The Tribal Climate Change Guide is part of the Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Project. For more information, visit: https://tribalclimate.uoregon.edu/. If you would like to add to or amend information included in this guide, please complete this Google Form. If you have additions or suggestions for this website, please email kathy@uoregon.edu.

 

Funding

The Tribal Climate Change Funding Guide is intended to provide up-to-date information on grants, programs and plans that may assist tribes in addressing climate change through a broad range of sectors. We will update this guide regularly, so please check back often. If you have questions or updates for this guide, email: kathy@uoregon.edu. Please note that for entries that are accepting applications continuously, the grant deadline column will list "12/31/2024" as the grant deadline. This ensures that those grants will appear immediately after those grants with a set deadline.

Title Organization Sort ascending Grant Deadline Description Funding Amount Geography Website
Native American Business Development Institute Grant NABDI, DOI, BIA

The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), through its Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI), is soliciting proposals from federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska federally recognized Tribal entities for technical assistance funding to hire consultants to perform feasibility studies of economic development opportunities. These feasibility studies will empower American Indian Tribes/Alaska federally recognized Tribal entities and Tribal businesses to make informed decisions regarding their economic futures. Feasibility studies may concern the viability of an economic development project or business or the practicality of a technology a Tribe or entity may choose to pursue.  Grant selection priority will be given to applicants whose proposals focus on businesses and projects located in Opportunity Zones.

Categories: economy, business, development, infrastructure, growth, technology, energy

National Link
Native American Agriculture Fund 2019 RFA NAAF

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: 5/25/2021. NAAF’s mission, as a private charitable trust created for educational and charitable purposes, is to support Native American farmers and ranchers and promote their continued engagement in agriculture. NAAF was created after conclusion of the lengthy Keepseagle v. Vilsack litigation and was designed for the purpose of addressing four areas important to the success of Native farmers and ranchers:  business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy.

Categories: agriculture, Native Farmers, Native Ranchers, business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, advocacy

up to $75,000 National Link
NIF Food Soveriegnty Grant Opportunity Na'ah Illahee Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: February 16, 2023. Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF) provides resources for Native Communities across the Pacific Northwest who are located in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. As Native people, Na’ah Illahee sees the land as a living entity and tailors all of our community work and grantmaking to support this concept. We work in relationship with Mother Earth to strengthen her living systems in acts of support, reciprocity and respect. NIF places a high value on sharing old teachings of growing and harvesting our own foods and medicines. We encourage sharing of these teachings in new ways. NIF is looking to provide grants to community based food program efforts led by Native people. NIF also encourages the teachings and sustaining of hunting and fishing practices and those being passed on to the younger generations. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Native Communities and has shed light on the structural inequities in access to basic needs such as food. As we move forward from COVID to post-pandemic, we strive to advance a “just recovery” by helping tribal communities, to not only meet the healthy food needs of the people, but to support their right to choose their own foods into the future. NIF seeks to preserve our gather, hunter, grower way of life by funding organizations who help preserve these cultural practices.

Categories: food, gardens, seeds, traditional food, fishing, hunting, food systems, education, community

Awards up to $25,000 Pacific Northwest Link
Sovereign Futures Leadership Society Grant 2023 Na'ah Illahee Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: January 31, 2023. The Na'ah Illaheed Fund is accepting applications to a grant program titles, "Sovereign Futures Green Infrastructure Leadership Society." The Na'ah Illahee is a Seattle-based Indigenous women-led organization dedicated to teh ongoing regeneration of Indigenous communities. Grant awards are $5 each and participants in the 2023 Society's Cohort will explore and identify environmental/climate solutions through a community-centered project based on learning framework. Over a 6-month period, participants will identify ways to omplement and increase more regenerative and recipricol energy systems within their communities. Examples incluse: Integrated Water Systems; Clean, Renewable Energy; Water Treatment; Energy Sovereignty; Solid Waste Management; Food Sovereignty Infrastructure etc. The application is open to all of those who identify as Indigenous and currently reside in the PNW Region (WA, OR, ID, MT, AK, and BC).

Categories: energy, water, sovereignty, solid waste management, food sovereignty, infrastructure

$5,000 Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, BC Link
Green Infrastructure Capacity Building Grant Na'ah Illahee Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: July 24, 2023. Na'ah Illahee Fund seeks to fund the development of projects that aim to revitalize and strengthen Mother Earth and her living systems. They are looking to fund the capacity of groups who are doing the work and will implement Integrated and Green Infrastructure projects in their community. Projects must include at least one focus area: integrated water systems, projects that reduce and treat stormwater, implementation of clean and renewable energy, energy sovereignty, and more.

