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Native Americans in Philanthropy seeks to engage Native and non-Native peoples in understanding and advancing the role of philanthropy through practices that support Native traditional values for current and future generations.
Native Americans in Philanthropy celebrates the rich history that Native peoples have in sharing their wealth and caring for their communities. Native Americans in Philanthropy is comprised of individuals who seek to enrich the lives of Native people through bridging organized philanthropy and indigenous communities in order to foster understanding and increase effectiveness. Native Americans in Philanthropy seeks to strengthen indigenous communities by:
- Establishing and maintaining a communication flow for continuous dialogue between the philanthropic and indigenous communities;
- Providing professional development opportunities and support for Native people working in the field of philanthropy;
- Encouraging Native definitions of development and self-determination in indigenous communities; and;
- Uplifting Native philanthropy as a reflection of our common good.
Native Americans in Philanthropy was formed in January 1990 when a group of
Native people affiliated with philanthropic institutions convened at a
national meeting in Chicago to discuss the socio-economic status of Native
people and the limited role philanthropy had played in helping this
population. Over 30 people including staff, board members and consultants to
foundations and corporate entities participated and discussed issues
affecting Native people. At the meeting it was determined a formal
organization needed to be created that would have as its central mission,
the ongoing task of improving philanthropic grantmaking within Native
communities. With this mandate, the participants formed Native Americans in
Philanthropy. Since that first gathering additional conferences and
educational forums have been conducted to raise the level of awareness in
philanthropy about Native communities. To date, it has evolved as the only
national organization with the sole purpose of increasing the effectiveness
of philanthropy related to Native people.
Specifically, Native Americans in Philanthropy was created with a mission to
advocate within the philanthropic community the promotion, development,
effectiveness and growth of philanthropy in Native communities. Native
Americans in Philanthropy also seeks to leverage and expand the sources of
philanthropic dollars going toward Native issues and concerns, and to build
the capacity for expanding and managing Native philanthropic institutions
and programs. In pursuit of this mission, Native Americans in Philanthropy
serves as a forum for partnerships between Native people, donors,
foundations and other interested philanthropists, and improves the
understanding about the unique aspects of Native people and how philanthropy
can help Native people increase their access to opportunities within the
philanthropic community.
From its beginning in January 1990 until October, 1993, Native Americans in
Philanthropy functioned as an all volunteer effort. On October 13, 1993,
staff was hired and the organization was able to consolidate its efforts and
build its institutional capacity for fulfillment of its mission. Along with
staff, the Board of Directors maintains an active role in policy and program
development. The addition of a committee structure assists in their
fulfillment of these roles.
For more information or questions you can contact Native Americans in
Philanthropy by phone (612-724-8798), fax (612-789-0613) or email
info@nativephilanthropy.org
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