Member Education Session: Indigenous Tomorrows Fund
Event Description
Our youth are actively reimagining what is possible when philanthropy is grounded in Indigenous self-determination and intergenerational wisdom.Native Americans in Philanthropy is honored to host an exciting, fully youth-led Member Education Session as we pass the mic to our young leaders to share their reflections on the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund's first year of success and what partners can learn from this innovative funding model as it continues to evolve.
NAP's mission to lead innovative investments by and for Native communities can be seen in practice with the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund. In partnership with Newman’s Own Foundation, Novo Nordisk, and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, this participatory grantmaking initiative is the first of its kind in centering young people in designing and awarding funding to organizations that advance the wellbeing of Indigenous communities.
Join speakers from our active cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers on October 14th for an inside look into how the fund was built, the Indigenous values guiding its funding priorities, and what lies ahead for their second year of regranting.
About Our Speakers
This course is both in-person and virtual and embraces Indigenous values that can help create conditions for all communities to thrive. The program additionally comprises of travel, preparatory activities for virtual sessions and presentations, and mentorship provided by NAP staff and partners to support participants in their pursuit of long-term success.
Shandiin Vandervere (Diné) (she/her)
Education Resource Facilitator, Native Americans in Philanthropy
View BioShandiin was born and raised on Diné Bikeyah, filtering through many different towns on the Navajo Nation during her childhood. She currently lives on traditional Ohlone and Esselen lands, now recognized as the Monterey Bay in California.
Her community has guided her professional work, where she has focused on supporting Indigenous-led nonprofits in communication and development roles, working with grassroots organizations like Yee Há’olníi Dóo or larger legacy organizations like the Association on American Indian Affairs.
With a deep appreciation for traveling and learning from new perspectives, she is grateful to have spent three years studying in France for her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and global communications. She continues to freelance as a journalist with work published through Navajo Times, Peacock Plume, and Changing Womxn Collective.
Register for Event
Stories & Updates
Changing the conversation.Get the latest NAP news.
NAP Welcomes Sarah EchoHawk as Managing Director
We are excited to welcome Sarah EchoHawk (Pawnee) as the Managing Director of Native Americans in Philanthropy.
Restoring Buffalo, Restoring a Way of Life: The Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society
The Lakota philosophy continues through the work of the Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society, a community-led effort restoring buffalo, culture, spirituality, and connections between generations.
.jpg)
Indigenous Tomorrows Fund Expands in Year Two With $1.65 Million Investment in Youth-Led Grantmaking
Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) grants.
.jpg)
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund: 2026 Grant Applications Now Closed!
Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) grants.
.jpg)
Native Youth Grantmakers at NAPCON26
The 2026 Native Youth Grantmakers (NYG) convened together for the first time on the homelands of our Coast Salish relatives. Beyond gaining new relatives and networking at every turn, the retreat’s agenda included courses in personal development, cultural grounding, and exploring each participant’s role as members of their respective communities and their new place within the philanthropic sector.
NAPCON26: Highlights From Our 2026 Annual Conference
Over three days in Riverside, California, Native leaders, funders, organizers, and community members gathered for the Native Americans in Philanthropy 2026 Annual Conference.
Native Youth Grantmakers in Seattle
The 2026 Native Youth Grantmakers (NYG) convened together for the first time on the homelands of our Coast Salish relatives. Beyond gaining new relatives and networking at every turn, the retreat’s agenda included courses in personal development, cultural grounding, and exploring each participant’s role as members of their respective communities and their new place within the philanthropic sector.
Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces Third Cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers
Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is thrilled to announce the 2025-2026 Native Youth Grantmakers. These extraordinary and highly accomplished young individuals are the embodiment of passion, excellence, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. As we welcome this new cohort, we celebrate their achievements, their futures, and their dedication to advancing Native-led philanthropy.
Standing Hand-in-Hand: Reflections on Reclamation, Partnership, and Possibility in Hawaiʻi
Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy came together for the Power in Solidarity: Hawaiʻi Funder Tour