Categories: energy, water, waste management, conservation

Up to $50,000 Greater Northwest Region Link
Great Lakes Funding Partnership Opportunity Model Forest Policy Program

This is an action-oriented implementation opportunity for communities in the Great Lakes. Model Forest Policy Program is inviting up to 6 communities to partner with us on a 3-year grant we are submitting to the Great Lakes Protection Fund.

Categories: technical support, Consultation, Ecosystem Protection, water quality, Development

Unknown Great Lakes area Link
Lenfest Ocean Program Lenfest Ocean Program

The Lenfest Ocean Program is interested in funding projects that elevate Indigenous Peoples in sharing their traditions, culture, knowledge, and wisdom to improve evidence-based decision-making for the management, conservation, and restoration of coastal marine species, habitats, and ecosystems. Until recently, Indigenous Peoples' ways of knowing were not considered in planning and management decisions, prompting recent calls to rectify this situation. Thus, the Lenfest Ocean Program is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support: collection, analysis, and/or communication of Indigenous Knowledge and wisdom; and engagement approaches that facilitate the integration of this knowledge in ocean and coastal management decisions.

Categories: ocean, climate change

National Link
Including Indigenous Knowledge in Ocean and Coastal Evidence-Based Decision-Making Lenfest Ocean Program

Most recent Deadline: October 15, 2023. The Lenfest Ocean Program (LOP) is a grantmaking program that funds scientific research on policy-relevant topics concerning the world’s oceans and communicates the results of the supported research to decision makers and other interested audiences. The LOP intends to fund multiple 15-month grant awards (total funding available for grant awards: $1M USD) that support Indigenous Peoples to elevate and share their traditions, culture, knowledge, and wisdom so that this information can inform evidence-based decision-making on the topical priorities including: fisheries management, coastal development, coastal restoration,  and marine spacial protections.The intent of this RFP is also to create opportunities where information from different knowledge systems, including Indigenous Knowledge, can be brought together to inform evidence-based decision-making in an equitable and complementary fashion.

Categories: Indigenous Knowledge, Decision Making, Fisheries, Restoration, Coastal Protection

total funding available for grant awards is $1 million United States, Canada Link
Great Basin LCC Project Funding LCC

The Great Basin LCC is excited to announce support for Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) projects for 2014. These funds will be used to support western scientific-focused projects which (1) pertain to invasive species, fire,sagebrush habitats and sagebrush-dependent species, (2) provide management-relevant tools and information for strategic decision-making in the face of changing climate,and (3) address one or more of the six GNLCC objectives; these funds will be used to support TEK-focused projects which (1) clearly identify a management utility or application, (2) be applicable to some portion of the geographic range of the GBLCC, and (3) address one of the following eligible activities: Support assessment of climate-related impacts and adaptation planning for cultural or subsistence resources that are traditionally gathered or huntedor forplaces of historic cultural value.

Categories: Research, Natural Resource Management, traditional knowledges

$20,000-$100,000 Northwest, Midwest, Great Basin Link
Kresge Foundation kresge foundation

Funding opportunities take three forms: Open on an ongoing basis, without deadlines. Open for a limited time, with specific deadlines. By invitation from a Kresge program officer.­­­
Communities that address climate change head-on will be better prepared for new circumstances and uncertainties. Decisions about infrastructure, building design, land use, transportation and other policy and funding issues can make communities stronger, more equitable and more resilient to the changing climate.

Categories: Climate change, environment, social justice, food justice, agriculture, sustainability, conservation, carbon, emissions, adaptation, mitigation

Varies. National Link
KR Foundation Funding for Sustainable Behavior and Sustainable Finance KR Foundation

Deadline Passed as of 1/31/2018. Deadline for 2019 Unknown. KR Foundation address root causes of climate change and environmental degradation, and safeguard the planetary boundaries. The mission of KR Foundation is to help provide answers to, stimulate mind shifts about, and encourage action on, the long-term challenges faced by current and future generations living on a planet with finite resources, fragile ecosystems, and climate change. Read more about our mission here. As a philanthropic foundation, KR Foundation typically engages in areas where neither governments nor markets actors seem to have incentives to act. Not restricted by short-term considerations and profit concerns, KR Foundation engages in non-profit activities with long-term impact on our climate and environment. KR Foundation prioritises communication and advocacy activities within our program areas but will also consider proposals in other areas with a high potential for impact that meet our general criteria for funding. Please contact the Foundation prior to submitting a proposal that does not match the Foundation’s program areas. Please note that KR Foundation does not fund local and community-based activities unless they are truly scalable and have a clear international perspective. Proposals focusing on local development activities will not be considered.

