Strengthening Native American Philanthropy

About this grant

In response to the continued decline of federal funding as well as a lack of private sector and philanthropic investment, Native Americans have started seeking alternative strategies to support development activities in tribal communities. Multiyear funding will support the development of a program to increase the number of native philanthropic institutions and programs that actively support the native nonprofit sector and native communities, and to provide opportunities for collaboration among these institutions and their non-native counterparts. Program objectives include developing and disseminating resource material addressing the various aspects of strengthening Native American philanthropy; organizing at least two regional conferences to educate Native Americans; conducting research on Native American philanthropy; maintaining a database of tribal foundations; engaging policymakers and regulatory agencies on methods to promote local efforts to improve Native American philanthropy; raising awareness of Native American philanthropic issues; encouraging communication between native philanthropy and the mainstream philanthropic sector; and convening an annual advisory committee to provide updates and input on the program.First Nations Development Institute, founded in 1980, helps native communities control their assets and build the capacity to direct their economic future.