The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) plans to begin grantmaking in 2019. NAAF is requesting public feedback at nativeamericanagriculturefund.org/grants to inform the future direction and priorities of the Fund.
The largest U.S. nonprofit serving Native American farmers and ranchers has launched its website—the first step to begin soliciting public feedback, which will inform its priorities and future funding activities. The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) was established to distribute $266 million from the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack case.
RELATED: Native American Agriculture Fund Created to Distribute $266M Trust
NAAF plans to begin its first round of grantmaking in 2019. In accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement, NAAF must distribute its funds within a period of 20 years.
Last month, the founding director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas School of Law, Janie Simms Hipp, J.D., LL.M., an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, was appointed to lead the Native American Agriculture Fund.
RELATED: Janie Simms Hipp to Lead Native American Agriculture Fund
“It is critical that we directly engage Native farmers and ranchers from the very beginning of our work,” said Janie Simms Hipp, President/CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund. “These funds present an incredible opportunity to strengthen food sovereignty and Native food systems, and ultimately improve the economic vitality, health and wellbeing of our communities.”
Those interested in receiving the latest news from NAAF may sign up for the organization’s e-newsletter, or follow NAAF on Twitter and Facebook. NAAF will also conduct a series of listening sessions beginning in 2019 within Native communities around the United States, and is committed to transparent and regular communication about its grants process, financial reports, and distribution of funds.
