Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
About the Fund
Applications are now open for the 2026 Ayni Fund Call for Proposals, an initiative of the International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI) aimed at supporting Indigenous Women-led organizations, groups, and networks working to advance the rights, leadership, and well-being of Indigenous Women and their communities. Named after the Indigenous concept of reciprocity, equality, and justice, the Ayni Fund supports economic, environmental, social, and cultural development projects led by Indigenous Women across the world. The fund seeks to strengthen Indigenous Women’s leadership while promoting collective rights, community resilience, and sustainable development. The Ayni Fund goes beyond traditional grant-making by combining financial support with technical accompaniment, mentorship, and organizational strengthening to help Indigenous Women-led initiatives create lasting community impact.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Indigenous Women’s organizations, groups, associations, networks, and collectives
- Indigenous Women-led organizations that have not previously received support from the Ayni Fund
- Community-based, local, national, and regional Indigenous Women-led initiatives
- Mixed organizations where at least 50% of leadership and key decision-making positions are held by Indigenous Women
Organizations must be legally registered or work through an eligible fiscal sponsor if they do not have formal registration.
Why This Fund Matters
Indigenous Women play a critical role in protecting cultural heritage, advancing environmental stewardship, defending community rights, and promoting sustainable development. However, many Indigenous Women-led organizations face challenges accessing funding and institutional support. The Ayni Fund addresses this gap by providing both financial resources and capacity-building support, helping Indigenous Women-led organizations strengthen their communities, expand their impact, and advance collective rights at local, national, and regional levels. Also, Indigenous women face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, yet they are at the forefront of struggles for land rights, environmental justice, cultural survival, and self-determination. Despite their leadership, Indigenous Women-led organizations are chronically underfunded. The Ayni Fund addresses this by:
- Funding Indigenous Women-led organizations and movements directly
- Providing technical accompaniment and mentorship – not just money
- Welcoming community-based initiatives at local, national, and regional levels
- Requiring at least 50% Indigenous Women leadership in mixed organizations
- Supporting organizations that have not previously received Ayni Fund support
For Indigenous Women-led organizations worldwide, this fund offers financial resources, capacity-building support, and accompaniment to strengthen their communities and advance Indigenous Women’s rights and leadership.
Priority Areas
Projects should focus on one of the following themes:
- Economic empowerment of Indigenous Women
- Access to land and territorial resources
- Climate change resilience and disaster risk reduction
- Prevention and elimination of violence against Indigenous Women and Girls
- Political participation and advocacy
- Holistic health, well-being, and care
- Indigenous wisdom, art, culture, and sports
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Financial grants to implement their initiatives
- Technical guidance and mentorship throughout project implementation
- Organizational strengthening support
- Access to tools, resources, and ongoing accompaniment from FIMI
- Opportunities to strengthen community impact and Indigenous Women’s leadership
How to Apply
Click on the application link below to apply.
Application Link: Click here to apply
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