a lens in which to review and select grantee-partners.  

GRANT TYPE

Grants of $100,000 per year, with commitments of two years, are available to Indigenous-led organizations working in the defense, development, and/or decolonization of Indigenous Peoples and Mother Earth, with a maximum grant award of $200,000 for commitments over two years.  

COMMUNITY DRIVEN SOLUTIONS

Because this program focuses on community-driven solutions, we encourage larger nations and organizations to coordinate among your various departments to submit an application reflecting your community’s efforts to Defend, Develop and Decolonize.

It is the intent of NDN Collective to provide meaningful support across multiple regions, therefore, applicants are encouraged to describe their community self-determination efforts within one of the following strategic focus areas that is best suited for their community’s  intentions and goals.  New or expanded initiatives, or power building of existing efforts and entities may also be supported.

FOCUS AREAS

1. DEFEND – Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations defend and protect our land, air, water and natural resources.  

Efforts may include but are not limited to:

 Protecting and reclaiming lands, water, and natural resources, such as;  

• Grassroots, frontline organizing and community mobilization to defend and protect clean water, air and land from extractive industries and exploitation; 
• Indigenous-led environmental movements and efforts to stop the extraction of the earth’s natural resources on and near tribal territories.
• Direct action efforts of the climate and environmental justice movement.

2. DEVELOP – Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations are developed in a resilient, regenerative and sustainable manner based on our values and connection to land, culture and identity.

Efforts may include but are not limited to:

Community and economic development/resilience based on sustainable, regenerative principles,  climate change solutions and mitigation; such as;

• Sustainable food systems, food sovereignty and security initiatives; sustainable community agriculture, gardens, food harvesting and processing, community hunting and fishing, sustainable herd management,  shared community food pantries and food distribution;
• Community water initiatives; protecting or developing clean water sources; community pumps or wells, water purification and sanitation, ecological wastewater treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands, greywater systems, and composting toilet implementation, and bioremediation of contaminated soils and water;
• Community planning and implementation of  sustainable, regenerative, and innovative solutions for community preparedness and resiliency;
• Renewable energy sources, i.e.; wind, solar, geo-thermal
• Energy transition that is environmentally, socially and economically just; that reduces carbon emissions and footprints; Net-Zero initiatives;
• Financial planning and transition to  new or alternative revenue streams based on regenerative principles of economic and community development; 
• Resilient and regenerative infrastructure improvements or development, including housing, broadband or increased internet speed and capacity; improved or upgraded software systems and technological training to support virtual and tele-abilities to learn, access health, conduct business, up-to-date communications access;
• Capital investments for economic mobility to diversify economies, long-term regenerative business development in various sectors, including decreasing risk of a larger investment; investments in building the capacity of people through education, training, and consulting to be well-equipped leaders in creating just, and resilient economies and infrastructure.

3. DECOLONIZE- Indigenous ceremonies, cultures, languages and ways of life are revitalized, recognized and celebrated.

Efforts  may include, but are not limited to:

Intergenerational transmission and continuity of language, culture, ceremonial practices, traditional governance and decision-making structures, and lifeways, such as: 

• Governance and leadership transformation, transition or development grounded in Indigenous values and practices, including constitutional reforms, reintegration of traditional governance structures, or decentralized, consensus-based decision making practices;
• Indigenous health and safety; providing and reclamation of Indigenous health, wellness,  community care, healing and medicinal practices, including social, emotional, and cultural support;
• Language revitalization – Community immersion programs; teacher preparation and language apprentice programs; family language nests;
• Decolonized education models;
• Youth, family and community initiatives to restore, renew and support Indigenous language, cultural  practices, creativity and lifeways;
• Community harmony, safety and protection efforts, including addressing physical and sexual violence; Indigenous peace-making and conflict resolution initiatives, community restorative justice practices, protocols and teachings.

GRANT APPLICATION LINK INSTRUCTIONS

The link below will bring you to the grant application portal. Please note that the Fluxx Grants Application portal will show two options:

1. New to the Grants Portal- If you are a first time user, you must register in order to receive log-in credentials to complete the initial application and potentially a grant application.  Please allow for up to 2 business days to receive login credentials.  Please check your email and spam or junk folders for your login credentials before inquiring further. 
2. Log-in Now –  If you’ve  registered in the past for any NDN grant opportunity, please click Log-in Now. You do not need to register again.

Helpful hints

• It is best to use a computer or laptop to complete registration, log-in and/or initial application.
• Chrome browser works best with the grant application online system.   
• Please be sure to register well in advance of the grant deadline of May 3, 2023 to ensure timely submission. Any attempts to register later than 5 p.m.  Central Standard Time on May 1st does not guarantee submission by the 5 p.m. CST deadline on May 3rd. 
• Please ensure that your organizational information is correct, i.e.; contact information, email address; telephone number.  Once it is submitted you cannot edit your profile information. 
• Once you’ve registered or logged in, you will receive information via email on how to access your portal and complete the application forms. 
• NDN cannot make any exceptions to the initial application/grant application deadline.  This includes incomplete applications, application mistakes due to user error, or faxed/emailed or mailed applications unless there has been prior approval by NDN Foundation staff.

For More Information:  

Grant purpose & content

[email protected] (U.S.Based Applicants )

[email protected] (U.S. and Canada)

[email protected] (For residents of Mexico and Spanish-speaking Applicants)

[email protected] (For residents of Mexico and Spanish-speaking Applicants)

Technical support

[email protected] 

General grant information

[email protected]

NDN Office: (605) 791-3999

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