Giving Compass' Take: 

• Indigenous leadership offers lessons in responding to COVID-19 and how philanthropists can help invest capital into solutions. 

• What are the major challenges for Indigenous communities during this time? 

• Read more about what Indigenous communities are suffering through during COVID-19. 

This report analyzes philanthropic investments in response funds led by Indigenous people and communities, shares the perspectives of community leaders who organized these efforts, and provides key actions for the philanthropic sector to invest in a thriving and sustainable future for Indigenous communities.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • $32,202,568 in philanthropic funds were distributed to Native communities between March and October of 2020
  • 15 nonprofit organizations raised $23,494,625 and 56 GoFundMe platforms raised $8,707,943

The report reviews important lessons from the ongoing crisis in Indigenous communities and calls on philanthropy to invest in Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives, to maximize general operating support, diversify vehicles for investment, identify regions and communities that face serious funding disparities, invest in Indigenous community strengths and leadership—not their deficits, and invest in tribal policy advocacy and tribal leadership.

Read the full report about Indigenous community leadership during COVID-19 at Native Americans in Philanthropy.