As a Metis Anishinaabe-Kwe fundraiser and donor, I am mindful that this place we call Minnesota has been home to generous philanthropists since time immemorial. Philanthropy, as many of us know it today, is a newer system, but Indigenous peoples have been giving and sharing here, always. Furthermore, our communities have long practiced cultures of care and kin-keeping that have held and supported us all in both wealth and abundance.
As a member of the GiveMN Green Team, I look forward, every year, to Give to the Max Day – the day when our state collectively shows care for nonprofits and schools all across the state. At the same time, we know generosity happens more than just one day. All year round, organizations are mobilizing our communities to give abundantly, solve critical problems in our society, and celebrate the joy of what’s possible when we all come together in support of the place we call home and the bright, equitable future we believe we can build here for everyone.
Our friends at Native Ways Federation (NWF) are a great example of what this real-life abundance looks like. On Friday, May 17, 2024, they are hosting Native Nonprofit Day, a giving day focused on supporting Native-led organizations across Indian Country! And we hope you’ll join their movement with us.
Here’s why.
Less than 0.4% of all funding from foundations each year goes to Native-led causes. Native Nonprofit Day is just one way we can begin to address this critical gap for Native organizations.
Our partner and NWF Executive Director Carly Bad Heart Bull, JD (Flandreau Santee) said it best: “Native Nonprofit Day is an opportunity to spotlight the needs of Native communities on a national scale. Native-led organizations know, firsthand, the necessary solutions to help Native people. This campaign is an opportunity to celebrate the strengths of these organizations while also uplifting their need for ongoing fundraising.”
To be part of Native Nonprofit Day, join me in making meaningful donations to a Native-led organization on GiveMN.org! You can also see a full list of Native organizations located in Minnesota on the Native Ways Federation’s website to meet causes that may be new to you.
Like any giving day, Native Nonprofit Day is bigger than the moment when we make our donations. It’s also a time to go beyond dollars and show support for Native organizations by spreading the word on social media using hashtags like #NativeNonprofitDay, #GiveNative, and #SupportNativeLed, telling friends and family about the importance of supporting Native-led organizations, and finding other ways to provide support through activities like volunteering.
Thank you and Chi Miigwech for being part of our generosity and community. Also, thank you in advance for your support during Native Nonprofit Day 2024!
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