Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

Overview: A first-of-its-kind participatory grantmaking initiative that places decision-making power in youth leaders (ages 14-24). Youth are mentored by experienced grantmakers and Elders, invited to sit on the Fund's advisory committee where they establish funding priorities, evaluate proposals, make final funding decisions, and support day-to-day operations.

Award Amount: $30,000 per grant

Program Vision: The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund provides a vision and working model for how philanthropy can honor Indigenous wisdom, strengthen the self-determination of Native communities, and support emerging leaders and their vision for a thriving future.

Geographic Scope: National (Indigenous communities across United States and Canada)

Pilot Year (2025) Results:

$720,000 awarded

24 organizations funded

Youth-led grantmaking process mentored by experienced grantmakers and Elders

Funding Focus Areas (2025 Pilot Year)

Projects that:

Uplift young people

Build pathways toward community well-being

Promote cultural continuity

Support self-determined futures

Promote food justice and access to nourishing foods for children

Advance community health and wellness

Deepen connections between food, culture, and healing across generations

Eligibility

Organizations serving Indigenous/Native communities that align with funding priorities:

Community-based organizations

Tribal organizations

Nonprofit organizations

Programs focused on youth and community wellbeing

Grantmaking Model

Youth Leadership: Decision-making power held by youth leaders ages 14-24

Mentorship: Youth mentored by:

Experienced grantmakers

Elders from their communities

Advisory Committee: Youth sit on the Fund's advisory committee and:

Establish funding priorities

Evaluate proposals

Make final funding decisions

Support day-to-day operations

Partners

Funders:

Native Americans in Philanthropy

Newman's Own Foundation

Novo Nordisk

Contact Information:

Savannah Baber: sbaber@nativephilanthropy.org (for contributions)

Website: nativephilanthropy.org/ITF

Native Americans in Philanthropy, 1200 G Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005

info@nativephilanthropy.org