In Native communities, where giving has long been a way of life, generosity is a shared value rooted in Indigenous tradi­tions that we continue to uphold. Whether sharing resources such as food, time, or wisdom, generosity sustains our people and our cultures. Today, that same spirit of reciprocity is creating new pathways through Native-led online giving campaigns that help us connect with sup­porters, strengthen our impact, and share our stories on our own terms, both indi­vidually and collectively.

At Native Ways Federation, we are leading the year-round #GiveNative movement, helping Native-led nonprofits, including tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), capitalize on the momentum of a collective community movement through participation in annual giving campaigns, like Native Nonprofit Day, and by joining the Native Nonprofit List. Together, we’re showing that when we invest in Native-led solutions, we invest in stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.

Despite generations of leadership and innovation, Native nations and communi­ties remain among the most underfunded groups in U.S. philanthropy. Native Americans make up nearly 3% of the U.S. population; however, according to the First Nations Development Institute, foundation funding for Native-serving nonprofits is extremely low, hovering around .5% of total giving, with Native-led organizations receiving only half that amount. Moreover, TCUs play a crucial role in Indigenous education and receive only a fraction of this overall funding—not nearly enough.

According to estimates from Candid.org, foundations are just one piece of the fundraising puzzle, providing approximately 19% of contributions that nonprofits in the U.S. receive. Gifts via bequests and corporations account for approximately 15% of contributions, while individuals play the largest role in nonprofit fundraising, accounting for 67% of contributions to nonprofits. Furthermore, gifts from individuals are often provided without strings attached, meaning the nonprofit can use those funds however they best see fit. Individual donors repre­sent a meaningful opportunity for Native-led organizations to build flexible, sustained support for their work. Yet many Native-led organizations and insti­tutions face barriers to accessing individ­ual donor spaces, limiting their visibility and connection to donors seeking informed ways to give.

As a national, Native-led nonprofit organization, founded by Native-led non­profits, including the American Indian College Fund, Native Ways Federation is working to change this reality. We provide education and tools that support Native-led nonprofits to advance their work in ways that honor Indigenous values, visibility, and self-determination. Our coordinated giving campaigns, including #GiveNative and Native Nonprofit Day, offer opportunities to put these tools into practice by collectively spotlighting Native-led nonprofits and encouraging donors to make informed contributions to Native-led causes.

At GiveNative.org we host the Native Nonprofit List, a resource highlighting Native-led organizations and support-informed giving to their causes across Indian Country. The list connects donors, funders, and partners with organizations doing critical work across a wide range of issue areas. We are proud to support the growth of this resource and invite tribal colleges to join us in this effort.

To be recognized on the Native Nonprofit List, organizations must be Native-led with at least 51% of the board of directors and leadership team identifying as American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian; demonstrate specific service to Native people and communi­ties; have U.S. nonprofit status as a 501(c)3, 7871 tribal nonprofit, or fiscally sponsored organization; and be in good standing with the IRS as a tax-exempt organization. TCUs that meet the above criteria and submit the registration form on our website will be added to the Native Nonprofit List and will be able to customize their profiles and use key fundraising tools.

As more tribal colleges, Native non­profits, and allies embrace online fundraising, the movement continues to grow. Community networks, digital plat­forms, and initiatives such as Native Ways Federation’s giving days and the Native Nonprofit List help support and amplify this work. We invite you to join us. These initiatives highlight that Native-led organizations, including TCUs, are not just service providers; they are cultural stewards, language keepers, educators, and community builders. They know the solutions their students, nations, and communities need because they live them every day.

Join the #GiveNative movement by participating in Native Nonprofit Day this May and by adding your organization to the Native Nonprofit List at GiveNative.org. To learn more about how Native Ways Federation works to expand informed giving, visit NativeWays.org. Together, we can ensure Native-led organ­izations are supported in building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.