Native American Roundtables
Exciting vision and innovative approaches are emerging from recent roundtable discussions about philanthropy in Indian Country.
Northwest Area Foundation has sponsored meetings of philanthropic and Native American leaders to deepen their understanding of the cultural strengths, economic potential and financial needs within Indian reservation communities. Two meetings in recent years focused on examining gaps and misconceptions, developing far-reaching vision, and outlining a long-term framework for grantmaking in Native communities. By bringing together diverse talent, experience, leadership and ingenuity, funders began to identify how they could realize their respective missions through grants into reservation communities. A long-time supporter in Indian Country, the Northwest Area Foundation uses the information and relationships formed during the roundtables to inform a grantmaking, including the Native American Social Entrepreneurship Initiative launched in 2011. The aim of this two-year cohort is to build reservation economies and community development financial institutions that foster small business development. Another goal is to develop partnerships across many sectors including tribal governments, nonprofit agencies, and private business in order to apply entrepreneurial principles to social problems such as poverty reduction.
Additional roundtable meetings will be held as this initiative develops. For more information, contact Martin Jennings at mjennings@nwaf.org or Justin Huenemann at jhuenemann@nwaf.org.
