IPA

IPA provides strategic advisory services tailored to the unique needs of funders who are seeking to engage with Indigenous organizations and communities. 

With deep respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and values, we recognize the importance of supporting initiatives led by Indigenous Peoples. We are experts who bring a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of Indigenous philanthropy, ensuring that funders are equipped to make informed decisions that yield meaningful and sustainable impact. Our approach is not a power-over model but one that meets the organizations where they are.

Our strategic advisory services use a scaffolding method for donors to navigate the intricacies of giving with confidence and clarity. We assist funders in understanding the nuances of engaging with Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, facilitating partnerships, and co-creating initiatives that align with community priorities and aspirations.

We understand that each actor in philanthropy has different needs and ways of working which require specialized expertise. Because of this, we offer a range of services, including:

  • IPA will support you in deepening your understanding of Indigenous worldviews, histories, and contemporary realities. This will equip you with the knowledge and sensitivity to engage respectfully and effectively with Indigenous organizations and communities.

  • IPA conducts thorough audits of granting practices to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with Indigenous partners. We assess existing strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance effectiveness and cultural appropriateness to create pathways for open communication and improved relationships and understanding.

  • IPA will work closely with you to clarify your values, mission, and goals. We will listen to your charitable interests and priorities, and work with you to define an approach that meets your needs and is respectful of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. This support will help to shape and bring clarity to your ideas and help translate them into action.

  • Some donors know that supporting Indigenous-led work is important, but often don’t know where to begin. IPA will utilize our expertise and network of relationships to match your charitable vision with an aligned organization or project.

  • We facilitate meaningful partnerships between donors and Indigenous organizations and communities, fostering relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and aligned goals. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, we help maximize the impact of philanthropic investments and ensure that resources are directed towards initiatives that are Indigenous-led and address outcomes.

  • IPA supports funders in evaluating the impact of their investments in Indigenous communities, using culturally appropriate methodologies that capture both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Through ongoing unlearning, relearning, and adaptation, we help funders refine their strategies and approaches to achieve greater effectiveness and sustainability.

  • Giving together as a family can be a rewarding experience, but it is not always easy. IPA will give you the tools to examine individual family member’s interests and desires to participate in family philanthropy, and then use that information to define each family member’s role in the family’s philanthropy and to support them in deciding where and how they will focus their resources as a group and/or as individuals.

  • IPA will identify and connect you to other like-minded donors and/or organizations with whom you can meet and collaborate.