First Nations Development Institute’s mission is to uplift and sustain the lifeways and economies of Native communities through advocacy, financial support, and knowledge sharing, envisioning a world in which Tribal Sovereignty is upheld and Native ingenuity and knowledge are honored and respected. First Nations is the most highly-rated American Indian nonprofit in the nation, receiving the top 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator every year since 2013. Founded in 1980, First Nations began its national grantmaking program in 1993, and through mid-year 2025, has successfully managed 4,113 grants totaling over $100.3 million to Native American projects and organizations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territory American Samoa.
Why it matters: First Nations Development Institute matters because it centers Tribal Sovereignty and Native ingenuity in its approach to economic development, recognizing that uplifting Native communities requires advocacy, financial support, and knowledge sharing that honors Indigenous lifeways rather than imposing external development models. By managing over 4,113 grants totaling more than $100.3 million to Native American projects across 45 states since beginning its national grantmaking in 1993, First Nations demonstrates sustained commitment to supporting Native-led solutions at scale. The organization’s status as the most highly-rated American Indian nonprofit in the nation with top 4-Star Charity Navigator ratings since 2013 reflects excellence in stewarding resources to uplift and sustain Native economies and communities on their own terms.
