Native Americans in Philanthropy

Tribal Nations InitiativeThe Tribal Nations Initiative (TNI) was launched in 2021 as a new national platform for Tribal leaders and their staff to strategically engage with the philanthropic sector around their priorities as Tribal Nations. NAP recently completed a national listening tour where it co-hosted regional listening sessions with different Tribes across the country and invited Native nonprofits and funders to participate in the dialogue. The goal was to better understand how philanthropy can strengthen support for Tribal priorities and identify opportunities to build infrastructure for Tribal philanthropy. A report has been published outlining what was learned from this listening tour, including a rich set of qualitative and quantitative data that will guide philanthropy in their work with Tribes. In partnership with the Biodiversity Funders Group (BFG), NAP created the Tribal Nations Conservation and Climate Collaborative. This is a cross-sector partnership with Tribal governments that seeks to strategically connect philanthropic investments with technical assistance, and federal coordination, to support Tribes in their conservation and nature-based climate projects. It consists of a pooled fund, a philanthropic pledge, a funder learning community, and federal coordination facilitated through NAP's MOU with the Department of the Interior (DOI) to stand up the Office of Strategic Partnerships. Since the launch, funding for conservation and climate-related work has been raised. Through an MOU with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), NAP guaranteed and met the match for all Tribal Nation applicants awarded under the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). Over a three-year period, NAP leveraged $4.5 million to ensure funding is accessible to Tribes. Additionally, we provided joint technical assistance with our nonprofit and government partners, and supported Tribal communities with regranted funds for buffalo, capacity building, EIS support related to critical minerals, co-stewardship, and oceans and marine stewardship. The overarching goal is to advance existing landscape conservation plans and/or knit together a diverse stakeholder partnership that develop and/or implement conservation plans. Projects address priority species and/or habitat conservation actions identified in existing plans or other species recovery or conservation plans and are informed by Indigenous knowledge. NAP has collaborated with partners in the field on buffalo rematriation including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Nature Conservancy, and the Intertribal Buffalo Council, to uplift buffalo restoration.NAP continued its efforts in funder education through its quarterly learning series with the Biodiversity Funders Group, which serves as a new space for funders to learn about strategies and opportunities in Tribal conservation from the field. Convenings range from critical minerals and co-management, and NAP has embarked on new areas including offshore wind, oceans, and marine stewardship.

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.