First Nations CEO Roberts said that his organization is in the business of making the dreams of Native people come true. “We strongly believe that Indian communities have the creativity and wherewithal to solve their own problems. But sometimes they need some technical assistance and a little bit of capital to make those ideas a reality, and that’s where First Nations comes in.”   

Traditionally, First Nations has raised money mostly through private foundations. “But we recognize that individual donors make up a much larger part of the giving puzzle,” and through NativeGiving.org, Roberts believes they can tap into some of that largesse for Native causes.   

So which Native groups spotlighted on the website are expected to draw the most support from donors? “I think you are going to see a lot of interest in arts and culture, food and food systems, and causes that revolve around the health and well-being of children,” Roberts said.   

Lynn Armitage in a contributing business writer and enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin.