2006 Annual Report
As the Chairman of Native Americans in Philanthropy, I am honored to extend greetings on behalf of our Board. We are pleased to report on the progress achieved by our organization, partners and members in 2006. Here is a brief word about the past year.
Our first annual Native Philanthropy Institute, held in April 2006, was an important milestone. This event was developed in direct response to feedback from our members. It brought together a diverse group of philanthropic professionals, Native and non-Native leaders. After two days of information sharing, skill building, networking and education, the Institute created a momentum that propelled us throughout the year.
Another important milestone in 2006 was a new endeavor to focus our communications, messaging and outreach activities. Working with NAP staff, a communications committee of board directors and NAP members, and a qualified outside consultant, we are enhancing and upgrading our web presence, electronic and print communications and membership outreach. A key goal of this work is to raise our visibility with key leaders in the Native and philanthropic communities.
Most important of all, we successfully launched a Native nonprofit leadership development program that is intended to have broad impact both locally and nationally. We are proud of the first Circle of Leadership participants, nine individuals who are committed to service and interested in pursuing careers in philanthropy or developing tribal philanthropic giving programs for the ultimate benefit of Native communities. After participating in the 18-month program, these leaders are applying new lessons to their important work in Native communities. Further, we hope that program components can be shared with similar efforts across the country.
Taken individually, each of these initiatives is significant. But taken together, they represent an unprecedented effort by Native Americans in Philanthropy to arm a new generation of philanthropic leaders with the experience; knowledge and unified resolve that we all need to confront the many stubborn challenges facing Indian Country. Please read this Annual Report carefully. We hope you will share our pride in the hard work and accomplishments it describes. If you have any questions or comments, please share them with me, my fellow board directors, or our staff members.
Sincerely,
David Cournoyer
