FIMI Ayni Fund Call for Proposals 2026: Grants for Indigenous Women-Led Organizations and Community Projects Worldwide @Led Organizations and Community Projects Worldwide

Applications are now open for the FIMI Ayni Fund Call for Proposals 2026, an important global funding opportunity designed to support Indigenous Women-led groups and organizations working to strengthen community rights, leadership, well-being, sustainability, and collective empowerment.

The Ayni Fund, launched by the International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI), is inviting Indigenous Women’s organizations and grassroots groups to submit innovative project proposals focused on advancing Indigenous Women’s rights and community transformation across several critical thematic areas.

More than just a financial grant programme, the Ayni Fund offers comprehensive support that includes technical accompaniment, mentorship, and continuous guidance throughout project implementation.

This initiative recognizes the vital role Indigenous Women play in protecting cultural heritage, safeguarding territories, promoting climate resilience, strengthening communities, and advancing social justice worldwide.

Applications for the 2026 cycle will be accepted from June 1 to June 30, 2026.

About the FIMI Ayni Fund

The Ayni Fund is an initiative of the International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI), an organization committed to advancing the rights, leadership, and collective empowerment of Indigenous Women globally.

The word “Ayni” originates from Indigenous traditions of reciprocity, solidarity, collective care, and mutual support. This philosophy is reflected throughout the programme’s approach to community development and Indigenous Women’s leadership.

The fund aims to strengthen the organizational fabric of Indigenous communities by supporting projects that:

• Promote collective rights
• Advance Indigenous Women’s leadership
• Strengthen community resilience
• Protect territories and resources
• Foster sustainable development
• Preserve Indigenous knowledge systems

The programme values community-led transformation rooted in Indigenous wisdom, self-determination, and cultural identity.

What the Ayni Fund Offers

The FIMI Ayni Fund provides more than financial support.

Selected organizations and groups will benefit from comprehensive assistance designed to maximize the impact and sustainability of their projects.

1. Financial Grant Support

Successful applicants will receive direct financial resources to implement their proposed initiatives.

Funding can support:

• Community projects
• Advocacy campaigns
• Capacity-building activities
• Cultural initiatives
• Climate resilience programmes
• Leadership development
• Grassroots mobilization

2. Technical Accompaniment

The programme offers ongoing technical support throughout the project cycle.

This includes:

• Project development guidance
• Organizational strengthening
• Strategic planning support
• Monitoring and evaluation assistance
• Tools and technical resources
• Continuous mentorship

This comprehensive accompaniment helps organizations build long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Priority Thematic Areas for 2026

The Ayni Fund seeks to support projects focused on community transformation within seven major thematic areas.

1. Economic Empowerment of Indigenous Women

Projects may focus on:

• Entrepreneurship
• Cooperative development
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Economic inclusion
• Financial independence
• Skills development
• Community enterprises

2. Access and Rights to Land and Territorial Resources

Projects may address:

• Land rights advocacy
• Territorial protection
• Resource governance
• Indigenous sovereignty
• Environmental justice
• Community resource management

3. Climate Change Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction

This thematic area supports initiatives related to:

• Climate adaptation
• Environmental sustainability
• Traditional ecological knowledge
• Disaster preparedness
• Resilient community systems
• Nature-based solutions

4. Prevention and Elimination of Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls

Projects may focus on:

• Gender-based violence prevention
• Protection systems
• Advocacy and awareness
• Legal empowerment
• Survivor support services
• Community education

5. Political Participation and Advocacy

The fund encourages projects promoting:

• Civic participation
• Indigenous representation
• Leadership development
• Policy engagement
• Advocacy campaigns
• Community mobilization

6. Holistic Health, Well-Being, and Care

Projects may address:

• Mental health
• Community wellness
• Traditional healing
• Maternal health
• Nutrition
• Collective care systems
• Healthcare access

7. Indigenous Wisdom, Art, Culture, and Sports

The fund supports initiatives that preserve and promote:

• Indigenous languages
• Cultural heritage
• Traditional arts
• Storytelling
• Music and dance
• Sports and youth engagement
• Intergenerational knowledge transmission

Who Can Apply?

The 2026 call is specifically designed for Indigenous Women-led groups and organizations that have not previously received support from the Ayni Fund.

The programme welcomes:

• Community-based groups
• Grassroots organizations
• Indigenous Women’s collectives
• Local advocacy organizations
• Regional Indigenous organizations
• National Indigenous Women’s networks

Both small-scale community initiatives and larger national or regional projects are encouraged to apply.

