Kelly Dennis, Esq.
(Shinnecock and Hassanamisco Nipmuc)
Partnership Strategist
Kelly joins Native Americans in Philanthropy as Partnership Strategist through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to support private-public partnerships with Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and other NGOs. Kelly works to support public-private partnerships with local and international foundations and NGOs, as well as businesses and other private sector entities in the realm of conservation and co-stewardship, economic development, climate resiliency and adaptation as well as education initiatives including those strengthening Native languages and cultural revitalization.
Kelly is an attorney who previously served a full two-year term as Councilwoman Secretary for the Shinnecock Indian Nation Council of Trustees elected governing body. Kelly also served on the first-ever DOI Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) and was appointed to be the Eastern Region Primary Representative during her term as an elected Tribal Leader. Kelly received her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law with an American Indian Law Certificate after participating in the Southwest Indian Law Clinic (SILC), Tribal Law Journal, and the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA). A cum laude graduate of Middlebury College, Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science and a minor in Japanese language studies. Kelly is admitted to the practice of law in New York State.
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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
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.