Rooted in Trust: A Funders’ Toolkit for Strengthening Indigenous-Led Funds builds on the insights of the Governance Scan developed by the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) in partnership with Indigenous Collaboration. The scan examines the governance structures, values, and practices of 23 Indigenous-Led Funds (ILFs) worldwide—revealing a shared commitment to Indigenous self-determination, cultural integrity, and community-rooted systems of care and accountability.

This toolkit is designed to translate those learnings into practice. It offers funders tangible strategies for aligning with Indigenous-led governance, deepening trust-based partnerships, and transforming philanthropic systems. Grounded in the 5Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy—Respect, Relationships, Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Redistribution— Rooted in Trust invites funders to walk alongside Indigenous-Led Funds as allies in systems change, accountability, and reparative action.