Types of Projects Supported

The Ayni Fund values diverse project scopes and approaches.

Eligible proposals may include:

Community-Level Projects

Small grassroots initiatives addressing local needs and priorities.

Local and Regional Programmes

Projects working across multiple communities or territories.

National Advocacy Campaigns

Initiatives promoting policy change and Indigenous rights at national level.

Cultural Preservation Projects

Projects focused on protecting and revitalizing Indigenous cultural practices.

Leadership and Capacity Building

Programmes strengthening Indigenous Women’s leadership and organizational sustainability.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Indigenous Women are often at the forefront of:

• Environmental protection
• Cultural preservation
• Climate resilience
• Human rights advocacy
• Community healing
• Sustainable development

However, Indigenous Women-led organizations frequently face limited access to funding and institutional support.

The Ayni Fund seeks to address this gap by directly supporting Indigenous Women’s leadership and self-determined solutions.

This initiative is especially important in the context of:

• Climate change
• Territorial conflicts
• Cultural erosion
• Gender inequality
• Social exclusion
• Environmental degradation

By investing in Indigenous Women’s organizations, the programme contributes to stronger, more resilient communities globally.

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE AND APPLICATION

FIMI strongly encourages all applicants to carefully review the official Implementation Guide before preparing their proposals.

The Implementation Guide contains detailed information regarding:

• Eligibility criteria
• Application procedures
• Project requirements
• Proposal formats
• Funding conditions
• Evaluation criteria
• Submission guidelines
• Important deadlines

Applicants are advised to study the guide thoroughly to improve the quality and eligibility of their applications.

Application Period

• Opens: June 1, 2026
• Deadline: June 30, 2026

Official Application Portal

Applicants should consult the Official FIMI Website to access:

• The Implementation Guide
• Proposal templates
• Eligibility details
• Official Application Forms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Only Indigenous Women-led groups and organizations that have not previously received support from the Ayni Fund are eligible.

2. Can grassroots community groups apply?

Yes. Community-level and grassroots initiatives are highly encouraged.

3. Are regional and national organizations eligible?

Yes. The programme supports local, regional, and national-level projects.

4. What type of support does the fund provide?

The Ayni Fund provides both financial grants and technical accompaniment.

5. Can organizations submit projects related to cultural preservation?

Yes. Projects related to Indigenous wisdom, arts, culture, language, and sports are eligible.

6. Does the fund support climate-related projects?

Yes. Climate resilience and disaster risk reduction are priority thematic areas.

7. What happens after selection?

Selected organizations will receive financial support and ongoing technical guidance throughout project implementation.

8. Is previous funding experience required?

The programme does not specifically require prior grant management experience, but organizations should demonstrate community leadership and project capacity.

Application Tips for Strong Proposals

To improve your chances of selection:

1. Clearly Define Community Impact

Explain:

• Who benefits
• What challenges are being addressed
• Expected outcomes
• Long-term sustainability

2. Demonstrate Indigenous Leadership

Highlight how Indigenous Women lead decision-making and implementation.

3. Align with Priority Themes

Ensure your proposal directly addresses one or more thematic areas.

4. Include Measurable Goals

Provide clear indicators and expected results.

5. Showcase Cultural Relevance

Projects rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and community realities are strongly valued.

Click HERE to learn more about the FIMI Ayni Fund.

Why Indigenous Women’s Leadership Matters

Indigenous Women continue to lead transformative work in:

• Climate action
• Food systems
• Peacebuilding
• Biodiversity conservation
• Human rights
• Traditional medicine
• Cultural preservation

Their knowledge, leadership, and community-centered approaches are essential for building sustainable futures globally.

The FIMI Ayni Fund recognizes that supporting Indigenous Women is not only an investment in individuals but also in entire communities and future generations.

Conclusion

The FIMI Ayni Fund Call for Proposals 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for Indigenous Women-led organizations to access funding, technical support, and international visibility for community-driven initiatives.

This programme goes beyond traditional grants by strengthening long-term leadership, organizational sustainability, and collective resilience.

For Indigenous Women’s groups committed to advancing rights, protecting territories, preserving culture, and building stronger communities, the Ayni Fund can serve as a transformative platform for impact and empowerment.

Discover more global Grant and Women opportunities on OFY.