It has been a busy and exciting time since starting as the Regional Manager, Australia for the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) in late February. This role has brought a whirlwind of activities and opportunities to engage deeply with the core issues facing Indigenous philanthropy.

In my first few months, I had the privilege of attending the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. This forum was a powerful experience, highlighting the global importance of Indigenous voices in shaping policies and frameworks that impact their communities. It reinforced the urgent need for a shift in the philanthropic landscape to prioritize Indigenous self-determination.

Back in Australia, the engagement with funders has been equally invigorating. Through the Australian philanthropic networks, I have connected with passionate individuals and organizations committed to making a difference. One of the standout moments was convening a workshop with the IFIP Australian Working Group, bringing together funders and Indigenous leaders in philanthropy. These conversations have been critical in shaping a collective understanding of how we can better support funders and Indigenous peoples and their communities.

The past three months have been filled with conversations on centring Indigenous Philanthropy and climate justice. These dialogues have underscored the need for a fundamental shift from a donor-centric model to an Indigenous-centric approach. The current philanthropic landscape is fraught with challenges that hinder the progress and potential of Indigenous communities.

A recent report by the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC) has highlighted the inadequacies in current systems for documenting and delivering climate aid. Even when donors recognize the importance of Indigenous contributions, they often lack awareness of the capacity and needs of Indigenous organizations. This results in scarce direct funding and frequent exclusion from critical discussions about funding allocation for Indigenous Peoples and organizations.

There is an urgent need to change the narrative in philanthropy. We must open the doors and embrace Indigenous Peoples as equal partners who bring solutions from the ground up. This shift involves concepts like reciprocity, redefining success from Indigenous perspectives, and promoting truth-telling and advocacy. It’s about capturing and amplifying the stories of Indigenous communities to influence funder practices. Supporting organizations in effectively telling their stories is crucial to highlight their impact and emphasize the importance of Indigenous perspectives in philanthropy.

The narrative around Indigenous philanthropy must be reframed to recognize the vast potential and strengths within Indigenous communities. The Indigenous estate covers around 50% of Australia’s landmass, presenting significant opportunities for economic development. Notably, 43% of the clean energy infrastructure required to achieve net-zero targets will need to be sited on Indigenous land, necessitating Indigenous-led decision-making.

Recognizing traditional and cultural knowledge and values as the basis for managing Country is crucial. However, there are danger signs that we may be repeating colonial practices with the rush to a green economy, such as land grabs, displacement of Indigenous peoples, and exclusion from benefits. This phenomenon, known as “green colonialism,” must be avoided by ensuring Indigenous communities are at the forefront of decision-making and benefit-sharing.

Stark Imbalances in Funding

The statistics are revealing. Of the historic $1.7 billion pledge announced at the 2021 UN climate conference, only 2.1% of the $494 million delivered in 2022 reached Indigenous groups directly. Globally, a mere 0.6% of philanthropic giving benefits Indigenous Peoples directly, with even lower support for Indigenous women. In Australia, only 0.50% of funding reaches Indigenous communities directly. These numbers highlight the significant imbalances that require urgent attention.

One of the primary obstacles for Indigenous communities in securing philanthropic funding is the lack of mutual understanding between funders and Indigenous groups. This gap often leads to a power imbalance, hampering the development of trust and meaningful relationships. Furthermore, a substantial portion of funding meant for Indigenous needs is often diverted to non-Indigenous organizations, perpetuating a colonial mindset and failing to address the unique requirements of Indigenous communities.

Structural and Systemic Issues

Structural and systemic issues exacerbate these challenges. The scarcity of Indigenous People in decision-making roles within philanthropic organizations reinforces existing stereotypes and disconnects. Many Indigenous groups feel invisible within the philanthropic ecosystem, marginalized by a system that does not fully recognize or support their contributions and potential. These barriers highlight the urgent need for systemic change to ensure more equitable access to resources and opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Equity in Indigenous philanthropy emphasizes redistributing resources to Indigenous communities and and inclusion of Indigenous peoples in decision-making of grant approvals.This involves setting minimum giving targets through influence and relationships among funders to ensure that Indigenous communities receive the necessary financial support. The goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable funding environment where the needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront.

Changing Funder Practices

Changing funder practices involves implementing an Indigenous framework designed by Indigenous people in philanthropy as is embodied in the IFIP 5R’s of Indigenous Philanthropy. This includes developing case studies, best practices, and key points of contact, as well as robust reporting and data collection mechanisms. Collaboration and convening peer groups on national and global levels are essential for creating a unified approach to funding. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and developing reporting templates and matrices that centre Indigenous perspective of impact. Advocacy by influential individuals in philanthropy is crucial to shift funder practices towards Indigenous-led funding models.

IFIP influences funders to practice a new paradigm of giving based on Indigenous values, “The Five R’s of Indigenous Philanthropy —Respect, Reciprocity, Responsibility, Relationships and Redistribution.

Growing Indigenous-Led Funds

Indigenous-led funds require growth in funding, capability, and visibility to effectively support Indigenous communities. These funds should be recognized not just as financial mechanisms but as strategic and thought partners at every intersection. Developing sustainable business models is crucial for their long-term success.

In conclusion, the past few months has shown me the incredible potential and urgent need for transforming the philanthropic landscape to better serve Indigenous communities. By prioritizing Indigenous self-determination and equitable access to resources, we can address global challenges more effectively and equitably. This is not just a necessity but an urgent call to action, and I am committed to continuing this vital work in partnership with all those dedicated to creating a fairer and more inclusive society.