Native Americans in Philanthropy
Challenge
When Erik Stegman joined Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) after serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, NAP had undergone several leadership transitions and was facing challenges, like financial and structural instability, that are not uncommon for nonprofits at a crossroads. Before NAP could deliver on a vision of fostering sustainable, long-term investments in Native communities, there was hard work to be done. To create a solid foundation for growth, Stegman needed a partner to help navigate the organizational turbulence ahead.
Action
Together, guided by a north star vision, Stegman and LBC Action conducted an exhaustive, top-to-bottom assessment of NAP’s staff, systems, and structures and identified the steps necessary to achieve the organization’s strategic goals. This process included an overhaul of financial, HR, and membership systems, development of a C-Suite staffed by leaders whose instincts, experiences, and priorities aligned with NAP’s values, and a shift in management structure that freed Stegman to focus on high-touch, high-impact course setting and relationship-building.
Impact
In recent years, NAP has expanded its national influence by advancing Native led funding strategies. Landmark initiatives like the Tribal Nations Climate & Conservation Funding Collaborative, the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund, and the Biden Administration’s White House Tribal Nations Summit have drawn further investment, including two gifts from MacKenzie Scott through Yield Giving totaling over $20 million. The partnership has also helped give rise to a multi institutional youth development initiative known as the Open Pathways Project (OPP) which is led by NAP in collaboration with the Aspen Institute, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, and the YMCA.
Partners
Services
- Stakeholder Strategy
- Facilitation
- Matchmaking and Compatibility Assessment
- Structures for Partnership