Announcing the “Our Sisters Are Sacred” Fund for MMIW/G2S

May 1, 2024

Return to the Heart Foundation (R2HF) has announced the new Our Sisters Are Sacred Fund, an action fund for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (Gender Expansive) people (MMIW/G2S). R2HF’s partner, the Roy & Patricia Disney Family Foundation, has made a lead investment and will match every dollar-for-dollar raised, up to $500,000. R2HF’s goal is to raise $1 million by fall 2024.

According to the NCIC, 40% of victims of sex trafficking are identified as American Indian and Alaska Native women, and Native Women only make up 1.5% of the entire U.S. population. R2HF is working directly to fight against this epidemic through this action fund.

“We cannot afford to lose one more loved one, sister, mother, daughter or community member,” said Gina Jackson, R2HF Co-Founder & CEO. “We must fully leverage our impact and stop the targeting of Native Women, Girls and Two-Spirit relatives. Help us support those in the grassroots making a difference every day and spreading the values of justice, equity and love for humanity.”

R2HF will spearhead the way to help donors make a historic investment in grantmaking to Native Women-led organizations that are dedicated to fighting for MMIW/G2S. Here is how the fund will make a impact across the nation: 

  • Grants will be awarded to Indigenous women-led organizations working on MMIW/G2S issues across the nation, with a preference for states with the most alarming statistics
  • The awards will be named after a Missing or Murdered Indigenous Woman or Girl to honor and bring greater awareness to this epidemic
  • R2HF will leverage the organization’s strong relationships within Native networks, philanthropy and media to increase awareness and amplify the efforts to disrupt the MMIW/G2S crisis

To learn more about the fund or to donate, please visit actblue.com/donate/mmiwg2. For more information about R2HF and its funding efforts, visit www.return2heart.org.

Gabriel Miguel