It’s common to hear statistics like the $40 billion it would take to end world hunger or the $30 billion to end homelessness in the United States. And yes, a billionaire like Jeff Bezos could single-handedly pay to make sure everyone in this country is fed and sheltered for the next 3½ years—even if he never made another penny. These statistics highlight how wealth redistribution could address major human rights crises, but they often overlook the collaborative, innovative work that could turn a one-time influx of cash into lasting systemic change. With the current freeze on federal funding—and its severe impacts being felt across industries—philanthropists and grassroots organizers have a unique opportunity to join forces and shift the paradigm. In today’s hostile political climate, funders and organizers must defy fear-mongering, reject conformity, and shift strategies—and they must do so together. This is the moment to be bold and to expand infrastructure and sustainable systems for justice. We can’t afford to wait and see just how bad things get, or to hold onto philanthropic resources until the next presidency. Real change demands more than one- or two-year commitments. NOW is the time to invest in sustainable systems for justice. We cannot afford to wait for the next presidential election to act. We need major, sustained, decades-long, and trust-first investments in the people who have the experience, courage, and vision to challenge the status quo. For generations, Indigenous Peoples have been ready for moments like this. With years of ancestral knowledge and experience, they understand the challenges we face; this is not a new struggle. It is time to place our trust back in the hands of those who have the solutions in their communities—those who are already working for change. That's why earlier this year, NDN Collective launched our For The People Campaign. This campaign is designed to provide critical resources back into Indigenous communities through our existing grantmaking programs and organizing work. The goal is to strengthen the movement, enhance the resiliency of frontline actions, and continue making transformative change under this authoritarian administration. The movement is calling, fund the frontlines today! ndnco.cc/ftpcdonate Illustration by Erica Pretty Eagle Cozad. https://www.yesmagazine.org/opinion/2025/04/17/self-determined-foundations-commitment (fb)

NDN Collective is honored to uplift the work of Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute, a 2024 NDN Community Self-Determination grantee. 🌱🌽⚡ Based in the Village of Kykotsmovi on the Hopi Reservation, Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture has been planting seeds for a powerful Hopi future since 2004. They work to create community-based solutions to pass knowledge to future generations and rebuild resilient and healthy communities, engaging the community to revitalize Hopi culture, knowledge, and traditions. The focus of their work is to equip their community with the tools, training, and practical experience to rebuild a vibrant community based on traditional Hopi values and worldview. In addition to offering education and training in Hopi regenerative agriculture, natural building, and a Land Stewardship Fellowship, they have also developed a sustainable homeownership program offering a community-based reciprocal financing program to, engage the community in nurturing stable, capable, just, resilient and sustainable individuals, clans, families and Tribal Nations. Hopi Tutskwa is now developing a Hopi Regional Food Hub, receiving support from multiple partners including NDN Collective and the USDA. This hub will feature a community kitchen, gathering and feasting space, indoor and outdoor workshop space, walk-in cold storage, and passive solar greenhouse to support community culture and resilience. We are honored to support the Indigenous future building work of Hopi Tutskwa! To learn more and support: • Visit their Website: www.hopitutskwa.org • Make a Donation: www.hopitutskwa.org/support #HopiTutskwa #Community #SelfDetermination #DefendDevelopDecolonize #NDNCollective (fb)