The Indigenous Environmental Network-WMAN Mining Mini-Grant Program is a lifeline for communities facing the impacts of mining in the United States and Canada. Mining, while vital to various industries, often leaves communities grappling with adverse effects on their environment, culture, and health. This program stands as a beacon of hope, offering financial grants to empower these communities and organizations in their battle against mining-related challenges. In this blog, we'll delve into the details of this essential grant program, its priorities, funding information, eligibility criteria, and more.
Guardians of the Earth: Program Objectives
The IEN-WMAN Mining Mini-Grant Program understands the multifaceted challenges posed by mining activities. From environmental degradation to threats to cultural heritage, this program aims to support projects that safeguard:
- The Environment: Protecting delicate ecosystems and habitats.
- Cultural Resources: Preserving the heritage and traditions of affected communities.
- Community Health: Mitigating the health impacts of mining.
Priorities: Focusing on Impact
The program emphasizes the following priorities:
1. Indigenous-Led Initiatives: Priority is given to Tribal/First Nations/Indigenous communities and grassroots groups directly affected by mining. Indigenous Peoples often bear disproportionate impacts, making their initiatives a top priority.
2. Mining-Specific Issues: Regional or national organizations in the U.S. and Canada working on mining-specific issues are also eligible for funding.
3. Small Budgets: Applicants with an organizational or mining-specific program budget under $75,000 U.S. are preferred.
Funding for Change
The IEN-WMAN Mining Mini-Grants Program offers financial grants of $4,000 USD. These grants are instrumental in addressing pressing mining-related issues and fostering positive change within communities.
Eligibility Criteria: Making a Difference
To be eligible for the program, projects must meet specific criteria:
- Mining Focus: The project should directly address hard rock/mineral/metals mining issues, including legacy, closed, and abandoned mines.
- Project-Specific Needs: Requests must be project-specific, covering areas such as scientific/technical/legal assistance, education, outreach, materials development, and more, to be completed within the next twelve months.
- Budget Allocation: While the funds are not intended for general operating expenses, up to 10% of the funding can be allocated for work compensation or staff salaries. No such limitation applies to external contractors hired for project-specific tasks.
- One Grant per Twelve Months: Applicants are eligible for only one grant per twelve-month cycle.
- Fiscal Sponsorship: Organizations without a tax ID number or bank account under their name must secure fiscal sponsorship from another organization with the necessary credentials.
Ineligibility Criteria: What's Not Covered
The program does not fund the following:
- Proposals related to oil, gas, pipelines, fracking, or tar sands issues.
- Proposals related to aggregates, quarries, gravel, sand, or cement.
- Work or organizations outside of the U.S. and Canada.
- General operating expenses, including rent and utilities.
- Staff salaries exceeding 10% of the total grant amount.
The IEN-WMAN Mining Mini-Grant Program serves as a testament to the power of community and environmental advocacy. It offers vital financial support to those fighting to protect their lands, cultures, and health from the impacts of mining. By prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives and supporting mining-specific projects, this program empowers communities to drive change.
For more information and to apply for these grants, visit the Western Mining Action Network (WMAN) website. Together, we can work towards a sustainable future where mining practices harmonize with nature and culture.
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