Seeds of Connection

About this grant

The project goal is to improve equity, accountability and inclusion for Native American communities with community foundations, thus helping community foundations build common ground between Native and non-Native communities. Through its Seeds of Connection initiative launched in early 2025, Native Americans in Philanthropy; 1) conducted four gatherings in the Southwest and Western regions of the United States involving a total of 65 participants; 2) established a Community of Practice; and 3) awarded $300,000 in challenge grants to four community foundations with matching requirements to provide funding to Native communities. Over the next two years the grantee will take the Seeds of Connection initiative to other regions, such as the Northwest and Midwest, continue providing challenge grants to community foundations to drive more funding to Native communities and expand its Community of Practice. Founded in 1990, Native Americans in Philanthropy promotes equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities.