Native Americans in Philanthropy

Research and DataResearch and data play a key role in philanthropy, often determining who receives funding and whether certain programs are considered successful. NAP is a hub for Indigenous leadership in philanthropic data and advocates for more accurate and timely data on Indigenous communities and for supporting Indigenous research practices. The Research and Data team has partnered with Candid to address data inaccuracies regarding Indigenous people in philanthropic records. Our team systematically reviewed existing grant records that support Indigenous communities, peoples, or organizations, correcting misinformation that persists both within and outside philanthropy. The goal of this project is to ensure Indigenous peoples are accurately represented and that philanthropy relies on precise data about Indigenous communities. This year, our team reviewed and corrected approximately 500 records, with plans to expand this work in the coming year. Beyond data correction, we amplify Indigenous voices through organizational reports and research initiatives. This year, we completed two significant reports:First, "Elevating Indigenous Voices in the 21st Century Child Welfare Research Agenda" identifies priority areas within the child welfare system that advances appropriate, responsive, and community-driven practices. Second, "The Impact and Opportunity of Investing Native Communities." report authored by the Bridgespan Group with guidance from Native Americans in Philanthropy, serves as a foundational resource drawing on insights from more than 40 Native community leaders across the United States. This report emphasizes the resilience of Native initiatives while illuminating strategic opportunities for philanthropic investment, unlocking significant impact across Tribal Nations and Native organizations, ultimately strengthening community capacity and self-determination throughout Indian Country. Engagement and EducationOur research and data team has also facilitated workshops using the "5Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy" discussion card deck, developed by our Director of Research and Education. These workshops foster meaningful engagement between Indigenous peoples and non-Native philanthropic partners, building knowledge and facilitating conversations rarely held in traditional philanthropic spaces. We conducted workshops at four conferences in 2025, with plans for four additional workshops in 2026. Seeds of ConnectionIn Fall 2023, Native Americans in Philanthropy released Indigenous Centered, a report exploring the relationship between community foundations and Native communities across the U.S., with recommendations to strengthen accountability to Native peoples. Building on this, the Seeds of Connection project offers place-based workshops that foster mutual learning and relationship-building between Tribal communities and community foundations. These workshops aim to identify collaboration opportunities and align Indigenous priorities with regional philanthropic efforts. Additionally, the Seeds of Connection community of practice serves as a support network for Indigenous leaders and philanthropic partners to connect, share knowledge, and deepen investment in Native communities.Grounded in the findings and recommendations of the "Indigenous Centered" report; in February of 2025 NAP hosted a two-day gathering of Indigenous Community Leaders and Community Foundation Leaders. The two-day event featured place-based learning, facilitated dialogue, and collaborative activities designed to deepen relationships and foster shared understanding. Seeds of Connection offered a space to explore partnership models rooted in mutual respect, trust, and collective growth.In addition to the Seeds of Connection gathering, NAP also partnered with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to fund an additional four to five Native organizations across the state of Oklahoma, as a part of the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Grant Program. Looking ahead, we are committed to developing a national matching grant initiative that will invite community foundations to co-invest in Native communities in a regionally responsive way. This future initiative will prioritize Native organizations and solutions that reflect the unique needs and strengths of each community.NAP Membership ProgramOur membership program is centered on Indigenous values and is informed by our relationships and a meaningful connection to the greater work in the sector. Our membership types include Individuals, Tribes & Native Non-Profits, Non-Profit Funder & Affiliate Organizations, and Philanthropic Institutions. Through our long-standing membership program, we offer a variety of resources and tools such as webinars, current research, and professional development opportunities while fostering a of community through exclusive access to virtual events, networking groups, and our gatherings held throughout Indian Country.NAP has designed and facilitated thirteen, member education sessions, created member-exclusive content, and hosted membership coffee chats covering diverse topics ranging from Indigenous Journalism to Healthcare in Indian Country. Our Member Education Sessions (MES) and Member Exclusive Content (MEC) broadcasts have garnered strong engagement, averaging 1058 total views on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Building on this success, the NAP membership program plans to launch six additional Member Education Sessions in 2026, uplifting professional insights and collaborative action methods to support areas including: building power in rural and Tribal communities, funding challenges in Native arts and culture, nation building, and many others.