Press Release

NDN Collective Announces the 2023 Community Self-Determination Open Application Grant Period

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2023

Rapid City, SDNDN Collective, an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power, announces the second year of its open application period for the Community Self-Determination Grant offered to Indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island, also known as North America. This includes Tribes, First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Indigenous-led nonprofit organizations across the post-colonial borders of the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico, Islands of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community Self-Determination Grants are intended to support community-based and community-driven sustainable solutions in all three of NDN Collective’s core strategies to Defend, Develop and Decolonize.  

Whether it’s protecting land and water, developing sustainable food systems or revitalizing Indigenous languages and lifeways, Community Self-Determination Grants support community priorities on community terms.

“NDN’s Community Self Determination Program each year is in solidarity and partnership with more Indigenous communities, tribes, and organizations who are transforming the current power structures through Indigenous peoples exercising their inherent and collective right to self determination, “ said Nicole Yanes, NDN Collective Director of Grantmaking. “We are seeing an enormous amount of Indigenous people who are working on defending, developing and decolonizing that involves all generations in their communities to build the more equitable future we dream, so we people can say with certainty that Indigenous peoples are the future and that our best days are being born at this moment in our territories and communities.”

Significant, flexible, multi-year funding will include the infusion of general operating support, power and capacity building, capital and holistic support for comprehensive initiatives, specific programs and community development based on regenerative principles. Grants of $100,000 per year, with commitments of two years, are available to Indigenous-led organizations working in the defense, development, or decolonization of Indigenous Peoples and the planet. The maximum grant award is $200,000 over two years.  

“Providing flexible, unrestricted funding to Nations, organizations, and grass-roots community groups funnels resources where it’s needed to build power in our Indigenous communities,” said Janet Maylen, NDN Foundation Program Officer. “This rematriation of wealth empowers our communities towards the path of true self-determination.” 

To apply, applicants must first complete an Initial Application (which can be accessed on the Community Self-Determination Grant page on the NDN Collective website). $4 million in funding is available, and while national organizations are eligible to apply, NDN prioritizes community-based efforts. 

Initial Applications are due by 5pm CST on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

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NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms. 

To request an interview contact:

Cabot Petoia, press@ndncollective.org

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Blog | NDN Collective Announces 2022 Community Self-Determination Grantee Partners | 12.2.22

Blog | NDN Collective Selects 2021 Community Self-Determination Partner Grantees | 12.6.21

Blog | NDN Collective Launches Community Self-Determination Grant: An Unprecedented Opportunity for Indigenous Communities | 8.2.21