HEAL (Healthy Environment for All) Grant

HEAL (Healthy Environment for All) Grant is sponsored by Na'ah Illahee Fund. 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 their lands and people.

Healthy Environments for All (HEAL) Grant | Na'ah Illahee Fund 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.

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. 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) 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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 (she/her), Swinomish/Visayan, Community Engagement and Culture Director Currently she works as a Community Engagement & Culture Director for the Na’ah Illahee Fund, and serves on the board of the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Skagit YMCA.

She continues to work in partnership with the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection, co-chairs the Protect Mother Earth Subcommittee, and is a member of the Swinomish Health, Education and Social Services Committee.

Shelly developed a place-based curriculum about the history and culture of the Swinomish peoples and taught a series of cultural sovereignty courses for over 10 years at the Northwest Indian College – Coast Salish Institute within their Native Studies Leadership Program. Previously her team provided leadership and consultation for the Lummi Cedar Project – Organized Generations Healthy Lifestyles Program.

Ms. Vendiola served as President for the national Indigenous Women’s Network and a Campaign Director for the Indigenous Environmental Network. Shelly received several years of formal dispute resolution training from the Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., and the San Francisco Community Boards Program.

She is the recipient of the Native Action Network – Enduring Spirit Award, and a recognized educator and peacemaker in the Northwest region. Shelly has an M. Ed.

in Higher Education and practices indigenous pedagogy and indigenous research methodology within all aspects of her work. Following in her father’s footsteps, Shelly is passionate about gardening. She practices the ancient form of meditation known as Qi Gong for balance, energy, and resiliency, and is a certified Yoga instructor.

Her motto is, “There is nothing permanent in the world but change, the key is how we flow with it! ”