The Natwani Coalition, a program of The Hopi Foundation, is offering the 2025 Community Micro Grant to support projects within the Hopi/Tewa community that align with the Coalition’s mission of preserving Hopi farming traditions, strengthening the local food system, and promoting innovative and sustainable strategies for community wellness. The Natwani Coalition works to develop tools and best practices to protect and preserve Hopi heirloom seeds, encourage intergenerational traditional farming, and increase awareness of the benefits of locally grown foods for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. More information about the Coalition can be found at natwanicoalition.org.

The 2025 Community Micro Grant provides funding for small-scale projects focused on sustainable agriculture, healthy food distribution and consumption, and the preservation of traditional farming knowledge. Eligible projects must take place on the Hopi Reservation or Hopi Housing in Winslow, Arizona, and applicants are limited to submitting one application per project per funding cycle.

The total funding available for the 2025 Micro Grant program is $12,000, with an anticipated six awards, each of up to $2,000. Applications opened on January 6, 2025, and are due no later than 5:00 p.m. MST on March 14, 2025. The funding period runs from April 2025 through April 1, 2026. Final project reports, receipts, and invoices are due by April 31, 2026.

Eligible applicants include individuals with projects aligned to the grant’s priorities. However, individuals who were awarded the 2024 Micro Grant, past grantees not in good standing with the Natwani Coalition, Natwani Coalition staff, and members of the Coalition’s Community Advisory Board are ineligible to apply. Projects are expected to demonstrate cultural relevance, feasibility within the grant period, and benefit to the broader Hopi or Tewa community.

Applications must include a proposal narrative, schedule of completion, budget worksheet, contribution and in-kind donation worksheets, volunteer waiver and release form, and authorization form. Additionally, applicants must provide at least two letters of support from key community members (excluding immediate family). Applications can be submitted online, by mail, via email, or hand-delivered to the Natwani Coalition office.

Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with the Natwani Coalition’s mission, project impact, feasibility, and additional points for promoting diversity, leveraging partnerships, and community enhancement. During the funding period, grantees are required to attend a community workshop, host a site visit with Coalition staff, complete agricultural surveys, and present at the 2026 Grantee Showcase Event. Applicants with questions can contact Kyle Nutumya at kyle.nutumya@hopifoundation.org or Roberta Sequi at roberta.sequi@hopifoundation.org, or call (928) 734-2380.