Community Self-Determination Grant
This funding opportunity supports Indigenous-led organizations and Tribal Nations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to strengthen their communities through initiatives focused on climate justice, self-determination, and sustainable development.
Description
NDN Collective’s Community Self-Determination (CSD) Grant Program is designed to invest in the sovereignty, resilience, and power of Indigenous Peoples and communities throughout North America and related Island Nations. Although the CSD grant will not have an open call for new applications in 2025, NDN Collective remains committed to supporting existing and past grantee-partners with continued resources and opportunities for growth, advocacy, and development. Future open call announcements will be published on the program's dedicated webpage, and prospective applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the NDN newsletter for updates.
The CSD grant prioritizes a broad and impactful mission that centers on Indigenous self-determination, aiming to build collective Indigenous power through three central pillars: Defend, Develop, and Decolonize. This framework supports initiatives combating structural racism, protecting natural resources and Indigenous rights, advancing community-based economic and climate solutions, and revitalizing cultural and governance practices.
Eligible applicants include Tribal Nations, their nonprofit entities and programs, Indigenous-led organizations (both nonprofit and business), and Indigenous communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and U.S.-affiliated Island Nations. Applicants must be Indigenous-led and based within or working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples of these regions, as defined in NDN’s criteria.
Grants awarded under this program provide up to $250,000 in funding, with flexible usage over a term of up to two years. This support can cover general operations, power building, capital investments, and comprehensive or targeted programmatic initiatives. Funded grantees are expected to participate in an orientation session and ongoing powerbuilding activities, and are required to submit mid-term and final reports that reflect on outcomes and impacts.
While the grant is currently closed for new applicants, the next application cycle is anticipated to open in 2026. In the meantime, resources such as NDN’s Power Building Library are available to support Indigenous organizers and advocates.