Indigenous Philanthropy

America's well-known generosity: a tenet of Native American spirituality and philosophy for centuries

First Nation organizations and communities from coast to coast are actively building philanthropic programs as an important piece of Indigenous nations self-sustainability.

Prominent Native American philanthropy organizations.
All descriptions are taken from their websites.

First Nations Development Institute

Our mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We invest in and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.

With the support of individuals, foundations, corporate and tribal donors, First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance and training, advocacy and policy, and direct financial grants in six key areas:

  • Achieving Native Financial Empowerment
  • Investing in Native Youth
  • Strengthening Tribal Community Institutions
  • Advancing Household Community Asset-Building Strategies
  • Nourishing Native Foods Health
  • Stewarding Native Lands

First Nations is the most highly-rated American Indian nonprofit in the nation. Founded in 1980, First Nations began its national grantmaking program in 1993.

Native Hope

Our Mission: Native Hope exists to address the injustice done to Native Americans. We dismantle barriers through storytelling and impactful programs to bring healing and inspire hope.

Our Vision: Over the course of two centuries in North America, there was a near genocide of Native American peoples and their way of life. Now, the unhealed wounds of this genocide continue to affect the health and prosperity of Native communities across the continent.

It is time for a healing of these historical wounds and a restoration of trust. Native Hope is a resource that helps Native communities meet their needs. We talk with community members, listen to their challenges, and partner with tribal entities to find solutions—in a unified effort to dismantle barriers, empower leaders, and give hope for a promising tomorrow.

We respect the sovereignty of Native nations. Their leaders and communities know what is best for their people. Today, despite limited funding, tribes are working to rebuild a strong foundation and achieve sustainability. These resilient people are on a journey of rediscovery and healing.

Native Americans in Philanthropy

The mission of Native Americans in Philanthropy is to promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities.

Our vision is for all Native communities to be restored to full health and sustainability through responsibility.

To accomplish this, we commit to the following goals:

  • Increase philanthropic investment in Native communities to strengthen and expand community-based solutions.
  • Strengthen supports for Native, philanthropic and nonprofit leaders to further diversify the sector.
  • Improve the availability of regular, reliable data and Indigenous-led research on philanthropic giving to Native communities.

Restoring Native communities to full health and sustainability will take all of us. Join our sacred circle.

more organizations will be listed ...

Summaries on this page

First Nations Development Institute
Native Hope
Native Americans in Philanthropy