Our Approach
Philanthropy in Indian Country requires a broader lens and a more community-grounded understanding of success.
Our grantmaking and strategy are grounded in trusted, long-term relationships that help us listen carefully, respond with humility, and support community-defined progress. In Native communities, meaningful change often happens through small restorative steps. We want to foster informed funder partnerships that respect Native leadership, sovereignty, and long-term relationships.
Traditional philanthropy often measures success by scale and speed. In Native communities, those metrics can overlook what matters most. Our work has shown the importance of setting aside externally imposed expectations and recognizing success as communities define it. Emerging leaders, stronger organizations, and restored community traditions may seem small, but they are essential to long-term community vitality.
Innovative Grantmaking that Supports Community-Led Work
Immediate Funds
Urgency and immediacy can often fall on the shoulders of our leaders. FCV wants to resolve these with fast finacing solutions. As well as offer funding for local community events:
- Immediate and responsive funds to address current or emerging needs
- Operating funding or bill pay that didn't get projected in the budget
- Cultural celebration funding to support community defined cultural priorities
Operating and Capacity Support
We recognize that strong organizations require sound infrastructure. When appropriate and welcomed, FCV helps bring resources to support:
- Financial efficacy and long-term sustainability
- Accurate financial records following standard accounting practices
- Proper checks and balances in financial processes
- Board development, governance facilitation, and strategic planning
- Support for new or evolving staffing needs
Advisory & Consulting
FCV can connect partners with trusted advisors, including:
- Financial advisors
- Legal support
- Grant writing and compliance assistance
- Independent contractors
- Strategic planning
- Professional development scholarships, with an emphasis on leadership development
Building Collaborative Investment
A core part of FCV’s bridge building work is encouraging collaboration across philanthropy by:
- Attracting other funding organizations to invest in Native-led partners
- Creating opportunities for funders to learn directly from Native communities
- Facilitated gatherings that bring together community leaders and external stakeholders
Guidelines for Investing in Native Community Vitality
- Be mindful of Tribal sovereignty and value the uniqueness of each Tribe.
- Seek to understand Native culture and customs.
- Appreciate Native intelligence and embrace affirmative, asset-based frameworks.
- Deepen understanding of shared values.
- Build long-term, reciprocal relationships based on respect, trust, honor and humility.
- Invest for the long-term; be patient and willing to take risks.
- Be willing to recast what success looks like and use a Tribal lens to do so.
