Status: Closed    Overview     Details     How to Apply  

Healthy Environments for All (HEAL) Grant

Na’ah Illahee Fund and four of our community-based organization partners—Front & Centered, Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC), Latino Community Fund, and Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders(WASCL)—launched a combined $3M in community capacity-building grants for overburdened and vulnerable communities in Washington State.

Overview

Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF) is pleased to announce the HEAL (Healthy Environment for All) Grant. This grant supports Indigenous-led initiatives in Washington State that advance environmental justice, community health, and cultural resilience. It aims to empower Indigenous communities to address ecological disparities and strengthen the well-being of our lands and people.

 

NIF will accept proposals through April 1, 2025 at 5pm (PST).
An Informational Webinar will be held on March 5, 2025 at 2pm (PST). RSVP here. 

 

Examples of funding requests and projects that qualify:

  • Environmental Justice: Projects addressing pollution or environmental degradation in frontline communities.
  • Indigenous Food Security and Food Sovereignty: Initiatives focused on traditional gathering, hunting, farming, and food system practices, as well as community gardens, seed saving, and food sovereignty education.
  • Green Infrastructure: Clean energy projects, recycling programs, composting, and other sustainable practices aligned with Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
  • Civic Engagement: Events, gatherings, and programs that uplift Indigenous voices, build community networks, and support the intention of the HEAL Act.  

Eligibility Criteria

NIF is committed to uplifting Indigenous leaders throughout their journey. If you don’t meet the criteria below, we encourage you to explore our other programs or reach out for additional resources.

  • Indigenous-led & Community-based: *Indigenous-led nonprofits (501c3), Tribal  Nations, and fiscally-sponsored community groups working to advance environmental justice for Indigenous communities in WA state.
  • Geographical Focus: Projects must serve Indigenous communities located in the state of Washington.
  • Environmental Justice: Initiatives should address environmental health disparities, promote sustainable practices, strengthen community resilience, and uplift civic participation. 
  • Alignment with the HEAL Act: Projects must support the goals of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, ensuring equitable access to a healthy environment for overburdened and vulnerable populations.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

* For Na’ah Illahee Fund, Indigenous includes anyone who holds tribal affiliation with or identifies with Indigenous nations in North, Central, or South America or identifies as Native Hawaiian. 

**Grantees are only eligible to receive one Na’ah Illahee grant per calendar year, but you are able to return if you were funded in previous years!

What Types of Groups Are We Unable to Support?

NIF does not provide grants to, and reserves the right to rescind funding to groups that:

    • Practice or promote racism, sexism, homophobia, or any form of oppression or exploitation of other humans or the natural world
    • Force, coerce or exclude others based on religious or spiritual beliefs
    • Are not making an effort to protect Mother Earth
    • Are connected to political parties, political rallies or are otherwise partisan in their work
Status: CLOSED. Proposals will be accepted through April 1, 2025 at 5pm (PST)

We Seek To Support

The HEAL Grant will prioritize Indigenous-led projects and activities that:

  • Enhance Environmental Health by addressing pollution, improving water access, and reducing exposure to environmental hazards. 
  • Promote Sustainable Practices through renewable energy, food sovereignty, green infrastructure, and conservation.
  • Strengthen Cultural Resilience by actively revitalizing Indigenous cultural practices and safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge.
  • Foster Community Engagement by centering community leadership in planning and implementation to ensure culturally relevant and community-driven initiatives.
  • Expand Access to Resources by prioritizing funding for underserved populations in hard-to-reach areas disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Funding Ranges:

The average award range is  $5,000 to $25,000 for general operating expenses, or project-specific costs. We encourage applicants to request the amount that best supports their needs, as outlined in their proposal budget. 

Funding Availability:

Na’ah Illahee Fund is committed to supporting as many impactful projects as possible. However, due to limited resources, we may be unable to fund all requests. Award amounts will be determined based on the availability of funds and the number of applications under review. NIF is expected to distribute $400,000 of funding this round. 

Awards will be dispersed upfront, as part of our trust-based approach. 

Grant Reporting & Timeframe:

  • The timeline for this grant is for 1 year (May 1, 2025- May 1, 2026). 
  • We honor community self-determination in how impact is defined and shared, and our reporting process allows grantees to shape their own narratives.
  • Our team will stay connected throughout the grant period, offering opportunities for conversations, storytelling, or site visits to uplift and celebrate your work.
  • At the end of the grant term, we will send a Google Form for written updates, photos, videos, and reflections in ways that feel meaningful to each project.
  • These unique capacity-building funds will also connect you with a network of frontline leaders through convenings and gatherings focused on advancing environmental justice across Washington State. 

How do you apply?

Our preferred application method is through our online grant platform, JustFund. 

     Step 1: RSVP for our informational webinar here. 

     Step 2: Make a common application through JustFund, if you don’t have one already. 

     Step 3: Apply for the HEAL Grant on the NIF JustFund page. 

This application includes a project budget. Here is a budget template that you can use if helpful. 

If you would like to share your project by phone or need any additional assistance, please contact Janine Savok at janine@naahillahee.org or +1-206-659-5860

How do we make decisions?

All applications will be reviewed and selected by the Na’ah Illahee HEAL Committee, comprised of members with lived experience in frontline communities across WA.

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Grants will be awarded to projects that build capacity for innovative, solutions-oriented approaches rooted in cultural traditions.
  • Priority will be given to initiatives that connect communities to environmental justice and cultural teachings.
  • Funding decisions will prioritize projects that serve the most vulnerable populations and communities with the greatest need.

Need assistance?

If you have questions, or need any help with JustFund or the application, please contact: Janine Savok, janine@naahillahee.org or 1-206-659-5860