Native Movement Blog
Typhoon Merbok Community Resiliency Grant
UPDATE: 7/10/2023
Typhoon Merbok Community Resiliency Grant application has closed. Thank you to our community for helping us get the word our and support the relief efforts in Western Alaska! Please sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on potential future funding opportunities!
Native Movement is providing a single one-time grant of $500 per qualifying household impacted by Typhoon Merbok.
Extratropical Typhoon Merbok struck the western coast of Alaska in September, 2022. Storm surges caused severe flooding, erosion damage and loss of infrastructure to over 35 communities along more than 1,300 miles of Alaska's western coast (USGS.gov). Native Movement was entrusted with funding to support families affected by this climate disaster and provide a rapid response distribution. Although we are not a direct service provider, we were asked to support communities in this way; every dollar Native Movement received for this purpose is being redistributed directly to community members who are rebuilding.
Native Movement is providing a single one-time grant of $500 per qualifying household impacted by Typhoon Merbok. Funds will be granted on a first-come first serve basis until the funding has been exhausted. This type of support is intended to help families rebuild campsites where traditional food harvest and subsistence activities take place.
Application Process
In order to meet the need for rapid response, Native Movement will issue funds in order of application until all funds are exhausted. This is one-time, non-competitive emergency relief funding. We trust our communities to self determine how to best utilize these funds. No report will be required.
To submit your application:
Complete the online form, attach your Tribal ID and click on the submit button
Print out the form, complete it, scan a copy of the form and Tribal ID, and email to grants@nativemovement.org
Print out the form, complete it and mail it to:
Native Movement ATTN: Typhoon Merbok 60 Hall Street Fairbanks, AK 99701
Call Native Movement staff at (907) 328-0582 for assistance to complete your application via
phone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why is Native Movement participating in this relief effort?
A: Native Movement was entrusted with funding to support families affected by this climate disaster and provide a rapid response distribution. Although we are not a direct service provider, we were asked to support communities in this way; every dollar Native Movement received for this purpose is being redistributed directly to community members who are rebuilding.
Q: What is the purpose of this effort?
A: This type of support is intended to help families rebuild campsites where traditional food harvest and subsistence activities take place.
Q: How much are you giving away?
A: Native Movement has pooled $120,000 total toward this one-time relief effort, with generous support from:
○ $38,000 Native Movement General Regrants Fund
○ $62,000 Kataly Foundation
○ $20,000 Movement Voter Project
Q: How Much Could I Potentially Receive?
A: Our organization seeks to provide single one-time grants of $500 per qualifying household impacted by Typhoon Merbok.
Q: Who is Eligible to Apply for Relief Funding?
A: Individuals who are Alaska Native (proof of Tribal Citizenship required); Individuals currently located in a community impacted by Typhoon Merbok OR have had a permanent or seasonal residence in a community impacted by Typhoon Merbok during September 2023; Individuals who are at least 18 years of age.
Q: How Long Will It Take To Get the Money to Recipients?
A: Payment is not automatic and may take several weeks for processing.
Q: What is the Application Review Process?
A: In order to meet the need for rapid response, Native Movement will issue funds in order of application until all funds are exhausted. This is one-time, non-competitive emergency relief funding. We trust our communities to self determine how to best utilize these funds. No report will be required.
Q: Do I need to provide budget info or photos of the damage caused by Typhoon Merbok?
A: No, applicants do not need to provide financial information or proof of damage. We trust our community members to self select and use these funds as they were intended.
