About the Foundation

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation is dedicated to supporting, developing and revitalizing the diversity of artistic expression in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities across the United States.

The Foundation was incorporated on Aug. 15, 2007, when visionaries from Indian Country and philanthropy came together to sign the letters of incorporation. With support from the Ford Foundation, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the Wiyot Tribe, the Foundation is permanently endowed and established on solid financial footing with broad-based community support. 

In April 2009, the Foundation announced its president and CEO. With its president and CEO in place, the Foundation is focused on establishing a solid infrastructure and programmatic agenda. Grant-making is expected to begin in 2010.

In the long term, the Foundation’s staff and board are focused on an ultimate vision: a society where flourishing Native arts and cultures are essential to the overall integrity of the cultural landscape.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation is:

• Primarily Native-led
• A collaboration between tribes and Native peoples and other funders
• Permanently endowed
• National in scope