Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) has released its October 2026 Native Youth Grantmakers Impact Report, highlighting how Indigenous youth are reshaping philanthropy through cultural values, leadership, and community involvement.
The report centers the experiences of 13 Indigenous youth leaders from the program’s first two cohorts. The program brought together 18 participants representing 28 Tribal Nations, providing opportunities for mentorship, networking, advocacy, and hands-on grantmaking.
Designed for Native youth ages 18–24, the year-long program helps participants understand how funding decisions are made while empowering them to advocate for their communities.
The findings emphasize five Indigenous values: Relationships, Responsibility, Reciprocity, Redistribution, and Respect. Participants reported increased confidence, stronger connections across Tribal communities, and a greater understanding of how to direct resources toward Native-led initiatives.
The report calls on foundations and organizations to move beyond simply including youth in conversations by giving them meaningful decision-making authority, financial resources, and long-term support.
NAP also highlights its Indigenous Tomorrows Fund, a youth-led initiative allowing young people to make grant award decisions.
The report reinforces that investing in Native youth means investing in the leadership, sovereignty, and well-being of future generations.
Sources:
- Native Americans in Philanthropy, Native Youth Grantmakers Impact Report, October 2026.
- Native Americans in Philanthropy, Facebook announcement, October 2026.
Full report: https://bit.ly/NYGImpactReport
