At Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP), we believe that achieving true equity in philanthropy is incomplete without the leadership of our youth.

Native youth bring a vital perspective to the philanthropic sector and deserve decision-making power on issues that impact us all. The Native Youth Grantmakers (NYG) program was founded to introduce Native youth to the flourishing community of Native-led philanthropy organizations and Indigenous professionals. It aims to educate participants about the sector, develop their leadership skills, and include them in participatory grantmaking through the Native Voices Rising collaborative.

The 2023 Native Youth Grantmakers cohort recently completed their year-long program, and we’re excited to share their journey and the impact they’ve already begun to make within their communities.

Expanding Youth Leadership 

The 2023 Native Youth Grantmakers cohort, our second, is comprised of ten individuals who have already exhibited exceptional leadership within their communities. This diverse group includes recent high school graduates, undergraduates, and young professionals, all working to make a difference within their Tribes and communities. We are incredibly proud to recognize these remarkable participants:

• Nicholas Conrad (Osage Nation)
• Haley Garreau (Lummi Nation/First Nations)
• Kalāmanamana Harman (Native Hawaiian)
• Sage Innerarity (Ione Band of Miwok Indians)
• Ruby King (Karuk and Yurok Tribes)
• Mikayah Locklear (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina)
• Letkwu Moore Stanger (Colville Confederated Tribes)
• Dasia Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe)
• McKaylin Peters (Menominee)
• Quinn Smith (Chickasaw Nation/Choctaw Nation)
  

Leadership Development & Network Building 

Providing first-hand experiences through NAP staff and mentors is central to the NYG program. A combination of virtual and in-person events allowed participants to build confidence and gain clarity on navigating their professional journeys. The 2023 cohort attended leadership retreats, professional development sessions, and networking events, including official program events in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New York, and Minneapolis, where they connected with the broader Native-led philanthropy community.

The 2023 Native Youth Grantmakers are active members of the NAP network, with their most visible participation occurring at the Native Americans in Philanthropy 2024 Annual Conference. The Grantmakers didn't just attend the conference, they hosted their own breakout session and were featured speakers in the plenary session "Building Bridges Across Generations", sharing the stage with established Native philanthropy leaders, including one of NAP’s founders. The pride we felt as these Indigenous youth leaders took center stage was immeasurable.

Uplifting Youth Voices with Native Voices Rising  

The Native Youth Grantmakers program truly lives up to its name by offering participants real-world experience in grantmaking through the Native Voices Rising initiative.

A collaborative effort led by Common Counsel Foundationand Native Americans in Philanthropy, Native Voices Rising supports organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement within American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Eligible organizations are community-rooted, Native-led, and committed to creating positive change for Native peoples. With a grant review panel made primarily of Indigenous leaders, this initiative serves as a working model of support for grassroots groups led by and for Native communities and to amplify Native voices elevating Indigenous solutions to historic harms and society’s most pressing issues.

As part of this process, Native Youth Grantmakers gain meaningful experience by serving as grant reviewers, helping to allocate funds while deepening their understanding of the challenges faced by Native communities. This partnership enables Native Youth Grantmakers to become representatives of real change, amplifying their own and other youth perspectives while making a lasting impact.

Graduation and a Look To The Future

The Native Youth Grantmakers program is rooted in the belief that Native youth offer critical insights that should shape decisions in their communities. The 2023 cohort exceeded expectations, demonstrating passion, focus, and professionalism throughout the program. Despite juggling school, work, and personal commitments, these participants fully immersed themselves in the program’s rigorous schedule, from virtual meetings to in-person retreats, mentor sessions, and grant reviews. Their dedication speaks volumes about their character and reflects the values of their Tribes and communities.

The Native Youth Grantmakers program has been one of NAP’s most successful initiatives, with two highly impactful cohorts. As we continue to expand our catalog of leadership programs, we are excited to create even more opportunities for Native leaders across all ages and sectors. Stay connected with us on social media and visit nativephilanthropy.org for updates on when NAP will be accepting new applicants for their leadership programs.