We award Keepers of the Earth grants to projects that empower Indigenous
communities. This encompasses a wide range of projects, and we try not
to place too many restrictions on what type of project we will fund.
All applicants must:
● Be Indigenous-led or represent an Indigenous-led project
● Be a grassroots/local organization or group
● Have an organizational bank account or access to a fiscal sponsor
● Be Indigenous-led or represent an Indigenous-led project
● Be a grassroots/local organization or group
● Have an organizational bank account or access to a fiscal sponsor
Due to limited grant money and the focus of our grantmaking mission,
WE DO NOT FUND:
● Projects that do not originate from or are not led by an Indigenous community
● Travel to the United States
● Disaster relief
● Missionary Projects
● Fees associated with lawsuit proceedings or representation
● Electoral campaign activities
● Conference registration fees
● Work being done by an individual
● Scholarships or school application fees
● Event fundraising, fundraising campaigns, costs associated with the soliciting of endowment funds, or deficit funding
WE DO NOT FUND:
● Projects that do not originate from or are not led by an Indigenous community
● Travel to the United States
● Disaster relief
● Missionary Projects
● Fees associated with lawsuit proceedings or representation
● Electoral campaign activities
● Conference registration fees
● Work being done by an individual
● Scholarships or school application fees
● Event fundraising, fundraising campaigns, costs associated with the soliciting of endowment funds, or deficit funding
The largest possible grant award is US$20,000. Grant amounts for
first-time applicants range from $500 to $5,000. If you have been
awarded a Keepers of the Earth grant before and your project was
successful, your next project is more likely to be approved for a larger
grant.
At First Peoples Worldwide, we don’t see ourselves as gatekeepers of
funding, but as partners with our communities. We have crafted our
grant-making process to be an equal and reciprocal dialogue with our
grantees. Our grant criteria are based on whether proposed projects
share our values, goals, and philosophy in supporting Indigenous
Peoples.
PROJECT CRITERIA
Here are the basic questions we ask ourselves when considering a grant proposal:
Here are the basic questions we ask ourselves when considering a grant proposal:
IS THE PROJECT COMMUNITY INITIATED?
It is important for Indigenous communities to be in control of their own development—and therefore their own destinies. First Peoples Worldwide strongly prefers to fund development projects that are imagined and implemented by communities without intermediaries. Where communities apply for grants through outside organizations, we expect to see that the community itself has initiated the project and intends to take responsibility for implementing the project over the long term.
It is important for Indigenous communities to be in control of their own development—and therefore their own destinies. First Peoples Worldwide strongly prefers to fund development projects that are imagined and implemented by communities without intermediaries. Where communities apply for grants through outside organizations, we expect to see that the community itself has initiated the project and intends to take responsibility for implementing the project over the long term.
IS THE PROJECT HOLISTIC IN ITS APPROACH?
In evaluating a grant application, we look for projects that incorporate social, environmental, economic, and cultural concerns equally while addressing the immediate needs of the community. It is essential that proposals demonstrate an approach based on the interconnectedness of people, assets and environment. For example, we would likely fund a project that brings community members together to build clean-water wells that are designed to help preserve watershed ecosystems while providing a source of income for the builders. We fund projects that nourish all of the community’s assets, including traditional knowledge, community solidarity, and cultural identity.
In evaluating a grant application, we look for projects that incorporate social, environmental, economic, and cultural concerns equally while addressing the immediate needs of the community. It is essential that proposals demonstrate an approach based on the interconnectedness of people, assets and environment. For example, we would likely fund a project that brings community members together to build clean-water wells that are designed to help preserve watershed ecosystems while providing a source of income for the builders. We fund projects that nourish all of the community’s assets, including traditional knowledge, community solidarity, and cultural identity.
IS THE PROJECT VALUES BASED?
In essence, our grant-making strategy focuses on values. It is from a community’s cultural values that it gains its sense of vision and weighs its choices within the context of the larger world. we believe positive and lasting changes are always made with these values in mind.
In essence, our grant-making strategy focuses on values. It is from a community’s cultural values that it gains its sense of vision and weighs its choices within the context of the larger world. we believe positive and lasting changes are always made with these values in mind.
The common values that Indigenous communities share include the
concepts of reciprocity and sharing, respect, responsibility, caring for
and honoring one another, and the interdependence of all life. We look
at grant proposals on a case-by-case basis to assess whether these
concepts are present in the project design, and favor those that clearly
express their intentions to incorporate these values into their work. A
community without a sense of purpose, belonging, and meaningful life
will not benefit from economic development.
Apply for a Grant
Our annual funding cycle is January 1 through October 31.
In special circumstances, we may consider an application after October
31st, in which case you are encouraged to contact us to discuss special
circumstances. For the remainder of calendar year 2012, First Peoples
Worldwide is not accepting applications for the Keepers of the Earth
Fund. We will begin accepting applications for the next funding cycle
beginning in January 2013. Please contact grants@firstpeoples.org if you have any questions about applying for a grant in 2013.
If you are ready to apply for a Keepers of the Earth grant, we strongly
encourage you to complete our online application. This makes the
application process easy, and allows you to confirm immediately whether
your application has been received by First Peoples Worldwide.
[APPLY ONLINE TBD]
You may also choose to submit a video application. Click on the link below to learn about our video application option.
If you prefer to send us a paper copy of your proposal, please click on
the link below to download and print the application. Instructions on
how to submit your application through the mail are included in the
document.
Please keep in mind that it can take up to eight weeks to review and
process your application. First Peoples Worldwide may contact you during
this time for additional information.
Moreinfo: http://www.firstpeoples.org/grants
