December 6, 2024
Urging Philanthropy and Foundations to Do Better by Native Americans
This week, First Nations published two new reports revealing the lack of investment and representation of Native Americans in the nation’s philanthropic sector.
Native Americans and Board Representation on America’s Largest Foundations analyzes 158 large U.S. foundations and finds that only 7% of America’s largest foundations have Native American board representation. In addition, Native Americans make up only 4/5th of 1% (.8%) of foundation board of director members. Through this report, First Nations calls for foundations across the U.S. to actively take steps to increase Native American representation.
On the Matter of Foundation Giving: Examining the Inequity of Private Philanthropy’s Investment in Native Communities highlights the importance of publicly available data in the Investing in Native Communities data map. It raises questions about how data is measured and how to more accurately capture philanthropic giving to Indian Country. Further, it underscores how overall foundation giving has increased to Native organizations and causes. Yet, the overall share of philanthropic resources supporting Native organizations and causes, including Native-led organizations, is still less than 1%.
The report asserts that Native organizations as a whole need more foundations to support them, and existing supporters to continue to support Native-led organizations. It is in Native-led organizations where Indigenous knowledge systems are driving local change to rebuild Native nations and lifeways altered by colonization.
First Nations Shares Study Findings from American Electorate Voter Poll
Last week, First Nations released findings from our latest study contending that Native American voters remained largely absent in the pre-election discussions by election experts and pundits due to nearly no credible data available for the Native American electorate. While many national survey findings and takeaways have been reported in the wake of the 2024 election, the 2024 American Electorate Voter Poll conducted by African American Research Collaborative (AARC) and BSP Research reflects the most accurate data specific to Native Americans available.
Findings of the poll are detailed in this Summary Document and were featured this week on Brookings. They were also shared in a one-hour webinar. Miss the event? Access the presentation materials and recording here.
Two More Webinars in Celebration of Native Lifeways: Register Now
National Native American Heritage Month has officially ended, but at First Nations, we acknowledge and honor Native cultures and vibrancy year-round. Join us for two more events to keep the celebration and learning going.
Webinar 3: Education Systems and Program at Jemez Pueblo with Kevin Shendo
Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 10 am MT
Kevin Shendo, Director at The Pueblo of Jemez Department of Education, will share the story and work of the Jemez school system. Jemez Pueblo has created a model education system to strengthen the Jemez language and culture within the Pueblo. Register here.
Webinar 4: Impact of First Nations and Value of Your Support
Monday, December 16, 2:30 pm MT
In this final webinar, First Nations’ JoAnn Melchor (Santo Domingo Pueblo) and First Nations’ President and CEO Michael Roberts (Tlingit) will discuss First Nations’ language and cultural projects occurring nationally and within New Mexico’s Pueblo communities. Mike will share how these efforts are sustained and made possible thanks to the support of individual givers, local and national foundations, and corporations. Register here.
Fortifying Our Forests: Register Now for USFS Community Forest Program Office Hours
Attention: Federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, qualified nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, and local governments. Join First Nations and the U.S. Forest Service for online office hours on the Community Forest Program (CFP) on December 12, 2024, at 1 pm MT. An overview of the CFP will be provided, and participant questions will be addressed. Register here.
The CFP offers a competitive grant opportunity that provides matching funds to purchase forested lands for a community forest. Applications are due to state foresters or equivalent tribal government officials by January 13, 2025. Additional information about the program is available on the Community Forest Program website.
First Nations has small capacity grants of up to $10,000 and technical assistance to support tribal applications to the CFP. For more information about First Nations resources please visit here.
Reminder: First Nations’ “Bring Back the Native” Campaign is going on now. Give now and double your impact in support of our Tribal Lands Conservation Fund.
Convening, Sharing, Learning, and Laughing at First Nations’ All-Staff Meeting and Holiday Party
All First Nations’ staff were in Longmont, Colorado, this week to share highlights of our new five-year strategic plan and cement best practices in cross-program alignment and building capacity to better meet our mission.
We took time out to celebrate the season at our holiday party. Highlights again were the annual book exchange and “Ugly Holiday Sweater” contest. All of us at First Nations value this time together, and we thank First Nations’ leadership for creating these regular convenings and traditions. Special thanks to First Nations’ artist friend Gordon Coons for contributing his talent to our staff t-shirts!
Message from Jona Charette, First Nations’ Associate Director of Individual Giving
Before 2024 comes to a close, First Nations is encouraging all our supporters to be strategic with their contributions by making a tax-smart gift. Tax-smart gifts have become increasingly popular because they allow supporters to give more efficiently, potentially reducing taxable income. Consider making a gift today from a portfolio of appreciated stock or cryptocurrency, Donor-Advised Fund, or IRA account (if you’re 70.5 or older).
This secure online giving platform helps you learn more about the benefits of each gift type and guides you through the donation process. We recommend making your gift before December 10, 2024, to ensure there is time for your brokerage, custodian, or DAF provider to process the gift and return your receipt before the end of the year. Thank you!
Support Indigenous Communities on Colorado Gives Day
As a nonprofit organization headquartered in Colorado, we’re excited to celebrate Colorado Gives Day, the state’s largest 24-hour giving event. On or before December 10, 2024, First Nations is encouraging people to support Indigenous-led nonprofits and initiatives in Colorado and to celebrate the work of nonprofits nationwide. For a list of First Nations’ community partners in the state and across the country, access our grantmaking directory here.
