Native-Led Work
A Commitment to Funding Self-Determined Prosperity and Lasting Change for Native Communities
In 2012, we committed to invest 40 percent of our annual grant dollars in support of Native-led organizations. From 2012 to 2023, we invested more than $87 million in Native-led organizations—45.6 percent of our $192 million in awarded grants during that period.
We’ve met, and often exceeded, our 40 percent commitment since 2012 with funding focused on supporting efforts that produce good jobs, thriving businesses, and restructured systems to strengthen Native communities. Our goal has been, and will continue to be, to support resourceful problem solvers working to build equitable economies within Native communities, where prosperity is locally defined and is shared by all.
Our funding and strategy are guided by listening to our Native-led grantee organizations and understanding how we can best be allies now and in the future. We’ve learned a lot from our Native-led grantee partners, and these learnings helped guide our new grantmaking approach.
Four Key Concepts Strengthen Our Grantmaking for Native Communities
Collaboration Is Key
Grantees Inform Us
Culturally Anchored Models Work
Systems Change Is Grounded in Justice
Our broader vision of advancing racial, social, and economic justice results from supporting changemakers who help Native Americans thrive on their own terms by liberating themselves from policies, practices, and beliefs designed to disadvantage them.
We are honored to support our Native-led grantees as they respond to the aspirations and needs of the people they serve, reimagine solutions to address new realities, and restructure systems for stronger communities.
Let us know about your organization.
If you’re from a Native-led group within our region of eight states and 76 Native nations that share the same geography, give us your contact info and a detail or two about how your work connects to our four funding portfolios and provides a better, more equitable future for Native communities. We’ll keep your info on file for updates and to contact you if/when there are opportunities for further engagement.
