Explore Our Programs

Native Elder & Youth Grants

Mycelial Economics in Practice

The Wóžu Healing Gardens Native Elder & Youth Grant Program is a direct-distribution fund rooted in the principle of mycelial economics: the understanding that a healthy ecosystem flows nutrients to where they are most needed, not where they accumulate. Just as mycelium moves life through the soil web, this fund moves resources directly to the people at the heart of our community: our Elders and our youth.

5% of every dollar raised through our crowdfunding campaigns is set aside for this fund. It is distributed by our board of directors, community members who carry the responsibility of stewardship with humility and accountability.

This is not a charitable program. This is a redistribution of resources back to the people whose knowledge, presence, and labor make Wóžu Healing Gardens possible.

5%

of every dollar

Native Elders

Elders are the living libraries of our communities. They carry knowledge, language, ceremony, and relationship that cannot be replaced. This fund honors their irreplaceable role by providing direct material support for their everyday needs and dignity.


What It Funds

  • Basic needs support  food, medicine, utilities, household essentials

  • Medical and wellness costs  transportation to appointments, supplements, care supplies

  • Housing stability  rent support, home repair essentials, winterization

  • Education access  classes, workshops, or learning materials requested by the Elder

Native Youth

Our youth are the future stewards of culture, land, and community. This fund removes financial barriers that keep young people from accessing education, development opportunities, and the cultural grounding they deserve.


What It Funds

  • Basic needs support  food, clothing, household essentials for youth and their families

  • Tuition and school supplies  enrollment fees, books, materials, uniforms

  • Apprenticeships & skills programs  trade training, cultural apprenticeships, workshops

  • Youth leadership development  camps, gatherings, delegations, and cultural learning travel

  • College and vocational pathways  application fees, test prep, certification programs

Reach Out to Apply

  • Elder Grants

    • Identifies as Native / Indigenous

    • Is directly connected to Wóžu Healing Gardens (participant, community member, or family of participant)

    • Self-identifies a need (no proof of income required)

    • Nominations may also come from a Wóžu board member, staff, or trusted community member

    Youth Grants

    • Is 25 years of age or younger

    • Identifies as Native / Indigenous or is a direct family member of someone served by Wóžu

    • Is connected to Wóžu's programming, or nominated by a community member

    • For education grants: must provide a brief description of how the funds will be used


    Note: Wóžu Healing Gardens does not require tribal enrollment documentation. We recognize that community and identity are not reducible to paperwork.

  • Self-Nomination

    Any eligible Elder or youth may reach out directly to any Wóžu board member or to our general contact to share their need. You do not need to justify or explain extensively. Saying "I need help with [X]" is enough to begin the conversation.


    Community Nomination

    Any community member, Wóžu staff member, or board member may nominate an Elder or youth they know to be in need. The nominator should have a relationship with the person and be able to confirm basic eligibility. The nominated person will always be contacted directly before any funds are distributed.

    To Connect with the Fund

    Reach out to any Wóžu board member directly, or contact us at:

    info@wozugardens.org

    We will respond within 5 business days. Requests received during active campaign distribution cycles will be prioritized in that cycle's disbursement.

  • We are accountable to the people we serve, not to a donor class or institutional reputation. The following practices keep this fund honest:

    • Annual public reporting on total funds raised and total distributed

    • Anonymized grant summaries shared with Wóžu community members after each distribution cycle

    • Board members who have conflicts of interest (family members, close relationships) recuse themselves from relevant decisions

    • Community members may request a meeting with the board at any time to discuss fund stewardship

    • No board member may receive personal compensation from this fund

  • Board Stewardship Principles

    • Transparency  the total fund amount is publicly announced with each crowdfund campaign

    • Community input  board members are expected to be in active relationship with the community and listen before deciding

    • Dignity first  no application process should make a recipient feel they are begging; we design for ease and grace

    • Speed  once a decision is made, funds are distributed within 14 days

    • Confidentiality  recipient identities are protected unless the recipient chooses otherwise


    Distribution Process

    1. Campaign closes and total raised is confirmed.

    2. 5% is transferred to the Native Elder & Youth Grant Fund.

    3. Board convenes within 21 days to review requests and nominations.

    4. Recipients are contacted and needs are confirmed directly.

    5. Funds are sent directly to recipients (cash, Venmo, check, or direct bill payment, recipient's choice).

    6. Total distributed (anonymized) is reported to the community within 30 days.

➢ Rooted in Reciprocity ➢ Guided by Community

➢ Rooted in Reciprocity ➢ Guided by Community