A key strategy toward Strengthening Tribal & Community Institutions is to invest in their long-term community and economic development. This involves improving and increasing the amount of funding flowing into Native communities and enhancing their ability to leverage that funding into future opportunities for their own economic and cultural sustainability.
In line with this, First Nations conducts and publishes research to shed light on the current state of funding to Native communities and how the philanthropic sector can better invest in Indian Country. Resource publications are highlighted below, and additional research reports, community perspectives, and funder perspectives are featured in First Nations’ Knowledge Center: Philanthropy in Indian Country.
Also, to amplify Native voices and advocate for greater equity and inclusion within the philanthropic sector, First Nations provides resources to Native communities to build their fundraising capacity and to philanthropic funders to raise awareness of investment opportunities.
First Nations leads the Native Fundraisers Community of Practice, an ongoing project designed to help leaders of Native nonprofits and tribal government programs improve the quality and quantity of philanthropic funding solicitations. At the same time, through the new Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice, food systems funders are learning skills and strategies for investing in Indigenous partners who are leading sustainable agriculture and food systems work in Indian Country.
We also help build the skills and capacities of professionals in Native-led organizations and nonprofits through multiple Grantseeker Resources, including recorded webinars.
