Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

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.

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