Business Details
37 Years
experience
Advocates for Indigenous-Led Philanthropy and Community Empowerment
We are a Native-led organization dedicated to transforming the philanthropic sector through Indigenous values such as reciprocity and intergenerational support. Founded in 1989, our mission centers on building healthier, more sustainable communities by fostering respectful, meaningful relationships between philanthropy and Native communities. Our team combines diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to Indigenizing philanthropy. Our all-Indigenous Board provides leadership grounded in Native traditions and sector expertise. We prioritize transparency through detailed financial reporting and actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all organizational levels.Our programs, events, and resourcesincluding the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund and Grantwatchdirectly support Native-led initiatives and capacity-building efforts. We advocate for systemic change by educating funders, convening stakeholders, and innovating grantmaking practices that honor Indigenous sovereignty. Our work spans advocacy, education, and resource-sharing to address historical inequities in philanthropy. Through the NAP Journal and public events, we amplify Indigenous voices and stories of impact. We measure success by the growth of Indigenous representation in philanthropy and the measurable improvement of community wellbeing across Native nations.
Services
Philanthropy Advocacy
Grant Programs
Member Education
Event Convenings
Resource Development
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are a Native-led organization with over 30 years of sector experience
- Our all-Indigenous Board ensures culturally grounded decision-making
- We implement grantmaking frameworks rooted in reciprocity and community needs
- We offer specialized education programs for funders and Indigenous professionals
- Our resource center provides exclusive tools for Indigenous-led philanthropy
Services
Philanthropy Advocacy
We advocate for equitable philanthropic investments in Native communities by educating funders and transforming sector practices. Our approach combines Indigenous values with policy analysis to address systemic inequities. This work includes publishing research and convening stakeholders to drive measurable change.
Grant Programs
Our Indigenous Tomorrows Fund distributes grants to Native-led organizations addressing community wellbeing. The program prioritizes youth-led initiatives and uses culturally responsive evaluation frameworks. We partner with foundations to expand funding opportunities specifically for Indigenous communities.
Member Education
We offer education sessions for philanthropy professionals and Indigenous leaders on culturally competent grantmaking practices. Topics include healthcare equity, intergenerational support systems, and sovereignty-centered partnerships. These programs build capacity across the sector through shared learning experiences.
Event Convenings
Our conferences and summits bring together funders, tribal leaders, and advocates to discuss Indigenous philanthropy. Events feature solution-focused discussions, networking opportunities, and showcases of successful Native-led initiatives. We host both in-person gatherings and virtual programming.
Resource Development
We create and distribute tools, guides, and research reports to support Indigenous-led philanthropy. Our Resource Center includes data on Native communities, best practices for equitable grantmaking, and case studies of successful initiatives. These materials are accessible to members and partners.
People
Tracy Rector
Managing Director
Tracy Rector (Seminole/Deg Hitan) leads NAP's strategic initiatives with over 20 years of experience in Indigenous philanthropy. She focuses on expanding funding opportunities and strengthening tribal sovereignty through grantmaking frameworks.
Darlene Johnson
Board Chair
Darlene Johnson (Navajo Nation) chairs our all-Indigenous Board. With decades of nonprofit leadership experience, she ensures our work remains grounded in Native values while advancing systemic change in philanthropy.
Michael Roberts
Founding Member
Michael Roberts (Oneida Nation) co-founded NAP in 1989. He continues to shape our advocacy efforts, drawing from extensive experience in tribal policy and intergovernmental relations to guide philanthropy's role in Native communities.
Questions
What is Native Americans in Philanthropy's primary mission?
We work to increase equitable philanthropic investments in Native communities and transform sector relationships through Indigenous values like reciprocity.
How does NAP support Indigenous communities?
Through grant programs like the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund, education sessions, resource-sharing initiatives, and advocacy for systemic change in philanthropy.
Who leads Native Americans in Philanthropy?
Our team includes Native professionals and an all-Indigenous Board of Directors representing diverse tribal communities and philanthropy sectors.
What funding opportunities exist through NAP?
We administer the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund and maintain Grantwatch listings for Indigenous-focused funding opportunities from multiple organizations.
How can organizations engage with NAP's work?
Through membership programs, event participation, grant applications, and adopting our resource center's best practices for Indigenous community engagement.
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