Indigenous-led climate projects receive $1 million from Decolonizing Wealth Project
The Decolonizing Wealth Project announced on October 12 that its Indigenous Earth Fund is awarding $1 million to projects led by Indigenous communities. The supported work includes restoring salmon, making buffalo ranching more climate-resilient, involving young people in caring for land and water, and safeguarding sacred places. The fund uses Indigenous advisers to select grantees, and its founder says conventional philanthropy often excludes marginalized communities from decisions about money.
The Indigenous Earth Fund, an initiative of the Decolonizing Wealth Project, said on October 12 that it would distribute $1 million among Indigenous-led efforts. These include reviving salmon, strengthening buffalo ranching against climate shifts, engaging young people in land and water care, and protecting sacred sites.
The fund relies on Indigenous advisers to choose recipients. Founder and CEO Edgar Villanueva told Yale Climate Connections that conventional philanthropy is flawed, noting private foundations must pay out only 5% annually and that marginalized communities are often left out of funding decisions.
This funding may help Indigenous communities sustain cultural and ecological practices, potentially strengthening local food systems, climate resilience, and youth connections to land. It could also encourage larger funders to reconsider who controls grant decisions, though $1 million is modest relative to overall philanthropy. Its broader influence may depend on implementation and whether other institutions adopt similar participatory models.