Our Origin Story

While Indigenous communities are the original philanthropists, there is a contemporary part to the Native Americans in Philanthropy story. The Native Americans in Philanthropy creation story begins at the 1989 Council of Foundations conference. At this national philanthropy convening of over 2000, a small delegation representing Native Americans/Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiians and Asian American/Pacific Islander philanthropic professionals came together over a meal.

Barely able to fill a table for ten, the group was startled by the fact that the “brown” table (referred as by those present) could not be filled. It became glaring clear the need more diverse voices in the sector but also:

Philanthropic professionals from communities of color desired culturally connected professional development opportunities,

Native communities had no platform in philanthropy to raise awareness and advocate for funding to Native and Tribal communities.

Over the past 30 years, Native Americans in Philanthropy has become a powerful and continuously growing network of Native and non-Native nonprofits, tribal communities, foundations and community leaders committed to engaging, learning and sharing resources and best practices grounded the Native tradition of reciprocity. All are welcome to join the Native Americans in Philanthropy circle. Anyone and everyone who is interested in including Native peoples in creating deep and long-lasting impact, systemic and sustainable change in all of our communities. Native Americans in Philanthropy’s mission is to advance philanthropic practices grounded in Native values and traditions.

Today we are led by CEO, Erik Stegman.