Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP), in partnership with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, is facilitating stronger relationships among Indigenous Communities and Community Foundations.
In the Fall of 2023, NAP released a report on the subject titled "Indigenous Centered" which examines the current relationship between community foundations and Native Americans across the United States. The report highlighted ways in which community foundations can improve their accountability to Native communities.
Grounded in the findings and recommendations in Indigenous Centered, in February of 2025 NAP hosted Indigenous Community Leaders and Community Foundation Leaders from throughout the Southwest (NM & CO), Southern Plains (TX, OK, KS), and Southeast (AR, AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) regions for a two day event titled Seeds of Connection.
NAP’s Seeds of Connection Regional Gathering took place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma February 3rd & 4th, 2025 and featured place-based learning tours, facilitated dialogues, and a variety of collaborative activities designed to foster engagement and shared understanding. This event offered a unique opportunity for community foundations and Native communities to come together to explore collaborative frameworks that benefit both parties. Through these interactions, we aimed to nurture relationships grounded in mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to shared learning and growth.
This and all future gatherings are invitation only. To inquire about attending a future gathering, please contact NAP Research & Data Administrator Brian Barlow at bbarlow@nativephilanthropy.org. If you'd like to recommend a colleague, please include their details in your email.
Seeds of Connection Regional Gathering
Event Agenda & Session Information
Feb 03-04, 2026
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Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) promotes equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We have more than a 30-year presence in the field and work closely with our counterpart organizations advocating for tribal communities. The cornerstone of our work is our relatives and our networks. We support several communities of stakeholders that work together to build knowledge, community, priorities, and power in the sector. These networks include Native professionals in philanthropy, elected Tribal leaders, Native youth leaders, Native philanthropic executives and board members, and Native nonprofit leaders.
We leverage the power and wisdom of these networks to: (1) increase the authentic visibility of Native people and communities; (2) develop tools and resources to educate funders; (3) establish more meaningful and trusting relationships that align with our Indigenous values; and (4) increase funding and accountability to Indigenous-led organizations, grassroots movements, and tribal Nations.
Over more than nine decades, the Mott Foundation has sought to advance and strengthen the well-being of all aspects of community — from individuals and families to the institutions that serve them. We continue to refine our work to reflect changing conditions in our hometown of Flint and communities around the world. Learn more about how we pursue our mission of promoting a just, equitable and sustainable society.
We were happy to provide travel grants to select Gathering Participants and thankful to have them in attendance!
A 2-day Convening of Indigenous Community Leaders & Community Foundation Leaders based in the Southwest, Southeast, and Southern Plains Regions (NCAI, Regions)
Indigenous Community Leaders:
Community Foundation Leaders:
We loved welcoming everyone to historic Oklahoma City, OK!
Huge amount of gratitude for the First Americans Museum (FAM) and its staff for contributing to a successful gathering. We also want to thank the staff of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel for taking such good care of us and our guests during our stay.
First Americans Museum
659 American Indian Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73129
(405) 594-2100
Skirvin Hilton Hotel
One Park Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
skirvinhilton.com
(405) 272-3040
Thank you for your time and commitment in attending the gathering.
We look forward to strengthening the connection between community foundations
and Indigenous communities together!
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