NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Oceti Sakowin Territory. It positions itself as a movement-building hub that combines community organizing, narrative strategy, impact investing, and a substantial grantmaking portfolio to advance Indigenous self-determination, justice, and equity for all people and Mother Earth.
Role of NDN Collective in the funding ecosystem
The organization explicitly identifies grantmaking as one of its core programming pillars, alongside narrative amplification, predevelopment support, community organizing, and low-interest investments. Through its “Grants” arm, NDN Collective channels philanthropic resources directly to Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations, prioritizing projects that defend land and water, develop regenerative local economies, and support decolonization and cultural revitalization.
Main grant programs and funds
The grants section of the site lists several structured funding streams. These include thematic and place-based programs such as Thriving Communities (environmental justice and community health), Radical Imagination (supporting Indigenous creatives and storytellers), the Changemaker Fellowship (backing individual leaders and organizers), and the Community Self-Determination grant (flexible support to Indigenous governments and organizations). Additional funds like the Community Action Fund and the Collective Abundance Fund provide rapid-response or wealth-building resources aligned with Indigenous priorities.
Prospective applicants can consult “Who We Fund” for an overview of eligible communities and organizations, and “Grant Opportunities” for current and upcoming calls. Together, these pages outline the focus on Indigenous-led initiatives, grassroots movements, and projects that advance landback, climate justice, and community resilience.
General assessment and impact practices
NDN Collective pairs its financial support with capacity-building and movement infrastructure. Its Power Building Library, storytelling platforms, and organizing programs are designed to strengthen grantees’ skills in advocacy, campaign strategy, creative resistance, and tactical media. The Resources section hosts impact reports and a Transform Philanthropy report, which document how funds are distributed and the outcomes generated across grantee communities.
Publics served and geographic scope
The organization’s staff, board, and programs draw from Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island and the Hawaiian Kingdom. Grants and fellowships prioritize Indigenous-led efforts that address systemic inequities, from environmental racism and resource extraction to cultural erasure and political disenfranchisement. By integrating grants with loans through NDN Fund and broader organizing campaigns, NDN Collective works to shift capital flows and decision-making power into Indigenous hands.
Mission-driven governance and accountability
NDN Collective’s mission, values and principles emphasize the interconnectedness of all things, Indigenous self-determination, and equity and justice for all people and Mother Earth. An Indigenous-led board and staff— including roles dedicated to grants management and program officer positions—oversee how grants are designed, adjudicated, and monitored. Public impact reports, position papers, and ongoing storytelling help maintain transparency and demonstrate the broader impact of its funding programs in the Indigenous rights and climate justice ecosystem.
