Disaster Philanthropy and Native Americans: Practical Tips for Funding On and Off Reservations

Native Americans are a richly diverse and growing population, but as an ethnicity, they are disproportionately affected by disasters. This reality is true for those who live on reservations and in urban areas. And yet, Native Americans are greatly underfunded by philanthropy: From 2002 to 2016, large U.S. foundations gave, on average, 0.4% of total annual giving explicitly for Native American communities and causes.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) hosted a webinar to explore how funders can increase their funding to Native causes and groups after a disaster. Speakers discussed ways to build the trust needed for a respectful and authentic funder-grantee relationship.

Dr. John T. Cooper, Jr., Assistant Vice President for Public Partnership & Outreach at Texas A&M University and CDP Advisory Council Chair, moderated the discussion and panelists included:

• Jesalyn Keziah (Lumbee), Community Engagement Program Officer, American Indian Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Heidi Schultz, Program Manager, Native American and Tribal Communities Disaster Recovery Program, CDP
• Dawn Knickerbocker (Anishinaabe, White Earth Nation), Vice President of Development and External Engagement, Native Americans in Philanthropy

This webinar was co-sponsored by United Philanthropy Forum, The Funders Network, Native Americans in Philanthropy, Giving Compass, CHANGE Philanthropy, Philanthropy New York and Council on Foundations.

Please see the slide deck and watch the webinar recording to learn more:

Photo: Youth model the regalia they made at Wambli Ska, a Native outreach organization in Rapid City, South Dakota. (Source: Cante Heart, Wambli Ska Society)