Native Americans in Philanthropy recently hosted their 2012 Native Philanthropy Institute, and as part of its annual award ceremony, recognized Philanthropy Northwest as its Partner and Ally of the Year. The Partner and Ally Award was given for the first time this year and is designed to recognize non-Native organizations that demonstrate a leadership role in partnering with Native organizations.
Philanthropy Northwest was nominated by Tommer Peterson of Grantmakers in the Arts. “Philanthropy Northwest seemed like a natural fit, given their history. At the core of this was Philanthropy Northwest’s approach to learning about working in Indian Country,” says Peterson. He cites intentional efforts to begin a journey into Indian Country by listening and learning – by finding opportunities to partner with Native Americans in Philanthropy and Native leaders in a variety of ways, creating spaces for funders and Native leaders to develop relationships, and featuring Native-led programming, including conference sessions, over the years.