Categories: non-profit, international, climate change, awareness

$300,000- $800,000 International Link
KENDEDA FUND: Grants for Climate Change KENDEDA FUND

Complex global challenges like climate change should become the drivers for solutions-based, equitable decision-making. We help young people and community leaders gain the skills and knowledge to become active participants in addressing these challenges. Our People, Place, and Planet work aims to address social and ecological challenges through community-based solutions and leadership.

Categories: climate change, conservation, sustainability, social justice

Varies. International Link
J.M.K. Innovation Prize J.M. Kaplan Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 28, 2023. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize seeks to identify, support, and elevate innovators who are spearheading early-stage projects in the fields of the environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. Up to ten Prizes will be awarded, each including a cash reward of $150,000 over three years and $25,000 in technical assistance. An informational webinar will be held March 28, 2023 at 10am. Register here. This Prize is open to nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations that work within, across, or in a manner related to one or more of the Fund's three program areas:The Environment: Slowing the pace of climate change and mitigating climate impactsHeritage Conservation: Conserving the places that communities care about mostSocial Justice: Strengthening democracy and reforming the criminal justice and immigration systems

Categories: environment, climate change mitigation, conservation, social justice, criminal justice

$175,000 National Link
Truman D. Picard Scholarship Announcement For Native American/Alaskan Natural Resource Students Intertribal Timber Council

Recent Deadline: 3/12/2021. The Truman D. Picard Scholarship Program is dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing a higher education in Natural Resources. 

Categories: Natural Resources, Students

$2,500 for college students (number of awards varies per year)
$2,500 for grad students and graduating college seniors that are applying/accepted for grad school
$2,000 for graduating senior high school students
National Link
International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and UN Environment Grants Programme 2017 International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), United Nations

Deadline passed as of September 15, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The ICRI/UN Environment Grants Programme is designed to encourage projects that demonstrate and catalyze enhanced protection and management of coral reefs and related ecosystems, in particular by promoting resilience of ecosystems, dependent people and economic sectors. Innovative and replicable projects will be favourably considered.

Categories: coral reefs, ocean acidification, marine ecology, marine biology, conservation, climate change, adaptation, mitigation

Up to $60,000. Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, International Link
Grassroots Communities Mining Mini-Grant Program Indigenous Environmental Network, Western Mining Action Network

Deadline Passed. Most Recent Deadline October 1, 2023. The IEN/WMAN Mining Mini-Grants Program offers financial grant assistance to communities threatened or adversely affected by mining in the U.S. and Canada. We recognize that mining activity often has detrimental impacts to all aspects of community and cultural well-being and IEN/WMAN encourages projects that strive to protect the environment, ecosystems, cultural resources, and community health from mining impacts. IEN is accepting applications on a rolling basis, with deadlines of Feb 1, June 1, and Oct 1. Go to WMAN's website where you will find the new application form to fill in. 

Categories: mining, community health, public health, cultural well-being, adaptation

$4,000 United States, Canada Link
Indigeous Environmental Network COVID-19 Emergency Mutual Aid Fund Indigenous Environmental Network

This rapid response support will be extended to community-based Indigenous peoples and organizations from the U.S. and Canada (Central and South America on a case-by-case basis), WHO EITHER ARE HELPING THE COMMUNITY WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS OR WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PRIMARY INCOME FROM A HOME BUSINESS. These small grants of UP to $2,000 are being offered to assist with the following 3 situations:
1. FOR GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS ONLY, WHO ARE HELPING OTHERS: Purchase of essential provisions: food, water, medication, diapers, cleaning supplies, pet food, etc.
2. FOR GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS ONLY, WHO ARE HELPING OTHERS- Support with transportation for essential needs and provisions, such as medical appointments and clinic/hospital visits, medication, groceries etc.
3. THIS IS THE ONLY GRANT AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS, THOSE WHO’S MAIN SOURCE OF INCOME IS THEIR HOME BUSINESS- Home business slowdowns in sales and other cash flow difficulties (maybe your supplier is shut down, or a big order for an event is canceled). For this support “home business” is referring to things like quilting, regalia making, bead and quill work, moccasin making, basket making, pottery, silversmithing, etc.

