Native American organizations are severely underfunded. As a result, when disaster strikes Native communities are disproportionately affected in their recovery. To address persistent underinvestment in Native communities and organizations, more funders need to be engaged in meaningful and intentional ways.

Investing in Native Communities, a philanthropic data tracking partnership between Candid and Native Americans in Philanthropy, reports that from 2002 to 2016, large U.S. foundations gave, on average, 0.4% of total annual funding to Native American communities and causes. Twenty percent of large foundations give to Native communities and causes, but most give only one or two grants. Most grant dollars are for program support (56%), while only 15% goes to general operating support. However, general operating support is often viewed as essential for Native-led organizations to have the flexibility and autonomy to achieve their missions.

During a recent webinar hosted by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), Disaster Philanthropy and Native Americans: Practical Tips for Funding On and Off Reservations, a panel of experts discussed how funders could work in community with tribal organizations to create partnerships for change.

Dr. John T. Cooper, Jr., Assistant Vice President for Public Partnership & Outreach at Texas A&M University and Chair of CDP’s Advisory Council, moderated the discussion with Heidi Schultz, CDP Program Manager, Midwest Early Recovery Fund, Native and Tribal Communities Disaster Recovery; Jesalyn Keziah, MSW, a member of the Lumbee Tribe and the Community Engagement Program Officer at the American Indian Center at UNC Chapel Hill; and Dawn Knickerbocker member of the Anishinaabe, White Earth Nation and Vice President of Development and External Engagement at NAP.

Key Takeaways for Donors

Build solid and deep relationships with tribal grantees and their communities. Philanthropy is often a transactional relationship, which doesn’t work in tribal communities, mainly because of the history of colonialism and systemic discrimination.

“Relationship and reciprocity are not things that happen immediately. It requires intentional, not transactional interactions – work moves at the speed of relationship,” said Keziah. Schultz added, “We invest more time with each partner because we know that as funders, we need to take that time to build relationship and trust and comfort with each other, to have fruitful partnerships.”

Building relationships may need to include reconciliation. Much of the wealth in this country was built off of Indigenous land. Humble yourselves as funders and recognize the harm that may have been done to generate your assets. Knickerbocker shared, “Philanthropy was built off of the enrichment of the people who came here, off the land.”

Trust in tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty. When working with Native Americans, you may interact with sovereign governments, not a typical non-governmental organization. Understand the differences. Work to build upon their existing knowledge and help leverage their capacity.

“Be patient and get to know the Native communities, look towards sustaining their work with multi-year funding, capacity building and training; developing their people,” said Keziah.

Native Americans are in every place and every sector. No matter the activities you fund, there are Native peoples within those programs and communities. Think about how to enhance funding to provide outreach and additional supports to meet their unique needs. Find Native leaders and Native-serving organizations in urban areas.

Keziah explained, “Everywhere you live there are Native people around you - it’s not just the stereotypical reservations. It is as simple as looking around, are there Urban Indian Centers in the area? If you intentionally look, you will find us, and we are familial. We congregate together in community. So once you find someone to talk to, follow that web out, and you will find more of us.”

Give Indigenous knowledge and wisdom the credit it is due. We often rely on white-led organizations to solve problems that Native communities have grappled with since time immemorial. Environmentalism, homelessness, stewardship of land and water, and many other social issues are just a few areas where we should lean to tribal communities and Native-led organizations for direction and support.

Knickerbocker reminded us, “We are still here, and we are thriving, reconnecting with and protecting Mother Earth.”