Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) engages individuals within the philanthropic sector in a gathering of nonprofits, philanthropy, emerging leaders, and Indigenous communities for discussions and collaborative action for building philanthropy rooted in Native traditions and values.
These curated education sessions of virtual conversations, panels, and speakers represent the diversity of Indian Country and the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in what is now known as America. These live sessions are designed for NAP members working in philanthropy and focus on how philanthropy can operate differently to center Indigenous perspectives and are also inclusive of people outside of philanthropy.
NAP is purposefully passing the mic to individuals, Tribes, and Indigenous-led nonprofits who are experts in their respective fields. This intentional platform leads the shifting of the philanthropic sector in deeper, more impactful ways that serve the people, communities, and causes they care about–in real-time.
In order to drive meaningful action, and create much-needed change in how philanthropy funds Native causes, Native Americans in Philanthropy sought to build their email list, expand their social media reach, and create an informed and engaged audience that can provide direct funding support to Tribes and Indigenous-led nonprofits.
The Member Education Sessions was designed as a three-part web broadcast series launched in September of 2022 for potential members to learn more about the work of Native Americans in Philanthropy, and the individuals and Indigenous-led efforts they support in the hopes of acquiring new contacts, expanding the overall reach of NAP’s messaging, and engaging possible funders in conversation with Native leaders.
The broadcasts were produced via a virtual broadcasting studio and live streamed to YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn where audience members were in dialogue with each other and the moderator to share stories, ask questions, and create connections.
Native Americans in Philanthropy’s YouTube channel had launched in 2011 and had a limited YouTube following (200 subscribers) and had not engaged constituents or other stakeholders via video in a significant way. So a social media campaign was needed as well as an engaged public audience.
Reaching the very specific audience for the Member Education Sessions can be difficult, and Native Americans in Philanthropy has done extensive work over the past year to articulate and update the organization’s brand, audiences, and communications strategy. With topline goals of building awareness and trust, educating mainstream philanthropists, and implementing a practice of transparency, NAP was able to successfully engage its audiences and build a respectful, caring community. From FY22 to FY23, NAP has doubled both the number of people reached and the number of times their audience engaged with their content.
The Member Education Sessions increased NAP’s YouTube subscriber base by more than 50% in the first three months and was so successful in engaging the community and opening dialogue that it encouraged NAP to continue the series as a public offering instead of limiting the series to a member-only audience.
Since the first episode, NAP has increased its YouTube subscriber base by more than 150%, the MES episodes have been viewed over 9,000 times across, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
NAP has acquired over 600 new contacts, and received feedback from viewers such as the following:
Pualani Enos, Kaulia Creates LLC (she, her, hers) - ”Mahalo Kehau for mentioning the positive impact of alternatives to reimbursement/performance-based funding which is so prevalent. What a relief and support for nonprofits.”
No2h8 - ​”So grateful for this space... leading change in philanthropy for transformation. Thank you.”
Regina Anderson​ - “Thank you so much for providing the space to bring people into the next layer of how to acknowledge our ancestors and modern Native communities.”
The Membership Education Sessions foster impactful conversations and work to move the philanthropic sector with topics ranging from civic engagement to Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ experiences. Focusing on this meaningful content and the important work of creating space for Native Americans in the philanthropic sector, NAP implemented a strategic multi-channel marketing plan utilizing organic and a limited amount of paid social marketing and was able to drive registration and increase reach, awareness, and community engagement - reaching more than 30,000 people since the first episode.
