Resources for Funders

Americans for Indian Opportunity

Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) catalyzes and facilitates culturally appropriate initiatives and opportunities that enrich the cultural, political and economic lives of Indigenous peoples. Founded by LaDonna Harris (Comanche) in 1970, AIO draws upon traditional Indigenous values to foster enlightened and responsible leadership, inspire stakeholder-driven solutions, and convene visionary leaders to probe contemporary issues and address challenges of the new century.

Association on American Indian Affairs

The Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) is an 84-year-old organization with offices in Maryland and South Dakota. AAIA has a long history of successful national advocacy and grass roots initiatives. Current programs fall into four categories: cultural preservation, youth/education, health and federal acknowledgment.

Center for World Indigenous Studies

The Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) is an independent, non-profit [U.S. 501(c)(3)] research and education organization dedicated to wider understanding and appreciation of the ideas and knowledge of indigenous peoples and the social, economic and political realities of indigenous nations.

First Nations Development Institute

Through a three-pronged strategy of Educating Grassroots Practitioners, Advocating Systemic Change, and Capitalizing Indian Communities, First Nations Development Institute is working to restore Native control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own - be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources - and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities.

Harvard Project on Economic Development

Through applied research and service, the Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations. The Harvard Project's core activities include research, advisory services, executive education and the administration of a tribal governance awards program.

Indian Law Resource Center

ILRC is a non-profit law and advocacy organization established and directed by American Indians. It provides legal assistance to Indian and Alaska Native nations working to protect their land, resources, human rights, environment, and cultural integrity. The principal goal of the Center is the preservation and security of Indian and other Native nations and tribes. The organization also helps indigenous leaders and Indian communities to develop the capacity to advocate for and protect their own interests.

National Congress of American Indians

Since 1944, the National Congress of American Indians has been working to inform the public and Congress on the governmental rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Now serving as the major national tribal government organization, NCAI is positioned to monitor federal policy and coordinated efforts to inform federal decisions that affect tribal government interests. NCAI serves to secure for ourselves and our descendants the rights and benefits to which we are entitled; to enlighten the public toward the better understanding of the Indian people; to preserve rights under Indian treaties or agreements with the United States; and to promote the common welfare of the American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Native American Rights Fund

Founded in 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is the oldest and largest nonprofit law firm dedicated to asserting and defending the rights of Indian tribes, organizations and individuals nationwide.

Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development Inc.

The Seventh Generation Fund is an Indigenous non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining the uniqueness of Native peoples throughout the Americas. We offer an integrated program of advocacy, small grants, training and technical assistance, media experience and fiscal management, lending our support and extensive expertise to Indigenous grassroots communities. The organization derives its name from a precept of the Great Law of Peace of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy) which mandates that chiefs consider the impact of their decisions on the seventh generation yet to come.


Issue-Specific National American Indian and Alaska Native Resource Organizations for Funders



Regional American Indian and Alaska Native Organizations



Native American Internet Resources for Funders

  • Indianz.com
    Our mission is to provide quality news, information, and entertainment from a Native American perspective. Every weekday, Indianz.Com publishes two to three features on news worthy issues and/or other topics of interest. You can read stories on a wide range of topics, including legislation, court decisions, health issues, and politics. We gather resources and links on Native American sites on the web. Indianz.Com is based on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska. We also have an office in Washington, DC.
  • PECHANGA.net
    A commercial internet news service operated by Victor Rocha Communications, LLC.
  • Indian Counrty Today
    Since 1981, Indian Country Today has been a persuasive voice in American Indian journalism, leading the way with accurate and timely reporting, incisive analysis and pointed commentary. Indian Country Today publishes more original journalistic content on American Indian issues than any other news source.
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