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Small Grants

The Climate Science Alliance team understands the barriers many groups and individuals face to obtaining funding, and has seen firsthand how these barriers limit our community partners in pursuing, implementing, or continuing projects of value to our region. Sometimes, even a small amount of funding can make the difference between achieving a shared goal and canceling a project altogether.
 

Our small grants program supports community-led efforts that fill in gaps in existing projects and helps seed fund new efforts to safeguard natural and human communities in the face of a changing climate.

About the Grant

The total amount available for each year varies. Projects should focus on advancing Indigenous climate resilience, adaptation, and/or environmental health for the collective community.

To apply for a small grant, you must be an active member of the Tribal Working Group. If you are interested in joining, submit your contact information here.

 I. Community Based Projects

(up to ~ $5,000)

Examples of appropriate use of funding include, but are not limited to, added capacity to existing efforts, supplies, materials, communication, education and
outreach, travel support, or honorariums. All use of funding should be related to 
climate resilience practices which can include Indigenous and academic sciences and research, and cultural revitalization.

 III. Other

Varies

In order to provide an accessible and equitable opportunity for all, if a project does not fall under the categories listed, please submit under "other".

 II. Educational Support/Professional Development

(up to ~ $1,000)

Examples of appropriate use of funding include, but are not limited to, travel support, conference attendance fees, education course or training fees, or certification fees.

How to Apply

The Tribal Working Group Small Grants will accept applications on a rolling basis.

Funding must be used within one calendar year after funding has been received.

 Requirements to apply:

  • Submit completed application form

  • Must be an active member of the Tribal Working Group

  • Members can submit, or be a part of, more than one application

  • Projects should focus on advancing Indigenous climate resilience, adaptation, and/or environmental health for the collective community

** If you are uncertain that your idea meets these requirements, please contact us for support at info@climatesciencealliance.org.

Questions?

Deliverable Requirements:

  • Provide photos, videos, and updates of the project

  • Present about your work in a Tribal Working Group meeting

  • If these are not appropriate asks, please explain and offer an alternative

Selection Process

Projects will be selected based on perceived need, relevance, and benefit to the community. Collaborations between members are encouraged but not required. Incomplete applications will not be considered but can be re-submitted once completed. In the case that you have an idea but need assistance completing an application please contact us for support.

Small Grants Recipients

Explore our Small Grants recipients using the filters below:

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2024 Pauma Tribal Farms 5K and Gathering

Held on April 20th, 2024, the Pauma Tribal Farms 5K and Gathering provided programming and resources to over 200 local Native American participants and families.

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Farm Apprenticeship Program

Funding from the Small Grants Program helps support an apprentice and the lead farmer at Paradise Tribal Farm to work together once a week for three months to co-create a thriving agricultural community.

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Youth BIPOC Aquaculture Leadership

Funding provided by the Small Grants Program supports the launch of this initiative through stipends for Indigenous knowledge holders to advise on the project, for the creation of equitable pathways in academia, purchase of a computer for 3D modeling, transportation to and from observation sites, and food to support the team.

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Education and Public Relations for MAATHAAW: The Fire Within Us film

This funding supported travel expenses for two staff members at Condor Visual Media to attend the 2nd Annual Producers Summit hosted by Vision Maker Media in Saint Paul, MN.

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Kumeyaay Ethnobotany Board Game

The Kumeyaay Ethnobotany Board Game is a indigenized educational medium designed to bolster Indigenous climate resilience, environmental health, and adaptation. This immersive board game is a conduit to the rich Kumeyaay culture, traditional plant knowledge, and their profound understanding of their bioregion.

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Native Women in Agriculture & Natural Resources Symposium

This funding supported travel expenses for Emily Burgueno to attend the Native Women in Agriculture & Natural Resources Symposium in Albuquerque, NM.

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Pauma Tribal Farms 5K and Gathering

This event provided programming and meals to approximately 200 local native american participants/ families. The focus on climate change actions, food sovereignty, health cultural traditions and traditional teachings on wellness.

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Support for Cultural Burning

Funding supported procurement of supplies to be used on Cultural Burns on the La Jolla Indian Reservation and support Cultural Burn activities performed on other Tribal lands as well as historical Tribal lands off reservation.

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Túngva Máamayush

This funding will support our fuels management and site preparation efforts on gathering and hunting areas throughout our land and will enable us to plan safe and effective community cultural burns within them.

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