Past Accomplishments

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  • In 1990, Native Americans in Philanthropy began with 30 members at the first meeting.
  • An annual membership meeting was established and continues to be the highlight of member involvement and Native Americans in Philanthropy membership activities. The annual meeting includes a plenary session and honoring reception.
  • Elections for positions on the Native Americans in Philanthropy Board of Directors are held annually.
  • In 1993, Native Americans in Philanthropy hired its first staff person. Donna Chavis was named Executive Director. The national office opened in Lumberton, NC.
  • A Native Americans in Philanthropy newsletter was started in 1994 as an information and outreach tool to members and associates.
  • In April 1995, the First Annual Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award was presented.
  • Over the years, Native Americans in Philanthropy has developed a number of publications which were disseminated to its members for free or reduced cost. These publications include:

    1. 1990 Report on Giving to Indian Organizations
    2. 1996 Survey of Grant Giving by American Indian Foundations and Organizations
    3. 1996 Philanthropy and Native Peoples: An Update for the Years 1991-1993
    4. 1999 Down But Not Out: The Nonprofit Sector in Native America and the New Federalism
  • In April 1996, an agreement was signed with the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy Fund Raising School to develop the curriculum entitled Principles and Techniques of Fund Raising for Native American Organizations and Constituencies. In July 1996, the first course was offered to the tribal colleges of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
  • In 1997, a membership survey was developed and distributed to the membership. An updated survey is conducted periodically to engage feedback from the membership.
  • In 1998, Native Americans in Philanthropy distributed Giving With Honor: A Legal Reference on Charitable Activities of American Indian Tribes, a resource manual developed in collaboration with the Council on Foundations.
  • Native Americans in Philanthropy celebrated its 10th Anniversary in April 2000 with a special program entitled Honoring Generosity held in Los Angeles, CA.
  • In April 2000, the First Annual Flying Eagle Woman Community Based Philanthropy Award was presented. The award is given in honor of Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa.
  • The national office was relocated to Little Canada, MN in 2002. Kerry Bird was hired as Executive Director.
  • The following standing committees were established to coordinate activities and services for Native Americans in Philanthropy and its members: membership, development, program, and communications.
  • The Board of Directors developed a new strategic plan at its retreat in San Francisco in June 2003. The plan focuses on membership development, services and products.
  • Native Americans in Philanthropy announces the selection of a new Executive Director, Joy Persall.
  • Native Americans in Philanthropy is a recognized affinity group of the Council on Foundations (COF) and participates annually in its national conference by coordinating workshop sessions and providing materials for the resource center.