Strengthening Native economies has always been at the heart of what we do at First Nations, and all our programs incorporate an overarching recognition that the resources, assets, ingenuity, and approaches
of Native communities all play a role in their financial empowerment, now and in the future.
of Native communities all play a role in their financial empowerment, now and in the future.
In our strategic planning in 2023, we reflected on how this focus has evolved through the years to include providing financial education to Native communities, advocating philanthropy for greater investment in Indian Country, and adding to the scholarship about Native justice, whether it’s environmental, social, or economic.
To better define this work going forward, First Nations launched a new program area, one focused on providing Native communities, policymakers, and funders tools, resources, and opportunities to invest in
and advance economic justice.
and advance economic justice.
Achieving Native Financial Empowerment
Through this program, First Nations continues to work in partnership with Native American tribes and communities to help individuals and families understand the basics of financial management. This year, we provided 16 financial education classes, reaching over 275 people through financial education trainings and outreach. We published eight Dr. Per Cap articles on our website, and 16 Native students created user accounts to access our $pending Frenzy app, an interactive financial education program that lets participants use play money to spend, save, and learn to budget and make wise financial choices.
Colorado Health Equity – Native American Movement for Health
With the support of the Colorado Health Foundation, which provided a grant of $1.5 million for multi-year funding support to Native Americans in Colorado, First Nations is continuing advocacy in support of health equity. The purpose of this project is to direct culturally responsive philanthropic grants to tribes and Native nonprofit organizations that will strengthen community-based efforts to bolster the physical, mental, social, and cultural well-being of Native people and Native communities in Colorado. Through this project, 15 community partners received First Nations grants to date, ranging from $16,000 to $139,000 based on their community needs.
Building a Movement for Native Justice
First Nations recognizes that there is a need and an opportunity to understand how we can shape public opinion to increase public support for Native American justice. Based on this, a cornerstone of our emerging program is our Building a Movement for Native
Justice project.
Justice project.
Launched with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the project involves compiling and synthesizing research and analyses in line with broader, national discussions about racial equity, ensuring that Native Peoples are involved in conversations about what justice means for Native communities. The project aims to provide an understanding of how Native perspectives and priorities map to public opinion, policy development, and the infrastructure needed to advance Native demands.
Several components of the project were completed in 2023. They include two national surveys of both Native and non-Native people on their views on Native justice, with findings being released in 2024. Other components are the Native Justice Artist Gallery, along with Native Justice Essays by 16 Native leaders and knowledge holders, exploring the concept of Native justice and sharing frameworks for achieving Native justice through Native knowledge and traditions.
Adding to these components is "Invisible No More: Voice from Native America," a powerful collection of essays edited by First Nations’ former vice president Raymond Foxworth, Ph.D., and Steve Dubb of The NonProfit Quarterly. Also included are perspectives from laws and policy experts in Indian Country, as well as insights from Native nonprofit leaders on the role of philanthropy in advancing Native justice in the 21st century. Going forward, First Nations is exploring common themes and threads of these components, translating this body of research into calls to action for philanthropic leaders, policy makers, community partners, and everyone interested in making a more just and inclusive world for all.
