Indigenous-Led Grantmaking Initiative

Overview:
An approach developed by Land is Life and its global network to provide support for Indigenous self-determination through small, flexible funds to grassroots Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations around the globe.

Geographic Scope:

• Global program with regional pilots
• North American Arctic (including Boreal and Subarctic regions)
• Africa, Asia, Mesoamerica, South America, and Pacific regions

Focus Areas:
The program supports initiatives that enhance collective rights of Indigenous peoples, including:

• Human rights, land, resources and biodiversity
• Climate change
• Food sovereignty
• Women, youth and elders
• Traditional knowledge systems and practices (language, arts, sports)
• Education and economic empowerment
• Strengthening Indigenous livelihoods

Eligible Activities:
Funds are used locally for:

• Workshops
• Medical emergencies
• Legal support
• Campaigns
• Regional gatherings
• Travel to meetings
• Self-determined development programs
• General expenses for Indigenous peoples' organizations

Eligibility:

• Grassroots Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations
• Organizations must be Indigenous-led

Background:
The program was pioneered with a regional pilot in the North American Arctic in partnership with Snowchange Cooperative (announced May 2019). Jemimah Kerenge, a Maasai from Kenya, was appointed as Global Director of the Indigenous-led grantmaking initiative in October 2020.

Contact:

• Land is Life
• 228 Park Ave S, PMB 45112
• New York, NY 10003
• Website: landislife.org