Our Native Forward Scholars Fund Alumni have achieved remarkable milestones and created lasting change by leaving a legacy. Together, let us continue to build a legacy of excellence, reciprocity, and service today.

Give Native Forward let’s us pave the way for a future where Native voices are heard, valued, and celebrated. Native Forward is in its fifth decade of providing scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and professional education for Native students. When investing through Native Forward, you invest in a new generation of leaders for Indian Country. At Native Forward, we understand the importance that every action we take directly affects our prospective impact and acts of reciprocity to society. Honor the future generations of Native scholars by donating a gift that sustains a lasting legacy.

Join Native Forward Alumni in reaching the goal of meeting and generously surpassing the financial need of every Native student seeking higher education. Each gift gives students access to the educational opportunities that our alumni received but at a greater level.

Leave a legacy
of excellence,
reciprocity,
and service

A Message From Our Chief Executive Officer

At Native Forward, we cherish the strength that is built within our community of alumni. Each of you represents a vital thread in the fabric of our organization and speaks to the persistence of the communities and experiences that shaped your perspective.

Our alumni have demonstrated that Native Forward is at the forefront of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and created lasting change by leaving a legacy. As we look forward to the future, your continued support remains paramount in sustaining our momentum and driving progress to increase access to higher education.

This year, our fundraising efforts will focus on developing relevant programming for alumni, minimizing the funding gap for students, building alumni mentorship programs, and creating alumni leadership opportunities to strengthen communities with action.

Your participation, no matter the size of the gift, makes a profound difference in the futures of Native scholars. Whether you choose to give back financially, volunteer your time, or share your expertise, your commitment strengthens our community and enhances the opportunities available to current and future generations of students.

I invite you to join us. Together, let us continue to build a legacy of excellence, reciprocity, and service.

Lemlmtš (Thank You),

Angelique Albert
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
Chief Executive Officer

Our Alumni

Through scholarship funding and holistic support, Native Forward has increased the graduation rates of undergraduate students to 69%, compared to the national average of 41% for Native students, and has boosted the rate for graduate students to 95%. Our most integral resource to deepen our transformative impact in every part of society is our network of 22,000+ alumni.

Throughout our 50-year history, Native Forward has empowered scholars from over 500 Tribes in all 50 states by providing scholarship dollars and support services for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Through targeted fundraising efforts, mentorship programs, and community engagement, we aim to create an impactful network of alumni that heightens our mission and vision of our founders.

Why Give?

Our students’ continuing efforts depend on your continued support.

  • Scholarships: Financial assistance to fill the gap and meet the unmet need for educational expenses of students.
  • Alumni Mentorship: Access to experienced individuals in their respective professional areas of expertise who can provide guidance and networking support.
  • Leadership Development: Opportunities for leadership training, and online workshops, to help students develop essential skills for academic and professional success.
  • Community Impact: We are committed to each perspective and journey of our Native students and understand that funding scholarships also funds the next chapter of growth and evolvement on every part of society to preserve our way of life.

Ways to Empower

  1. One-time Donation: Option to make a one-time contribution to the campaign.
  2. Monthly Pledge: Encourage donors to make a recurring monthly donation to provide ongoing support.
  3. Fundraising Events: Information about upcoming alumni events or campaigns to raise funds.
  4. Corporate Sponsorship: Opportunity for businesses to support the campaign through sponsorship or partnership.

How You Can Help

  1. Donate: Your generous contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of Native students. Every dollar counts towards building brighter futures for our people.
  2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your networks and encourage others to support Native Forward. Together, we can amplify our impact and reach more passionate individuals about Native students seeking higher education. On social media, use the hashtag #givenativeforward 
  3. Get Involved: Volunteer your time and expertise to mentor Indigenous students, organize fundraising events, or contribute in any way you can. Your involvement strengthens our community and fosters meaningful connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone! Staff, parents, corporate and foundation partners, alumni, and friends are welcome to participate by giving, joining hourly challenges, and following along on social media. 

To meet that financial unmet need of Native students seeking their degree in higher education

Yes! All gifts made are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. An email confirmation and acknowledgment of your gift will be sent to you after you make your gift. You will also receive a tax receipt via email from Native Forward.

Questions or Feedback?

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at alumni@nativeforward.org or connect with us on social media.

#GiveNativeForward