08.07.2025
Casa Fund launches 2024 Annual Report: over US$ 5.8 million donated to strengthen local solutions across Brazil
Casa Socio-Environmental Fund is pleased to launch its 2024 Annual Report, which brings together data, stories, and lessons that reflect the strength of communities in addressing Brazil’s socio-environmental challenges. In a year marked by climate emergencies, community mobilizations, and major victories in the territories, Casa Fund launched 12 public calls — the highest number in its history — directly supporting 535 new projects and 42 environmental defenders across all regions of the country, with over US$ 5.8 million donated to grassroots initiatives.
These grants reached places where they were most needed: urban peripheries, rural areas, Indigenous lands, quilombola communities, riverine and forest-dwelling territories, and other traditional peoples who uphold diverse ways of life and real solutions for the climate crisis and socio-environmental justice. With presence across all six Brazilian biomes and in every state, Casa Fund reaffirms its commitment to a direct, agile, and accessible funding model, built on dialogue, active listening, and mutual trust with civil society organizations.
“The solutions already exist! They are in the territories, and they need — URGENTLY! — robust, direct, and fair funding,” says Cristina Orpheo, Executive Director of Casa Fund.
Our role is to ensure that resources reach these communities with agility, respect, and trust. In 2024, this approach became even more consolidated through accessible public calls, participatory monitoring, transparent management, and close technical support that recognizes local knowledge as central to strengthening networks of care, resilience, and transformation.
One of the year’s highlights was the Sociobiodiversity Web call — the largest ever launched by Casa Socio-Environmental Fund. With financial support from the CAIXA Socio-Environmental Fund, the call received 2,048 proposals from all regions of Brazil and envisions an investment of US$ 8 million by 2028, benefiting at least 400 community-based organizations committed to protecting sociobiodiversity and life in the territories.
Another landmark moment was the rapid response to the climate disaster in Rio Grande do Sul. In the face of extreme rains that hit the state, Casa Fund mobilized over US$ 560,000 to support 69 community initiatives with flexible and rapid-response funding, directed to emergency actions — from food and temporary shelters to mental health support and the recovery of livelihoods.
There was also significant support for community fire brigades. Over US$ 600,000 were allocated to 75 projects across five biomes — Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest — to strengthen voluntary and community brigades that protect their territories and ways of life against fires and deforestation.
In 2024, most of Casa Fund’s resources were directed to those who live in and protect the territories: Indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and grassroots activists who face the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental injustices every day.
Indigenous peoples led both in number of projects and volume of resources: 158 initiatives supported with US$ 1.96 million donated. Socio-environmental activists received US$ 1.5 million, distributed across 150 projects. Farmers, fishers, quilombola, riverine, and forest-dwelling communities were also among the main grantees — reinforcing Casa Fund’s commitment to support those who care for the Earth on the ground.
Munduruku women dance in a circle to celebrate the declaration of the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land in Pará, November 2024. After decades of mobilization, the historic achievement officially recognizes over 178,000 hectares and strengthens the rights of the Munduruku people — marking a major step forward in protecting the Amazon and preserving Indigenous territories. Photo: Attilio Zolin
The trajectory of the Munduruku people, for example, exemplifies the impact of these grants. Since 2006, Casa Fund has supported the struggle for the demarcation of the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, in the middle Tapajós region, through workshops, self-demarcation expeditions, and mobilizations in Brasília. In 2024, this long journey was celebrated with the official recognition of the territory — a collective victory that reflects the power of community organizing and perseverance.
Despite these advances, the need for funding far exceeds what is available. In 2024, only 34% of submitted proposals could be supported. Over US$ 15 million would have been needed to meet all demands. That’s why mobilizing new resources remains a priority for the coming years — so more grassroots solutions can flourish and grow stronger.
The profile of supported organizations reflects the diversity sustaining the territories. Most projects were carried out by mixed-gender collectives, but women’s leadership stands out: 312 initiatives were led by women, and 48 were made up entirely of women. Youth also played a key role, with 141 youth-centered organizations and 41 projects focused on LGBTQIAPN+ issues.
Casa Fund’s work directly reached 1.9 million people and indirectly impacted around 3.8 million, according to data from the organizations themselves. The Amazon region led in number of initiatives (213 projects) and volume of resources: US$ 2.54 million. But all biomes were represented, as well as actions in transition areas and urban contexts — always with special attention to the most vulnerable territories.
Behind every number lies a story of struggle, care, and transformation. There are networks of traditional knowledge, collective action, and solutions that grow from the territories themselves. In 2025, Casa Fund celebrates 20 years of work, reaffirming its mission to promote socio-environmental justice based on listening, dialogue, and community strengthening.
“Global change begins locally,” reminds Cristina Orpheo. “In the territories, we find the strength, creativity, and knowledge needed to face the biggest challenges of our time.”
May this report be more than an accountability document — may it serve as an invitation to hope, to mobilize, and to build a possible future.
