Native Youth Grantmakers

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE 2023 NATIVE YOUTH GRANTMAKERS IS NOW ClOSED

About the Program                                                               

Native Americans in Philanthropy’s (NAP) Native Youth Grantmakers is designed for Indigenous youth aged 18-24 who are connected to their community (urban, rural, or reservation) and want to grow their leadership skills, advocate for Native youth and youth programs, and learn more about the philanthropic sector.

This year-long course is both in-person and virtual and embraces Indigenous values that can help create conditions for all communities to thrive. As Native people, we are the first philanthropists. Today, philanthropy is a critical tool because it supports endeavors from which we can all benefit; however, Native youth are largely left out of that process.

NAP strongly believes that Native youth bring a critical perspective to the world of philanthropy and deserve decision-making power when it comes to the issues that impact us all. This leadership program is designed to directly support emerging Native leaders, to center their perspectives, and to build power in a community of practice of grantmakers. The NAP team will work closely with program participants to help cultivate and nurture their strengths and connect them to key Indigenous leaders in the philanthropy sector.

Program Objectives

Native Youth Grantmakers will focus on:

  • Increasing knowledge of philanthropy
  • Strengthening leadership and advocacy skills
  • Developing and coordinating effective grantmaking strategies
  • Encouraging dialogue between Native youth and Mentors to learn from one another
  • Creating a space to develop meaningful relationships in philanthropy and community

As a major part of the year-long curriculum, participants will have the opportunity to become grantmakers while learning about Indigenous participatory grantmaking processes and implementing their own funding strategies, decisions, and choices that are meaningful to Native youth and their communities.

Sponsoring Organizations & Mentors

(Obtaining a mentor from a sponsoring organization is required for your application submission to be considered complete. Applicants who do not submit a mentor name, contact info, and sponsoring organization will be considered incomplete).

Throughout the program year, Native youth will need to work with a “sponsoring organization” (Tribe, Tribal college or university, or organization) and a mentor representing the sponsoring organization. As part of the application process, applicants will need to provide the name and contact information of both their sponsoring organization and their chosen mentor. Alternatively, NAP invites Tribes, Tribal colleges and universities, and Native-led organizations to nominate a youth (18-24) from their community to participate in Native Youth Grantmakers. 

Sponsoring Organizations- Sponsoring organizations can be a Tribe, Tribal college or university, or an organization. The role of the sponsoring organization is to provide an opportunity for participants to gain an understanding about how that Tribe, Tribal college or university, or organization functions, and how the sponsoring organization fits into the larger ecosystem of philanthropy and community. Sponsoring organizations also provide the opportunity for participants to grow advocacy and leadership skills through an active on-going partnership.

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Mentors- Mentors will be an individual that is officially affiliated with the sponsoring organization. The mentor will support the participant by holding regular meetings to check in on progress, provide guidance, and offer feedback. NAP will hold scheduled meetings to support mentors throughout the program year and to answer questions about participants’ progress toward programmatic goals and objectives.

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Commitment- Should you be selected for Native Youth Grantmakers, you will be expected to:

  • Commit to the entire year-long Because of the nature of this relationship-based cohort experience, it is vital that all Native youth and their mentors be willing and able to participate, be present, and determined to make a difference.
  • Complete assigned readings, videos, and other materials by the assigned
  • Attend four (4) virtual meetings beginning in May of 2023. (NAP will provide accommodations for Native Youth who may need virtual connectivity.)
  • Attend four in-person weeklong gatherings (when possible and subject to travel restrictions and CDC guidance) throughout the program year. NAP will pay for and provide accommodations for lodging, travel, and meals for all.
  • First planned in-person gathering is scheduled for June 2023 in California.
  • Second planned in-person gathering is scheduled for September 2023 in Washington, DC.
  • Third planned in-person gathering is scheduled for March 2024 in New York City.
  • Fourth planned in-person gathering is scheduled for April 2024 at NAP’s annual conference (Location TBD).

Important Requirements for 2023 Native Youth Grantmakers:

  • Applicant must be finished with high school
  • Applicant must be 18-24 years old by March 14, 2023.
  • Applicant must be self-identified Indigenous (Native American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian)

For questions or more information, please email Kristen Pratt at kpratt@nativephilanthropy.org or Danielle Frank at dfrank@nativephilanthropy.org.