The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is excited to announce the release of its new report, “Indigenous Voices and Practices: Recommendations for Grantmaking to Native-led Organizations.” This first-of-its kind report provides collective recommendations from established Native-led nonprofits of how grantmaking could be implemented to ensure success as defined by Indigenous communities.
This report is a result of dedicated Indigenous leaders and practitioners from across the country who share their knowledge and expertise with funders, foundations and grantmaking organizations. Over the course of two days, Native leaders developed guiding recommendations and shared important insights to assist funders in their efforts to create meaningful, long-lasting relationships with Native-led organizations and the communities they serve. The intent is to inspire deeper relationships and to improve results as determined by Native and Indigenous communities themselves.
“A primary goal of this report was to help identify and strengthen relationships between Native-led and Native youth serving organizations and funders,” says Justin Kii Huenemann, president and CEO, NB3 Foundation. “At its heart, this report is about trusting and respecting Indigenous knowledge and practices and investing in Indigenous communities with the full confidence that solutions rest in those communities.”
Tatewin Means, executive director, Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation shared, “The convening, and report, are powerful examples of the strength of Indigenous people when called upon to share collective insight and wisdom. No matter how difficult the conversation may be, we are always willing to share the truth, our truths, because it means our Indigenous nations will benefit.”
This report shares with funders a means to better align their funding models with Native-led organizational values and approaches. It also highlights the importance of respecting and valuing Indigenous evaluation methodologies and outcomes.
“We are grateful to the NB3 Foundation and the Indigenous leaders they assembled for showing all of us, especially funders trying to assist Indigenous people, how to be better, more humble agents of healing and wellbeing,” said Dr. Michael Painter, MD, Senior Program Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
It is critical that the quality of life for Native and Indigenous youth and families is improved, that there is respect for tribal and community values, and an assurance that Native-led organizations receive the necessary financial support to sustainably operate.
Available for download HERE.
