Native Americans In Philanthropy

Native Youth GrantmakersNative Youth Grantmakers is designed for youth aged 18-24 who are connected to their community (reservation, rural, or urban) and want to grow their leadership, advocate for youth and youth programs, and learn more about the philanthropic sector through relationship building.The Native Youth Grantmakers program focuses on: - Strengthening leadership, communication, and advocacy skills - Increasing knowledge of philanthropy and the relationships between communities and funders- Developing and coordinating effective grantmaking strategies - Encouraging dialogue between youth and mentors to learn from one another - Creating a space to develop meaningful relationships in philanthropy and communityDuring this reporting period, the activities included several key gatherings, each offering opportunities for network building, insight into the philanthropic sector, community learning, and reflection. The gatherings focused on themes such as building relationships, which established connections among participants and with the broader philanthropic community, and growing networks, which enhanced collaboration by expanding peer-to-peer networks and introducing participants to new contacts within the sector. Youth were engaged and empowered to take ownership of their roles within the movement, fostering accountability and a deeper understanding of shared goals.Additional gatherings further enriched the program, with several cross-functional events with other youth-centered programs, and meetings with funders. Through site visits to foundations and nonprofits, participants learn about the philanthropic landscape, engage with key stakeholders, and build community among peers. By centering the voices and power of youth within a philanthropic community of practice, we not only foster the next generation of youth leaders but also influence the philanthropic sector to better support Indigenous self-determination initiatives. This multi-faceted approach advances NAP's long-term goal of restoring Indigenous prosperity through aligned philanthropic investments.Indigenous Tomorrows FundThe Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led, participatory grantmaking initiative launched by Native Americans in Philanthropy to support Indigenous community-defined solutions. Centering Indigenous values and leadership, ITF places funding decisions in the hands of youth ages 14-24. In its pilot year, the Fund will award 24 grants to organizations working at the intersections of health, food justice, conservation, education, and cultural healing. ITF aims to strengthen Indigenous well-being, promote self-determined futures, and reimagine philanthropy by shifting power to those closest to the issues. To operationalize the pilot year, NAP recruited and hired an alumnus of the Native Youth Grantmakers program to provide coordination and oversight for the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund. The ITF team convened an advisory committee of youth, elders, and leaders in the philanthropic sector to guide the design of the grant program. After launching the grant opportunity, NAP recruited and trained 21 young people between the ages of 14-24 to review grant applications and select award recipients. We trained participants on reading and scoring applications using a standard rubric, and we also provided education about the philanthropic sector and its relationship to social impact. We received over 400 applications, and the youth participants collaboratively deliberated to identify 24 grantees. We will award grants of $30,000 to each recipient, and we will continue to work with youth to evaluate the impact of the program. Native Philanthropic Professionals Working GroupThe Native Philanthropic Professionals Working Group (NPP) connects Native people working in philanthropy, provides targeted resources, and supports growth as an individual and community member. NPP members participate in quarterly meetings and can access NAP's library of reports and resources. These include its monthly Membership Education Sessions, which explore how Native people are tackling current and historical challenges and provide a forum to share best practices and personal stories. These sessions are designed for members working in the philanthropic sector who want to engage in deep conversations in the field and develop closer community connections. Over the last year, NPP has convened for various quarterly, sector-related discussions, creating opportunities for participants to connect with others who are doing similar work within their foundations or other funding organizations. NPP provides a space not only for professional networking and connection, but also as an opportunity to dive deeper into Indigenous 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.