Categories: COVID-19

Up to $2000 National Link
Indigenous Biocultural Exchange Fund Indigenous Biocultural Exchange Fund

Deadline Passed 08/15/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The Indigenous Biocultural Exchange Fund (IBEX) offers opportunities to attend a global biocultural event/exchange or a meeting of international significance which impacts the applicants' home territory or region. This fund supports indigenous peoples and local communities to have a voice in the policies and forums that concern biocultural diversity at a global level. 

Categories: environmentalism, biodiversity, biocultural, social justice, community activism, environmental justice, global networks, international, indigenous

Maximum of $5000 awarded funding (flexibility on budget submission). Global, United Stated, International, National Link
National Native Health Research Training Initiative IHS

Deadline passed as of October 30, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown. This initiative will help build capacity and disseminate new and best practices for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health research and promote Tribally-driven research activity through a variety of educational and training opportunities. Focus will be on the promotion of health research and related opportunities for AI/AN students, highlighting promising practices and practice-based approaches to improving the health of AI/AN people,and culture-based approaches to reducing health disparities between AI/AN people and the U.S. population. Other areas will focus on resilience and protective factors and their role in AI/AN health outcomes, innovative and culturally-based approaches to improving the health of AI/AN youth, and dissemination of study findings in AI/AN health science research to investigators and providers working in or with Tribal communities as well as Tribal leaders and health officials. Activities will include the planning, coordination, and hosting of research meetings and conferences, webinars, hosting of a website/webpage for dissemination of AI/AN health science research information, and other activities to be determined.

Categories: health services, management, training, medicine, health care

$100,000-$225,000 United States, Indian Country Link
HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants Program HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is accepting applications for the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant Program to leverage investments in public schools and education programs, early learning programs and services, and improved access to jobs. Eligible projects should incorporate sustainable development into their proposals, such as energy efficiency, green building, renewable energy, and public transportation.

Categories: Community Development, Economic Development, Housing & Urban Development.

This NOFA announces the availability of approximately $10 million in funds for Choice Neighborhoods
grants. HUD anticipates awarding approximately 4 Planning and Action Grants not to exceed $2 million
each, and approximately 4 Planning Grants not to exceed $500,000 each.  If funds are appropriated by
Congress, HUD may, at its discretion, use additional FY2016 Choice Neighborhoods funding to make
additional awards under this NOFA.
National Link
National Disaster Resilience Competition HUD

The National Disaster Resilience Competition makes $1 billion available to communities that have been struck by natural disasters in recent years. The competition promotes risk assessment and planning and will fund the implementation of innovative resilience projects to better prepare communities for future storms and other extreme events. Funding for the competition is from the Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery (CDBG-DR) appropriation provided by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (PL 113-2). PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE IS ONLY AN ESTIMATE--SEE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Categories: Disaster Resilience, Infrastructure, Disaster Mitigation

Varies See application for more information Link
HUD Indian Housing Block Grant Program HUD

HUD Indian Housing Block Grants. Most recent deadline: December 10, 2020. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is accepting applications from eligible Indian tribes and tribally designed housing entities to carry out affordable housing activities for benefits of low-income Native American families. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas, and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to primarily benefit low-income Indian families. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/grants/ihb…

Categories: housing, healthy homes, affordable housing, low-income families

National Link
Connecting with our Homelands Hopa Mountain, NPS

Most recent deadline: March 15, 2024. These funds are made possible by the National Park Service and are available for organizations and schools that want to bring youth ages 5 -18 and elders to a National Park to share Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and traditions. A limited number of travel grants of up to $4,000 are available to Indian Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Eligible candidates include tribal programs, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Funds can only be used for direct costs for a trip, such as bus travel, lodging, and meals. Only one travel grant will be awarded per organization or tribe in order to allow as many youth as possible an opportunity to visit a park.

