Native Americans in Philanthropy Member Education Sessions: Building Power in Rural and Tribal Communities

March 18, 2026
9am - 10:30am AK 

Click  here to register

FREE for all (no CEs available)

How do geography, culture, capacity, and history shape funding realities? Join Native Americans in Philanthropy as we welcome foundation leaders from across Turtle Island to explore these issues and the unique needs of our rural and Tribal communities. 
As climate disruptions intensify, rural and Native Nations are often the first to experience their most severe impacts. Our speakers will discuss how the philanthropic sector can reinforce community resilience, safeguard land and water, and support the traditional stewards who care for these regions.  
Through place-based funding and building genuine, long-lasting partnerships with local community leaders, philanthropy can play a vital role in meeting the enduring needs of these communities. Many Tribal and rural regions continue to face significant gaps in transportation, healthcare, digital connectivity, and other essential systems. Our Member Education Session will highlight innovative approaches communities are using to bring critical services closer to home, whether through mobile solutions, community-run hubs, or partnerships tailored to local landscapes.   
Join Marissa Nuvayestewa (Tewa and Hopi), Program Officer at the Colorado Plateau Foundation; Joshua Smith (Paiute and Modoc), Grant Director of Indigenous & Native American Causes/Programming at the Roundhouse Foundation; and Paula “Pimm” Tripp-Allen (Karuk and Yurok), Vice President of Community Partnerships and Tribal Relations at Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation for a powerful conversation about what community and economic development success looks like on their own terms.