Changing the Native Philanthropic Landscape: A Study on Mainstream Philanthropic Board Participation

The purpose of this study was to gain greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in creating pathways for Native American participation on mainstream foundation boards and for supporting their effort once they achieve that goal. 

The first part of the study focused on learning from a purposeful sample of identified established and emerging Native leaders through a web-based self-administered survey.  The survey asked questions about respondents' interactions with foundation personnel, about whether they have aspired to foundation board leadership and what motivated that aspirations.  It also asked them to identify potential constraining or facilitating conditions to meet those aspirations.

The second part of the study identified Native women who have served as members of mainstream foundation boards of directors or trustees.  An exploration of conditions that can either facilitate or constrain access to board membership and influence; challenges and opportunities relative to serving on boards; and ideas for fostering greater participation and access in the present and the future.

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