The Guardian is NAFSA’s annual individual giving fund. 

The Guardian, the only program of its kind, provides a central and very convenient location for you to align your giving with your values for supporting Native Americans and Indigenous Communities – on a yearly basis! 

WHY WAS THE GUARDIAN CREATED?

Did you know that less than 1% of funding in the United States goes to support Native Americans? 

It’s true…

And to make matters worse, when many tribes and communities apply for funding, they do not receive it due to so much red tape and paperwork, unclear communication, and cultural and geographic barriers. 

Aside from these disparities… Native Americans have and are currently experiencing significant environmental degradation, including loss of arable land, pollution, and climate change impacts, disrupting their traditional food systems and heritage norms. 

The scale and urgency of climate change, loss of land, and the disruption of Native American and Indigenous people’s traditional food systems are enormous.  

The Guardian is NAFSA’s innovative solution that will. 

It is imperative that we invest in the original stewards of all the lands and waters in North America.

We’re in a new decade. Times have changed. Native American and Indigenous peoples’ challenges have worsened and increased. NAFSA will meet these challenges rather than wishing they were not there and waiting for the perfect time to act. 

We won’t stop.  Will you join us? Will you join The Guardian, our yearly giving community?

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE GUARDIAN

When you join The Guardian, you will not only be a part of our yearly giving tribe but also a growing community of givers who care and give each year, ensuring that Native Americans protect their knowledge and preserve their traditions while empowering them to exercise their sovereignty.

You will also help NAFSA and its dedicated team:

  • RProvide high quality mentoring, training, and workshops to Native Americans.
  • RAward more seed keeping stipends to help the growing seed keeping community share and save their seeds.
  • RRespond immediately to new needs within Native Communities.
  • RSustain its current programs when other funding and resources are not available.
  • RCreate new programs.
  • R Satisfy unmet needs.
  • RExpand their reach and impact beyond states in the Upper Midwest and Southwest regions and much more!

    GOLD GIVING LEVEL

    When you donate $1,001-$4,999 a year, you will be a gold member of The Guardian.

    SILVER GIVING LEVEL

    When you donate $500-$1,000 a year, you be a silver member of The Guardian.

    PLATINUM GIVING LEVEL

    When you donate $5,000+ a year, you will be a platinum member of The Guardian.

    TESTIMONIALS FROM
    OTHER HAPPY, LOYAL DONORS

    I believe it is fundamentally the right thing to do. I’m a white person of European descent, living on stolen land. It’s very possible I wouldn’t even be in this country if it hadn’t been for the mercy paid by indigenous people to my ancestors. This is one of the reasons why I donate to NAFSA.

    Natasha M.

    NAFSA does such important work to support Indigenous communities regaining control of their food supply, which will significantly impact health, economic opportunities, and also the preservation of cultural heritage.

    Jessica K.

    I support NAFSA because I appreciate the work that NAFSA is doing in these areas for indigenous peoples through its work.

    Joni M.

    FAQs

    Can I mail in my yearly donation?

    Of course! You can submit your donation to NAFSA by mail.  Online would be best, as we will receive your donation within 24 to 48 hours. 😉 But, if you would like to submit your yearly donation through snail mail, please mail it to: 

    Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance
    P.O. Box 675
    Flagstaff, AZ 86002

    And this is very important: in the memo section of your check or money order, write:
    The Guardian + {Your Yearly Donation Amount}—for example, The Guardian – $5,000.

    Please do not mail cash.

    I have more questions about The Guardian. What should I do?

    You should contact me, Nerma, at nerma@nativefoodalliance.org. I look forward to talking with you soon!

    Are these donations tax deductible?

    Yes. The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by applicable law.

    I have a donor-advised fund (DAF), or am a foundation executive that already donates to NAFSA, but I love this new annual individual giving program. Can I still participate in being part of The Guardian?

    Absolutely.  If you have a donor-advised fund, you can make a transfer to The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance from your existing account.  However, this will NOT be a new tax-deductible donation, as you will have already received a tax deduction from your initial DAF contribution. So, when you recommend that you want to submit a gift to The Guardian, please tell your advisor to indicate that on your check. If you are a foundation executive, all you have to do is submit your donation via check or online, and in the memo line, write The Guardian + {Your Yearly Donation Amount} – for example, The Guardian – $5,000.

    How will I know what impact my yearly donations are having on Native Americans and Indigenous Communities?

    You will receive an annual impact report. Regardless of which level you choose, at any level, your money will be put to use to drive meaningful, needed change.

    I want to donate more than $5,000 a year. What should I do?

    You should contact me, Nerma, at nerma@nativefoodalliance.org. I look forward to talking with and helping you meet your giving needs soon!

    The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in the state of Arizona.
    EIN: 46​​-457​​8553. Contributions to the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by applicable law.