A Longmont-based nonprofit was featured in a report highlighting philanthropy’s new era of engagement with native communities.
First Nations Development Institute, which assists Native American tribes and their communities in economic development, was cited by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center in the report, “11 Trends for Philanthropy for 2022.” Specifically, the First Nation’s research into funding for Native Americans was referenced as the report highlighted the new era of engagement with native communities.
First Nations reported that only 0.23% of philanthropic funds went to native-led nonprofit organizations. This reflects findings from other reports that just 0.4% of annual funding by large U.S. foundations was given to Native American causes from 2002-2016.
“While Native American communities have been working for generations to support their lands, peoples and cultures, institutional philanthropy has largely ignored — or actively hindered — that work for over a century,” the report said.
However, the report adds that large investments in Indigenous communities in late 2021 give some reason for optimism. Additionally, growing awareness and presence of native voices in the larger philanthropy scene are helping to grow more interest in financially supporting efforts.
One such instance of bringing Native American movements to the mainstream included researchers from the First Nations Development Institute, who presented with University of Arizona researchers on leadership and gender dynamics in the Native American nonprofit sector at a national nonprofit research conference.
“It remains to be seen whether the funding and resources necessary to begin moving the proverbial needle for Native communities will materialize,” the report said. “As major philanthropic institutions begin to voice support, actionable follow-through will be key.”
First Nations Development Institute works to improve economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance and training, advocacy and policy and direct financial grants prioritizing native lands, food and health, asset-building, community institutions, youth and financial empowerment.
The report emphasized that native communities are forging pathways forward and that philanthropy is situated to help do the work if it can reckon with the continued legacies of colonial systems.
