The BEN Initiative provides fiscal sponsorship to support community-led Birth/Environment/Nutrition related projects that may not yet have the infrastructure, capital, or nonprofit status needed to access funding to operate or scale. Many grassroots leaders (particularly farmers, birthworkers, nutrition professionals and emerging organizations) have strong, culturally grounded solutions but face systemic barriers accessing funding, maintaining compliance, and administrative capacity. Fiscal sponsorship allows BEN to bridge that gap. Through fiscal sponsorship, BEN offers administrative, financial, and compliance support, including grant management, reporting, and fiduciary oversight. This enables sponsored projects to focus on implementing their work (whether that is growing food, supporting families, or leading community programs) without being overburdened by complex back-end systems. At the same time, BEN ensures that all funds are managed responsibly and aligned with state and federal nonprofit regulations.

Sponsorship levels

• Level 1: Emerging Projects (0-$5,000 annual revenue)
  This tier supports individuals or very early-stage/start-up projects. At this level, BEN provides high-touch financial management, and offering close guidance on budgeting and allowable costs. This ensures compliance while helping new projects learn how to responsibly manage funds.
  
  
• Level 2: Growing Projects ($5,000–$50,000 annual revenue)
  Projects in this range have secured moderate funding and are beginning to build structure. BEN continues to provide active fiscal oversight, including fund management, reporting, and compliance, while allowing the project more involvement in budgeting and spending decisions. This tier helps projects strengthen their financial systems and prepare for larger funding opportunities.
  
  
• Level 3: Established Projects (Over $50,000 annual revenue)
  This tier is designed for projects managing larger budgets with more developed capacity. BEN provides fiscal sponsorship and compliance oversight, but with greater independence for the project in managing its funds, contractors, and operations. The focus at this level is on accountability, scalability, and supporting projects as they move toward long-term sustainability or independent status.

Current Sponsored Projects

Skoden Farms

An Indigenous woman owned farm, specializing in blue corn granola production.

Dził Ditł'ooí School of Empowerment, Action and Perseverance (DEAP)

A community led charter school on the Navajo Nation.

Shiprock Farmers Market

The largest and longest running farmers market on the Navajo Nation.

Bidii Baby Foods

An indigenous owned agricultural cooperative, specializing in traditional baby cereal production. Host site for the Farmer-in-REZidence beginner farmer training program.

Toohnii Binaneest'a Altaas'ei Alliance (ToohBAA)

An Indigenous women led agricultural cooperative in the San Juan River valley, supporting expanded access to traditional and locally grown foods through pop-up farmers markets.