Native Voices Rising grants $40,000 to Change Labs and $4M to Indigenous-led nonprofits

November 14, 2024 – Native Voices Rising (NVR) announces today $4 million in grants awarded to 145 Indigenous and Native-led advocacy and organizing groups, including Change Labs on the Navajo Nation. Within this round of awards, NVR also awarded sixteen multi-year grants to organizations deeply aligned with NVR’s theory of change. This year’s grant awardees focus on an array of critical issues, including environmental and climate justice, water protection, food sovereignty, culture and language revitalization, women- and two-spirit-led activism, among others.

NVR aims to address the longstanding underfunding of Native-led efforts, which remains around 0.3-0.4% of all philanthropic grantmaking. NVR’s collaborative, community-led approach to grantmaking engages funders and individual donors at all levels to invest directly in Native-led organizations focused on systemic change. Through its participatory grantmaking process, NVR invites non-Native donors and institutions to learn from and build partnerships with Native grassroots leaders, supporting Native-led organizing and advocacy. This process not only supports Native-led solutions but also strengthens community control within Native communities.

“These Native-led organizations are creating transformative change for our communities through culturally grounded, community-driven approaches. The Native Voices Rising grants represent a vital shift in philanthropy—one where Native people set priorities, shape funding, and recognize the leadership of their peers,” says Erik Stegman (Carry the Kettle First Nation- Nakoda), CEO, Native Americans in Philanthropy. “This commitment strengthens our collective impact and centers Native voices in every decision.” 

In addition to grant support, Native Voices Rising offers a capacity-building program called Supportive Assistance, which focuses on strengthening organizational capacity and connecting grant partners with skilled Native consultants. Facilitated by Native practitioners, this program invites NVR partners to discuss topics such as organizational development, fundraising, communications, and financial management.

“Native-led efforts remain central to today’s social movements, and Native Voices Rising continues to build the foundation needed to amplify Native voices and solutions,” says Sangeeta Chowdry, Executive Director, Common Counsel Foundation. “Looking to the future, NVR is also expanding its philanthropic advocacy efforts to further support Native-led initiatives.”

As one of the few participatory grantmaking initiatives in the country led by Native people, NVR empowers Native communities by placing decision-making directly in their hands. Through a community-led process, applicant organizations are reviewed by eight regional committees composed of Native community members and leaders.

“The strength of Native Voices Rising lies in its commitment to honoring Indigenous self-determination,” says Shash Yazhi Moreno Charley (Diné), Grants Manager, Native Voices Rising. “By centering Native leadership and vision, we’re not only shifting resources but reinforcing the power of Native communities to lead on their own terms. It’s inspiring to witness Native organizers shape solutions that directly respond to their community’s needs and aspirations.” 

For a complete list of organizations funded by Native Voices Rising, please visit NativeVoicesRising.org and learn about these inspiring initiatives