Project financing: Calling on Indigenous groups

Indigenous communities in Namibia are encouraged to apply for grants to support projects that preserve their cultural heritage and promote climate resilience in their traditional territories.


This opportunity comes through a call for proposals from Cultural Survival, an American-based NGO led by Indigenous peoples. The organisation, through its Keepers of the Earth Fund, is offering grants of up to US$8 000 for projects based in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Cultural Survival, supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Namibia, champions Indigenous rights and self-determination globally. “We aim to support collective projects that directly benefit Indigenous communities,” the organisation said.


The 2025 grants will prioritise projects that focus on climate change adaptation: reforestation, climate-resilient crops, flood protection, and food sovereignty through seed banks, traditional food systems, fishing and hunting rights. Sustainable Indigenous economies: production and marketing of local goods, arts, and crafts that form a vital part of community livelihoods. Traditional governance: strengthening Indigenous leadership structures, especially those involving women and youth.


Cultural knowledge and spirituality: intergenerational knowledge-sharing, rituals tied to agriculture and lunar cycles, and promoting Indigenous worldviews. To apply, communities must answer seven questions and submit either a two-page written proposal or a five-minute video. Proposals should be emailed to koef@cs.org by 22 August 2025. Submissions are accepted in English, Afrikaans, Setswana, or Khoekhoegowab.