The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund represents more than a funding mechanism—it embodies a vision for how philanthropy can honor Indigenous wisdom, strengthen the self-determination of Native communities, and support emerging leaders and their vision for a thriving future.
This initiative celebrates the legacy, power, and promise of young people through a participatory grantmaking process and addresses longstanding disparities that affect Indigenous communities.
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We invite you to join this journey—not simply as funders, but as partners in reimagining what's possible when philanthropic resources flow in sync with Indigenous self-determination and intergenerational wisdom.
To ensure ease of participation, the Fund is designed to accommodate a variety of funder-specific grant requirements and focus areas.
Participating funders will:
Building on NAP's long history of participatory grantmaking efforts, the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund is a model informed by best practices and Indigenous values to ensure resources reach communities in a meaningful way.
At the heart of the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund is participatory grantmaking led by young people themselves.
Unlike conventional funding models where decisions are made by those removed from community realities, this Fund transfers decision-making authority to young leaders (ages 14-24) who understand the nuanced needs, challenges, and opportunities within their communities.
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund represents a fundamental shift in how philanthropy operates by:
Through comprehensive training on participatory processes and mentorship from experienced grantmakers and elders, young people will sit on the Fund’s advisory committee, establish funding priorities, evaluate proposals, make final funding decisions, and even support the Fund’s day-to-day operations.
This process will be supported by Native Americans in Philanthropy's expertise while ensuring the authentic leadership of young people remains central.
This year, NAP will launch the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund’s pilot phase with ambitious goals:
Following the pilot, the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund will expand significantly, aiming to deploy $25-50 million over five years to fund and support innovative solutions across the United States.
This expanded Fund will:
Through this comprehensive approach, the fund aims to create ripple effects that extend far beyond the direct investment, catalyzing a movement toward greater Indigenous self-determination in philanthropy.
The Fund is a powerful collaboration between NAP, funders, and community partners.
As a founding partner, Newman's Own Foundation brings a commitment to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.
A key partner who joined to launch the pilot for the Fund, Novo Nordisk brings their commitment to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases.
NAP will continue its history of collaborating with national non-profit organizations implementing youth-led initiatives, drawing upon their wisdom and guidance as established institutions with deep experience in supporting Indigenous youth in their communities.
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund supports projects that uplift young people and strengthen pathways toward community well-being, cultural continuity, and self-determined futures. Projects should align with one or more of the following:
More Updates to Come
To learn more about the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund, contact Kelsey Woody at kwoody@nativephilanthropy.org