For 20 years, the NB3 Foundation has been empowering Native youth and communities through sports, health and leadership programs. Founded in 2005 by Notah Begay III (Diné/Pueblos of San Felipe and Isleta), a four-time PGA Tour winner and NBC Sports/Golf Channel analyst, we’ve helped thousands of Native youth stay healthy and active!
Where it all started:
Starting with a junior golf program led by Notah’s father, Notah Begay, Jr., Native youth from the Albuquerque area were introduced to golf, a sport often out of reach for both rural and urban Native American youth. This program served as an introduction to the positive impact sports can make on a young person’s life: discipline, goal-setting, etiquette, pride and health.
As the NB3 Foundation’s scope and reach expanded, additional programs were created to further address Native children’s health through sports and physical activity. In 2009, the NB3 Foundation launched a comprehensive health and wellness program to ensure a holistic approach in addressing childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among Native American children. Additionally, the foundation initiated a soccer program at the Pueblo of San Felipe, which included the first-of-its-kind professional sports field at a pueblo.
Where we are today:
The NB3 Foundation continues to grow, collaborating with community to drive lasting impact in Native youth health:
NB3FIT is a direct youth leadership and development program currently serving Native American and tribal communities in New Mexico. Through sports programs, NB3FIT provides direct programming designed to get Native youth healthy and active. NB3FIT hires young adults from the surrounding tribal communities to mentor and coach Native youth. Through curriculum-based programming, the coaches encourage our four core areas: Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, Youth Development and Cultural Connections.
Community Empowerment is providing Native American communities, tribes and Native-led organizations with resources, tools, information and inspiration needed to create measurable impact and sustainable change in their own communities that benefit their children’s health. NB3 Foundation approaches its work community partners by recognizing that Native American communities have inherent knowledge, assets and values to address Native children’s health. By employing a variety of funding pathways, communities are able to focus their efforts at the levels they believe would have the most impact.
Evaluation and Research works to further Indigenize evaluation and research practices that reflect and respect the communities we serve. We do this by honoring community knowledge, stories and practices that have supported centuries of resiliency and determination. When communities are the architects of their own evaluation approach and their own research agenda, then the measures, impacts and knowledge gained are owned by and matter to the community.
Where We’re Going – Join Us!
For our 20th anniversary, we’re asking you to give $20 in honor of 20 years to support Native youth.
Your donation helps:
Expand sports programs to more communities
Train and hire Native coaches and mentors
Build sustainable, community-led solutions
Together, we can make the next 20 years even stronger!
The foundation continues to offer programs throughout the year such as Jr. Golf, Soccer, Track, Cross-Country, Basketball and more. Your support will help us continue these programs in communities for years to come!
