Native Americans in Philanthropy

What it reported doing in 2024

Research and DataResearch and data play a key role in philanthropy, often determining who receives funding and whether certain programs are considered successful. NAP is a hub for Indigenous leadership in philanthropic data and advocates for more accurate and timely data on Indigenous communities and for supporting Indigenous research practices. The Research and Data team has partnered with Candid to address data inaccuracies regarding Indigenous people in philanthropic records. Our team systematically reviewed existing grant records that support Indigenous communities, peoples, or organizations, correcting misinformation that persists both within and outside philanthropy. The goal of this project is to ensure Indigenous peoples are accurately represented and that philanthropy relies on precise data about Indigenous communities. This year, our team reviewed and corrected approximately 500 records, with plans to expand this work in the coming year. Beyond data correction, we amplify Indigenous voices through organizational reports and research initiatives. This year, we completed two significant reports: First, "Elevating Indigenous Voices in the 21st Century Child Welfare Research Agenda" identifies priority areas within the child welfare system that advances appropriate, responsive, and community-driven practices. Second, "The Impact and Opportunity of Investing Native Communities." report authored by the Bridgespan Group with guidance from Native Americans in Philanthropy, serves as a foundational resource drawing on insights from more than 40 Native community leaders across the United States. This report emphasizes the resilience of Native initiatives while illuminating strategic opportunities for philanthropic investment, unlocking significant impact across Tribal Nations and Native organizations, ultimately strengthening community capacity and self-determination throughout Indian Country. Engagement and EducationOur research and data team has also facilitated workshops using the "5Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy" discussion card deck, developed by our Director of Research and Education. These workshops foster meaningful engagement between Indigenous peoples and non-Native philanthropic partners, building knowledge and facilitating conversations rarely held in traditional philanthropic spaces. We conducted workshops at four conferences in 2025, with plans for four additional workshops in 2026. Seeds of ConnectionIn Fall 2023, Native Americans in Philanthropy released Indigenous Centered, a report exploring the relationship between community foundations and Native communities across the U.S., with recommendations to strengthen accountability to Native peoples. Building on this, the Seeds of Connection project offers place-based workshops that foster mutual learning and relationship-building between Tribal communities and community foundations. These workshops aim to identify collaboration opportunities and align Indigenous priorities with regional philanthropic efforts. Additionally, the Seeds of Connection community of practice serves as a support network for Indigenous leaders and philanthropic partners to connect, share knowledge, and deepen investment in Native communities.Grounded in the findings and recommendations of the "Indigenous Centered" report; in February of 2025 NAP hosted a two-day gathering of Indigenous Community Leaders and Community Foundation Leaders. The two-day event featured place-based learning, facilitated dialogue, and collaborative activities designed to deepen relationships and foster shared understanding. Seeds of Connection offered a space to explore partnership models rooted in mutual respect, trust, and collective growth.In addition to the Seeds of Connection gathering, NAP also partnered with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to fund an additional four to five Native organizations across the state of Oklahoma, as a part of the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Grant Program. Looking ahead, w

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 61.3%; rating input score 61
• Program expense ratio: 73.2%; rating input score 73
• Fundraising efficiency: $19.38 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 99.9%; rating input score 100; 38th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 90%; rating input score 90; 22nd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 16.9%; rating input score 79; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.83; rating input score 59; 59th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.04; rating input score 86; 86th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 12.4%; rating input score 13; 13th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 23.9% per year; rating input score 100; 92nd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 24.7% per year; rating input score 100; 95th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 25.8% per year; rating input score 100; 94th percentile among comparable filings