Many foundations and other grant making institutions outside of the federal government require or expect a 501(c) (3) to apply for grants and other funding.  Many Tribes are setting up Nonprofits or Tribal Philanthropic Programs.  Nonprofits can be set up according to State Laws which are common practice or by Tribal Laws, a growing practice.  The Tribe must have the legal code to support the formation of a nonprofit or be willing and able to add the necessary legal code.

An excellent discussion on the subject can be found on the First Nations Development Institute website.

The Publication page on their website includes a wealth of information, including the publication: Options for Designing Your Tribal Philanthropic Organization

For the process of developing a Nonprofit using the most common form of incorporation, visit the Nolo Press website.

According to Nolo Press, there are eight steps to forming a nonprofit:

1. Choose a name.
2. File articles of incorporation.
3. Apply for your IRS tax exemption.
4. Apply for a state tax exemption.
5. Draft bylaws.
6. Appoint directors.
7. Hold a meeting of the board.
8. Obtain licenses and permits

The full article can be found on the Nolo Press website, under the title, Form a Nonprofit.

Nolo press provides do-it-yourself legal solutions for individuals, organizations and small businesses.

For information on the current state of philanthropy in Indian Communities, you may wish to visit the Native Americans in Philanthropy website.

Two articles available on this site, located on the resources page, provide an overview of where large foundation resources are currently being directed and recommendations on improving the outlook of the philanthropic sector in Indian communities.

Strategic Philanthropy: Assessing the Needs of the Native Philanthropic Sector, Conference Report and Recommendations, September 14, 2005 by Mary Reed and Sarah Dewees in collaboration with Joy Persall and Cecilia Martinez Large Foundations’ Grantmaking to Native America by Sarah Hicks and Miriam Jorgensen

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