The Wisdom of the Giveaway: A Guide to Growing Native American Philanthropy

This document was part of the Multicultural Philanthropy Project, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. A series of fourteen guides examine the ways in which various gender, ethnic, cultural, religious and racial groups use their gifts of time, money, and talent. They reflect the ways giving and voluntarism are embedded in American life and challenge the notion that philanthropy is the exclusive province of elites. The guides include discussion topics, research questions, and literature overviews with annotated bibliographies. They were developed both to integrate the study of philanthropy into the curricula at colleges and universities, and to provide a tool to nonprofit professionals in the area of development and fundraising. Each volume provides background information on a selected community that will help practitioners work effectively with these groups. This volume offers an overview of giving traditions, and the possible vehicles through which Native American communities share their assets. A joint effort of the Center for the Study of Philanthropy and the First Nations Development Institute, the guide is designed to enable Native and non?Native individuals to learn more about the philanthropic traditions and cultures in Native communities. Philanthropy has long played an important part of Native American society. This guide is of interest for those who wish to expand their understanding of Native communities; it is also designed for those who are directly engaged in developing the practice of giving within these communities in the context of a rapidly changing social and economic environment. It explores traditions of giving and then analyzes different aspects of giving and receiving gifts as well as contemporary vehicles for giving.