Resource
Publication | Research and Advocacy for Native Economic Justice
As part of First Nations’ focus on Research and Advocacy for Native Economic Justice, as well as Strengthening Native American Philanthropy, in 2024 we led the Native American Nonprofit Organization and Leadership Survey.
The survey built on First Nations’ 2004 research on “The Emerging Sector: Nonprofits in Indian Country,” which was the first-ever comprehensive study of a growing and vital, yet unexplored, group of organizations that provide services to and for Native peoples.
This 2026 brief presents findings from the survey to understand the experiences, concerns, and priorities of Native nonprofit leaders during a time of political change. Native nonprofit leaders expressed high levels of concern about the current political climate, uncertainty, shifting funding priorities, and changes to federal policy. They also provided a variety of recommendations, including encouraging funders to continue investing in Native communities, Tribal Sovereignty, and community self-determination; be brave; increase philanthropic payouts; and give more and give differently.
Further, leaders of Native nonprofits encourage funders to be transparent and communicate, continue to build relationships, champion the work of Native nonprofits, and invest in policy and advocacy work.
