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In Dakota, the word Wičhíčhaǧa  can be translated into English to mean, “to thrive.” Wicha refers to the plural “they” or a collective and íčhaǧa  means “to grow.” Thriving, in Dakota culture, correlates with the concept of collective growth and an understanding that true progress requires a cumulative approach by the whole, rather than focusing on individual successes and benefits.

Aspiring to true progress, this report was born from a series of conversations with Native nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. The essential questions posed were:

1. 1. What does a thriving Native nonprofit sector look like, on our terms?
   2. What will it take to get there?

Native nonprofits have not, historically, been provided the opportunity or support to define success on our own terms, in a way that reflects the values and goals of the communities we serve. Rather, the goals and “success” are more often defined by non-Native funders—those holding the power and monetary resources needed for Indigenous organizations to survive.

Therefore, NWF has chosen to share the key elements we identified to educate and advocate for collective progress. What we heard from Native leaders is that thriving is continuous and is both a frame of mind and a state of being. It is our hope that this report sheds light on how philanthropy can partner with and support Native communities.

Please download the full report by clicking here.

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