Categories: IK, TEK, cultural heritage, education, youth, recreation

$4000 travel grants National Link
Disaster Assistance for State Units on Aging (SUAs) and Tribal Organizations in Major Disasters HHS

Deadline Passed 09/09/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. Grants awarded under this announcement are to provide disaster reimbursement and assistance funds to those State Units on Aging (SUAs), and federally recognized Tribal Organizations who are currently receiving a grant under Title VI of the Older Americans Act (OAA), as amended. These funds only become available when the President of the United States declares a Major Disaster and may only be used in those areas designated in the Major Disaster Declaration issued by the President of the United States under the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Eligible SUAs and Title VI Tribal grantees should discuss all disaster applications with ACL Regional staff before submitting a formal application. The amount of funds requested should be discussed with Regional staff before the application is completed. Providing a draft of the narrative justification for the application to the Regional Office will help expedite the processing of an award. SUAs, and federally recognized Tribal Organizations currently receiving a grant under Title VI of the OAA must submit proposals electronically via http://www.grants.gov. At http//www.grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application packet, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov website. Statutory Authority Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) (42 U.S.C. 3030), as amended by the Older American Act Amendments of 2016, P.L. 114-144

Categories: Disaster Assistance

up to $450,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, National, Alaska Link
Hewlett Foundation: Grants for Climate Change Hewlett Foundation

Deadlines Vary. Grantseekers can find Hewlett’s climate change grants through its Climate and Energy subprogram, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gasses through the following areas: Clean energy and the reduction fossil fuel use. This area of giving lasers in on increasing renewable energy use (think solar, wind and geothermal) and energy efficiency. Clean transportation. Hewlett focuses its clean transportation giving on increasing fuel efficiency as well as access to alternate methods of transportation such as biking, walking and public transportation. Building and increasing public support. This area of giving focuses on growing public support among diverse members of the community of clean energy and transportation efforts.

Categories: climate change, conservation, sustainability, social justice,

Varies. National, International, San Francisco, California Link
Henry P. Kendall Foundation: Grants for Climate Change Henry P. Kendall Foundation

Kendall is a regional foundation based in Boston that isn't quite what you'd call a climate funder, as its sole focus is sustainable food systems. But its focus on food is driven by goals of improving health, coupled with sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas produced in agriculture.

Categories: food justice, climate change, agriculture, health, human health, social justice, conservation, sustainability

Varies. National Link
Hawai‘i Sea Grant Pacific Islands Indigenous Science Competition Hawai‘i Sea Grant

Most Recent Deadline: October 20, 2023. The Hawai‘i Sea Grant Pacific Islands Indigenous Science Competition is seeking projects that center Indigenous methodologies, protocols, and values in research. The goal of this competition is to promote Indigenous science in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands by funding projects that support resource stewardship, empower community, and strengthen cultural practices. Project teams must be led by a nonprofit organization in Hawaiʻi or the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands and include at least one land steward or cultural practitioner. Statement of Interests are due September 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm HST and Full Proposals are due October 20, 2023 at 5:00 pm HST. While recognizing the value of partnership across Western and Indigenous sciences, this funding opportunity seeks to shift the focus and center Indigenous methodologies, protocols, and values in research. With this intention in mind, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant will support between 2 and 4 projects, each in the $10,000 to $25,000 range, for a funding term of one year.

Categories: Resource Stewardship, Community, Culture, Research, TEK,

Up to $25,000 Pacific Islands/Hawaii Link
Rocky Mountain Section Grants GSA

Deadline passed as of March 1, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. Funding available for undergraduate Earth Science research. Special consideration for projects focused on the Rocky Mountain region. Student must be a member of the GSA.

Categories: geology, climate science, student, scholarship,

$750 Rocky Mountain Region, and Midwest Link
Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant Program GRID Alternatives

Deadline Passed. Most Recent Deadline July 14, 2023. The Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant supports solar projects of any type that require a tribal cost-share (ex. Federal or State grant programs) or are leveraging funding from other grant opportunities or initiatives. Applicants may apply for gap funding up to $250,000. These projects should be positioned to deploy solar energy with an existing funding gap (cost share) which is preventing the project from being completed. With this round of gap funding TSAF aims to enhance and strengthen tribal solar energy development and infrastructure inclusive of other impactful renewable energy technologies (battery storage, clean mobility/charging stations etc.) and to provide funding toward larger scale solar projects that benefit a significant number of tribal community members.

Categories: solar, tribal energy, resiliency, tribal communities, education, training, workforce development

Up to $250,000 National Link
Small Grants Competition GLISA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: June 30, 2023. The Great Lakes Integrated Sciences + Assessments (GLISA) is accepting letters of intent for projects to advance equitable climate adaptation in the Great Lakes region. Access the Call for SOI here.

Categories: climate adaptation, equity, DEI

Up to $30,000 per year, 2 years Great Lakes Region Link