Heart Story Curation: Indigenous Feminist Justice Leadership & The Philanthropic Call to Action

Abstract

Of the $3.9 Billion dollars flowing within the philanthropic sector, only 0.04% goes to Native American serving organizations according to a 2019 report (NAP & Candid, 2019). An even smaller amount goes toward supporting efforts for Native American women and girls. This mixed-methods study seeks to address the dire gaps in funding within Native philanthropy and seeks to define Indigenous Feminist Justice efforts from a post-COVID-19 lens. Evidenced through this study, the research highlights Indigenous resilience, as it relates to Native Women leading healing efforts in Indigenous communities. The researcher conducted a national survey and hosted two focus groups to better understand what kinds of healing efforts are being led nationally so that that recommendations could be made through private investments, venture capital opportunities, as well as continued fund development. Through the recognition of Indigenous Feminist Justice Leadership strategies, the field of philanthropy can learn best practices around trust-based giving and is an overall call to call for practitioners to fund this work.