Earth & Climate
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Indigenous Earth Fund

Investing in Indigenous solutions for climate resiliency and land conservation

THE OPPORTUNITY 

This year, we will invest an additional $1 million through our Liberated Capital Indigenous Earth Fund in Indigenous-led organizations and Tribes working to build political power, movements, and lead campaigns to drive Indigenous solutions around climate change and conservation issues in the United States.

FUND PRIORITIES 
We will prioritize programs that advance advocacy in the following domains:

  1. Ecosystem and Cultural Conservation
    1. Protection of ecosystems and bio-cultural heritage
    2. Restoration of water sources and other critical natural resources
    3. Management of land, forest, freshwater, and marine environments through Indigenous frameworks
  2. Food Sovereignty and Subsistence Rights
    1. Revitalization of traditional practices: harvesting, hunting, foraging, fishing
    2. Defense of subsistence resources, such as salmon
    3. Reinforcement of Indigenous food systems and climate resilience strategies
  3. Just Transition  and Economic Development
    1. Advocacy and planning to prepare Tribes to transition to renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, hydro)

We also welcome proposals that build the strategic capacities of Native-led movements focused on climate, including:

  • Narrative and communications strategies
  • Policy advocacy and lobbying
  • Legal support and rights defense

ELIGIBILITY 

  • Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and Federally Recognized Native American Tribes are eligible. Non-Federally Recognized Tribes are also eligible to apply under a 501(c)(3) organization. Fiscally-sponsored projects under a 501(c)(3) entity are eligible. 
  • Private non-operating foundations and individuals are not eligible.
  • Applicants must be U.S.-based organizations and Tribes with work focusing on the U.S. and its territories.
  • We value representative leadership and encourage organizations with Indigenous leadership to apply, including Native American Tribes and Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native-led organizations. 
  • Coalitions and organizations working on advocacy campaigns to center Indigenous solutions in climate and conservation efforts.
  • Priority will be given to our current grantee partners deeply engaged in climate and conservation campaigns, policy, and advocacy work whose work is aligned with the priorities in this RFP.

Granted to organizations and Tribes

$4.3M

Women-led organizations and Tribes supported

70%

Tribes engaged

200+

How To Apply

The application period for our 2025 Indigenous Earth Fund is now closed. Awards will be announced in November 2025.

FAQ

  • When are applications due, and when will the awards be announced?

    2025 KEY DATES 

    Proposals are due by August 19, 2025, at 5 pm PST.

    Funding Decisions Announced by:   End of October 2025

    Grant Dollars Disbursed by: End of November 2025

  • How is 'Indigenous-led' defined?

    For the purposes of this Initiative, Indigenous-led is defined as organzations where the majority (at minimum 51%) of the board and staff identify as Native American and/or as people Indigenous to what is now called the United States. We assess the totality of the organization, not just senior leadership and board members.

  • Is funding available for organizations outside the U.S.

    Funding for IEF is exclusively for qualified organizations in the United States and its territories.

  • Where can I watch the Informational Webinar?

    The recording is available for viewing here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blJo38MWpfo.

Storytelling & Culture

Free Leonard Peltier

DWP is proud to be a funder and supporter of the documentary, Free Leonard Peltier, which premiered at Sundance in January 2025. Films like this transform narratives by illuminating hidden histories, building empathy, and mobilizing movements for justice and repair.