Celebrate Native Nonprofit Day on May 16th: Empowering Tribal Nonprofits to Thrive
May 16, 2025, is Native Nonprofit Day—and it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a nationwide call to action to uplift, support, and invest in the powerful work of Native-led organizations.
As a Native nonprofit consultant and founder of Coppertop Consulting, I help tribal nonprofits turn passion into progress, secure funding, build sustainable programs, and tell their stories in ways that move hearts - and open doors.
Whether you're just starting or expanding your reach, Native Nonprofit Day is your moment to shine.
What Is Native Nonprofit Day?
Launched by Native Ways Federation (NWF) in 2022, Native Nonprofit Day was created to celebrate the impact of Native-led nonprofits and raise awareness about the chronic underfunding our communities face. It’s part of the Power of 10 Campaign, which unites foundations, donors, and allies to bring equitable resources to tribal nonprofits.
Native organizations are underfunded, underrepresented, and underestimated—but we are also resilient, innovative, and community-driven.
Native Nonprofit Day is about changing the narrative and making sure that tribal solutions are funded, celebrated, and sustained.
How Tribal Nonprofits Can Take Action on Native Nonprofit Day
This May 16th, don’t just observe the movement—be part of it. Here’s how you can amplify your impact:
1. Share Your Story
Use your platform—whether it’s your social media, newsletter, or after-school program—to talk about why your work matters. Share photos, quotes, stats, and real-life impact. Make it visual. Make it powerful.
2. Ask for Support
Now is the time to ask your community, donors, and local businesses to donate, volunteer, or partner with you. Use Native Nonprofit Day as an opportunity to engage.
3. Build Your Capacity
Strong storytelling is only one part of the puzzle—so is infrastructure. If your nonprofit needs help with grant readiness, program design, or funding strategy, I’ve got resources for you.
How Coppertop Consulting Helps Tribal Nonprofits Succeed
At Coppertop Consulting, I work alongside tribal organizations to:
Write winning grants
Build sustainable programs
Design culturally relevant community needs assessments
Create logic models that speak funders’ language
Develop strategic plans rooted in your values and traditions
I’ve worked with tribal communities, youth shelters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and ministries across the country—building real, fundable solutions that work.
Start with my free Grant Readiness Checklist — a simple, practical tool to help you understand exactly what funders are looking for.
Download the checklist here
Templates, Tools, and Resources for Tribal Nonprofits
Visit the Coppertop Consulting Digital Store to access tools designed for Native-led organizations, including:
Grant templates
Budget development tools
Program design guides
Logic model builders
Strategic planning workbooks
Each product is made with tribal communities in mind—real tools for real impact.
Book a Consultation
Need hands-on support? Let’s connect. Book a consultation and get tailored guidance for your tribal nonprofit. Together, we’ll create a plan rooted in culture, sustainability, and strategy.
Native-Led. Community-Driven. Future-Focused.
Native Nonprofit Day is a powerful reminder of our strength, our sovereignty, and our solutions. When we invest in Native-led organizations, we invest in generational change.
Celebrate, share, and build something lasting—this May 16 and beyond.
