About Us
Pawanka Fund works in partnership with Indigenous organizations and institutions to support community-based initiatives related to Indigenous knowledge systems, learning processes, and cultural practices. Through long-term relationships and collaboration, the Fund contributes to strengthening local capacities and facilitating connections between community initiatives and broader regional and global processes.
The Fund provides direct support to community-led organizations across seven socio-cultural regions of the world: North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Arctic, the Pacific, and Russia.
Pawanka Fund works in partnership with Indigenous organizations and institutions to support community-based initiatives related to Indigenous knowledge systems, learning processes, and cultural practices. Through long-term relationships and collaboration, the Fund contributes to strengthening local capacities and facilitating connections between community initiatives and broader regional and global processes.
The Fund provides direct support to community-led organizations across seven socio-cultural regions of the world: North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Arctic, the Pacific, and Russia.
Pawanka Fund does not operate through open calls for proposals. Instead, members of the Guiding Committee work closely with Indigenous organizations and institutions to identify and support initiatives through a partnership-based approach.
Initiatives / Grant
(w/ continued support)
Calls for proposals
ISSUED
89%
Budget goes directly to
indigenous peoples
Countries with Pawanka
Grants Funded
Updated April 2023
Our Mission
Our vision
Our guiding principles
Pawanka Fund operates according to principles that guide its partnerships and grantmaking approach. These include collaboration, reciprocity, complementarity, intercultural dialogue, and respect for community processes and decision-making systems.
The Fund also recognizes the importance of inclusive participation and culturally appropriate approaches when working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
Pawanka Fund provides direct support to community-led organizations and networks, prioritizing initiatives that reflect local priorities and culturally grounded approaches. The Fund works across seven socio-cultural regions and offers grants ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 over multi-year periods.
The grant process begins with a cultural due diligence review conducted by the Fund’s Guiding Committee. This process helps ensure that supported initiatives align with the Fund’s mission and partnership framework. Pawanka Fund seeks to maintain an accessible application process and may provide technical assistance to partner organizations when necessary to address administrative or legal requirements.
All initiatives supported by the Fund are designed and implemented by local partner organizations. These initiatives often address multiple aspects of community wellbeing through integrated and culturally relevant approaches.
Since its establishment, Pawanka Fund has developed a mentoring , accompaniment, and learning model that emphasizes mutual learning between the Fund and its partners. The Cultural Dimention includes eleven cultural criteria defined by the Guiding Committee to guide the process of understanding the work indigenous people’s organizations are engaged in towards achieving their wellbeing.
The Fund also facilitates opportunities for partner organizations to connect with each other, exchange experiences, and share knowledge and practices. Documentation and learning materials generated through these initiatives are preserved to support knowledge transmission across generations.
Our guiding committee
Myrna
Cunningham Kain (CHAIR)
Indígenas (CADPI)
Nicaragua
Joan
Carling
Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)
Philippines
Namaka
Rawlins
Mokuola Honua Center for Indigenous Language Excellence
Hawai’i
Teresa
Zapeta
de Mujeres Indígenas
(FIMI)
Guatemala
Hussein
Isack
Kenya
Rukka
Sombolinggi
Masyarakat Adat
Nusantara (AMAN)
Indonesia
Vicky
Tauli - Corpuz
Philippines
Melissa
Nelson
United States
Gunn-Britt
Retter
Saami Council
Norway, Finland, Sweden, Russia
Staff
Carla
Bush
Operation and
Program Director
Nicaragua
Emma
Pineda
Program Officer for
Latin America and
North America
México
Luchie
Marana
Program Officer
for Asia
Asia
Nidia
Bustillos
Program Officer
Actic, Eurasia and
Pacific Region
Bolivia
Edna
Kaptoyo
Grantmaking and
Partnerships
Officer
Kenya
Juan David
Burbano
Communications
Officer
Colombia
Maria José
Salinas
Monitoring and
Evaluation Officer
Bolivia
Ruben
Tituaña
Program Officer
for Latin America
and the Caribbean