Our Mission
Native Americans in Philanthropy advocates, educates, convenes and innovates to dramatically increase philanthropic investments in Native communities and transform the philanthropic sector’s relationship with Indigenous communities.
Our Vision
Our vision is for thriving and self-determined Native communities and Nations. To accomplish this, we commit to the following goals:
- Support a powerful national network of Native philanthropic leadership.
- Strengthen the growing movement in the philanthropic sector to be in higher alignment with Native Peoples, communities, and values.
- Increase robust and long-term philanthropic investments in Native communities that support their self-determination, sustainability, and vision for a thriving future across generations.
RESPECT
begins with recognizing the inherent rights, worldviews, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples. This means approaching partnerships with humility, honoring sovereignty, and making space for Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Respect is the foundation of all meaningful and lasting collaboration.
RESPONSIBILITY
calls us to act with integrity, transparency, and intention. It means including Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, designing accessible and flexible processes, and staying accountable to the communities we serve. Upholding this value requires more than good intentions—it demands consistent action and care in every part of the philanthropic relationship.
REDISTRUBITION
asks us to shift both resources and power into Indigenous hands. This includes removing barriers, funding Native-led work directly, and creating space for self-determined solutions. When we invest in Indigenous leadership, we ensure that Indigenous Peoples are decision-makers, not just grantees.
RECIPROCITY
is a two-way street, and to practice reciprocity is to “be open to learning, unlearning, and receiving.” It means sharing resources and knowledge in equal measure and honoring what is offered with meaningful and sustainable support. True reciprocity creates balance and ensures that relationships are grounded in mutual benefit.
RELATIONSHIPS
are the heart of meaningful philanthropy. Building trust takes time and it means listening deeply, showing up consistently, and collaborating with authenticity. Relationships thrive when we invest in long-term connection over short-term outcomes.
Stories & Updates
Changing the conversation.Get the latest NAP news.
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
It's Always A Good Day To Be Indigenous: How NAP Staff Honor Indigenous Peoples Day
This Indigenous Peoples Day, we are proud to center the voices of our staff—community leaders from across Indian Country—who share what this day means to them.
In Pilot Year, Youth-Led Indigenous Tomorrows Fund Awards $720K To 24 Orgs Advancing Community Wellbeing
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.
Elevating Indigenous Voices in the 21st Century Child Welfare Research Agenda
To truly transform child welfare practices and programs, it is essential that the perspectives of Indigenous peoples and Native-led organizations are prioritized.
Indigenous-Led Funds: A Movement with Momentum
It’s important to take a step back and reflect on some of the important progress we’ve made Indigenizing philanthropy.
Fort Peck’s Buffalo Restoration and the America The Beautiful Challenge
In an era of increasing climate crises and biodiversity loss, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes offer Indigenous-led, ecosystem-based restoration.
Transforming Philanthropy Together: Highlights from the 2025 HIP-NAP Joint Conference
A recap of 2025's HIP-NAP Joint Conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico