Native American Causes
Below is a list of curated and vetted charities that help the Indigenous Peoples of North America.
The smallest donation helps; any amount makes a difference.
Thank you so much should you decide to give to one of these deserving organizations!
| Organization | About | Donation Link |
|---|---|---|
Apsáalooke Women and Warriors book donation  | The Apsáalooke people, often referred to as the Crow, are known for their bravery and artistry, and their rich culture has developed over centuries in the Northern Plains. This book accompanies a multi-site exhibition at the Field Museum and the Neubauer Collegium. It combines images of contemporary and historic Apsáalooke cultural items and includes essays by Apsáalooke writers. | Purchase the Apsáalooke Women and Warriors book. Note that because you receive this beautiful book for your donation (all proceeds from this book will benefit Little Big Horn College), you can't deduct this donation from your taxes (as is true whenever you donate and then receive something in return). |
| American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AIES)  | AISES was founded in 1977, by American Indian scientists: Manhattan Project scientist and Mohawk, Arnold Anderson, Al Qöyawayma, Carol Gardipe (Penobscot), George Thomas (Cherokee), Jerry Elliott (Cherokee/Osage), Alex Labadie (Osage), and Jim Shorty (Navajo). Since its founding, the society has held the annual, three-day AISES National Conference, which includes the largest job fair in Indian country. | Donate to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AIES) |
First Nations Development Institute | First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through direct financial grants, technical assistance & training, and advocacy & policy. | Donate to the First Nations Development Institute |
Lenapeowsi Foundation of the Delaware Tribe of Nations | The Lenapeowsi Foundation consists of concerned parents, community members, and elders that came together to pass on the Lenape language, culture, and traditions to young tribal members. My series' heroine, Sakima, is Lenape, as is her family and all of the people in the alternative Mannahatta universe. | Donate to the The Lenapeowsi Foundation |
Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) | Partnership With Native Americans is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to championing hope for a brighter future for Native Americans living on remote, isolated, and impoverished reservations. Collaborating for nearly 30 years with our reservation partners, they provide consistent aid and services for Native Americans with the highest need in the U.S. | Donate to the Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) |
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe | Home to the Lakota and Dakota nations, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is committed to protecting the language, culture, and well-being of its people through economic development, technology advancement, community engagement, and education. | Donate to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe |
The Native American Rights Foundation (NARF) | Since 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has provided legal assistance to Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide who might otherwise have gone without adequate representation. 2020 is the organization's 50th Anniversary. | Donate to the Native American Rights Foundation (NARF) |
Water Protectors Legal Collective  | The Water Protectors Legal Collective provides legal support, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing for Indigenous centered and guided environmental and climate justice movements. | Donate to the Water Protectors Legal Collective |
Special Note
This is not an all-inclusive list. There are many great organizations out there! As always, do your research before donating to any charity.
Good places for researching a charity include GuideStar and Charity Navigator. In addition, here’s an interesting article on the subject: Charity Scams: Making Big Business Out of Native American Poverty.
You’ll find a large list of Native American and First Nation charities at the The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) site. For additional information on donating to Indigenous causes, see Funding Indigenous Peoples: Strategies for Support. (Link is to a PDF report.)
Please check back regularly for updates and new charities and let me know of any deserving organization that you’d like to see be added to this list!
