Thirteen organizations are the first recipients of the Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation’s Just Futures Grants. The new grant program designed to amplify the perspectives and leadership of those with racially diverse identities and to elevate organizations that support Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through our region.
The inaugural grants provide general operating support to organizations that serve Indigenous and Black communities, queer communities, immigrants, and more.
“These grants are more than just financial support; they are an investment in the power and resilience of BIPOC leaders and communities,” says Sara Dronkers, Chief Executive Officer, “The Just Futures Grants are part of our commitment to fostering a more equitable and just region for all.”
Grant Recipient Spotlight: Aunties on the River
One recipient is Aunties on the River (AOTR), an Indigenous doula collective launched in 2024. Comprised of Native aunties with deep familial ties to the rivers of Northern California, AOTR is addressing a critical need for Indigenous-focused birthing care.
AOTR provides full-spectrum doula care, kinship support circles, grief support, and postpartum support, with a strong emphasis on nourishing traditional foods and community connections. They collaborate with the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab at Cal Poly Humboldt and the McKinleyville Family Resource Center to help families reconnect with traditional Indigenous lifeways.
“The story of this collective, like the river, is long and free flowing,” states AOTR on their Instagram page (instagram.com/auntiesontheriver). “Our elders, the original Aunties, have been tending to our birthing families for years—from the coast to the valley, and up the river. Over the past few years there has been a resurgence of energy and interest in rekindling our connections to this knowledge as it helps us tend to birthing people around us. Through various cultural gatherings, community collaborations, professional trainings, and personal experiences, our passion to come together as a collective has grown.”
“This funding will support our capacity as an organization to honor some of the time and commitment our Collective dedicates to serving our local Native birthing families, strengthening our infrastructure as we grow. Having the flexibility of this type of funding helps ensure that birthing families have access to the quality of care they deserve,” says Danielle Reed, Director of Operations for AOTR.
“Aunties on the River exemplifies the spirit of the Just Futures Grants” says Rachel Montgomery, Program Officer. “We are honored to support community-led initiatives that are deeply rooted in cultural wisdom and address vital community needs”.
2025 Just Futures Grantees:
- Aunties on the River
- Black Humboldt
- Centro del Pueblo Movimiento Indigena Migrante
- Earth Equity
- English Express
- Healing and Community Black Music and Arts Association
- Hmong Cultural Center of Del Norte County
- Humboldt Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (HAPI)
- Karuk Tribe – Department of Natural Resources
- Northwest American Indian Coalition, Inc.
- Queer Humboldt
- South Coast Health Equity Coalition – United Way of Southwest Oregon
- Warrior Institute – Social Good Fund