Kelsey Woody
(Navajo)
Director of Membership & Indigenous Leadership
Kelsey is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and has spent his professional career supporting the missions of Native-led non-profit organizations.
Prior to joining NAP, Kelsey coordinated and managed conferences for Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs (EPICS) and the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). He also worked as an advocate for Native children with disabilities, bridging a gap between Native families, the NMPED, and the New Mexico Departments of Health (NMDOH).
Most recently, Kelsey worked as the Event and Meeting Manager for the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) where he managed conferences and meetings that supported the improvement of health outcomes for the 574+ Tribes across Indian Country by bringing together Tribal leaders, legislators, and policymakers. Today, Kelsey leads NAP’s membership program, Indigenous leadership programs, and the planning of NAP's conferences, meetings, and events.
Stories & Updates
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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