The goal of First Nations’ Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice is to foster more equitable practices by philanthropic institutions, resulting in increased access to resources by Native-led organizations and initiatives. Through this Community of Practice, food systems funders have the opportunity to share and sharpen their skills and strategies for investing in Indigenous partners who are leading sustainable agriculture and food systems work in Indian Country.
The project is being implemented through a partnership between First Nations and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) and is made possible with support from Northwest Area Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Key objectives include:
- Increase investments in Native-led initiatives by Community of Practice participant organizations
- Build and strengthen connections between funders with varying levels of experience with grantmaking in Indian Country
- Increase participants’ awareness, advocacy and ability to identify and create change within their internal philanthropic practices to produce a more equitable funding environment
- Help participants establish a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities
Over the course of a year, funders gathered to interact, learn, and build relationships with Native American practitioners, organizations, and communities offering food systems solutions. The newly selected cohort of grantmakers, lenders, and investors who bring a commitment to investing in Indigenous communities have begun to meet and exchange ideas and approaches.