Role of Western Mining Action Network in the funding ecosystem
Western Mining Action Network (WMAN) is a binational non-profit network that brings together more than 400 individuals, communities and organizations across the United States and Canada who are affected by hard rock mining. Created in 1997 as a small grassroots initiative in the western United States, it has grown into a broad alliance linking Tribes, First Nations, community groups, scientists, legal experts and NGOs. WMAN focuses on protecting water, air, land, wildlife and human health, while promoting environmental justice and a just transition away from fossil fuels.
A central component of WMAN’s work is the IEN–WMAN Grassroots Communities Mining Mini-Grant Program, co-hosted with the Indigenous Environmental Network. This program distributes over US$200,000 per year in project-based grants of US$4,000 to Indigenous communities and non-profit grassroots organizations in the U.S. and Canada that are threatened or adversely affected by mining. At least half of the mini-grants are intended for Indigenous communities, and funded projects range from technical monitoring and expert hiring to organizing, advocacy and community health initiatives.
Supported audiences and funding themes
WMAN primarily supports Indigenous communities, small rural and low‑income communities, and grassroots environmental organizations facing social, cultural and health impacts from hard rock mining and the energy transition. Funding priorities include protecting ecosystems and cultural resources, safeguarding water and air quality, strengthening Indigenous sovereignty, and addressing climate solutions that do not create new environmental injustices.
Beyond direct grants, WMAN also distributes non-financial resources through a rich resource library, technical and legal assistance, and leadership development opportunities. It convenes biennial conferences, webinars and skill-building workshops to enhance communications, media outreach and policy engagement for mining-affected communities.
General approach to evaluation and support
While the site does not publish detailed scoring rubrics, the mini‑grant program clearly targets projects that protect the environment and community health from mining impacts and that are led by or closely involve affected communities. WMAN emphasizes frontline and Indigenous voices, free prior and informed consent, and community-defined terms for any mining activity. Its democratic governance through an elected Steering Committee of community leaders underpins how priorities and funding strategies are set.
History, governance and partnerships
Since its founding in 1997, WMAN has evolved from a western U.S. grassroots network into a North American alliance with caucuses such as the Indigenous Caucus, Uranium Caucus, Energy Transition Caucus and Alaska Caucus. These working groups help shape programming and ensure that Indigenous stewardship and community experience drive the agenda.
The mini‑grant program is made possible through philanthropic partners including the True North Foundation and Cloud Mountain Foundation, and through close collaboration with the Indigenous Environmental Network. This positioning makes WMAN an important intermediary in channeling financial support and knowledge resources to on‑the‑ground groups resisting harmful mining and advancing just transition solutions.
