Portland Nonprofit Receives Multi-Million Dollar Gift for Native Arts and Cultures

PORTLAND, Oregon, June 23, 2021 – The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) has been awarded a multi-million dollar gift in support of its mission to advance equity and cultural knowledge. A Native-led organization, NACF focuses on the power of arts and collaboration to strengthen Native communities and promote positive social, cultural and environmental change. NACF is one of 286 high-impact organizations nationwide that received $2.7 billion in gifts from philanthropists MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett.

“We would like to express our warmest gratitude to MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett for acknowledging NACF’s work and impact in the Native arts and cultures field with this generous commitment,” says Lulani Arquette, NACF President/CEO. “We are at a pivotal moment in Indigenous communities in which creative forces are aligning for the good of all. As NACF grows our organization and programming, we believe art is a powerful force to bring about transformative change, healing and understanding.”

While Native-led nonprofits are often overlooked in philanthropic giving, Native artists and organizations are doing profound work to strengthen Native communities, change misconceptions about Indigenous peoples and create space and opportunities for Indigenous voices to be amplified. NACF is pleased to receive this gift in the company of other valued Native recipient organizations, and is inspirited by the support, recognition and visibility this will bring to Indigenous issues.

“We are grateful to be included alongside so many vital organizations in our collective efforts to uplift the strengths of American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native people and support positive social change,” says Arquette.

The gift comes as NACF transitions to a new national headquarters in Portland, Oregon, after taking ownership of a historic building in the city’s vibrant southeast neighborhood. The Center for Native Arts and Cultures (CNAC) will be a robust community asset and gathering place for Native artists and local partnerships. NACF has distributed over 500 grants since 2009 to artists and arts organizations in 34 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about NACF and CNAC, visit www.nativeartsandcultures.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Barbara Soulé 
Multimedia Manager
& Lead Graphic Designer 
barbara@nativeartsandcultures.org 

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