The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that supports Native American artists, culture bearers and Native-led arts organizations, providing them with support through fellowships and project funding. It is the only philanthropic organization which exclusively supports American Indian, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures in the United States.
The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, founded in 2008, is funded by contributions from the public, foundations, corporations, and affiliated organizations. It was launched with a $10 million commitment from the Ford Foundation, following a feasibility study demonstrating the need and interest in such an endowment. The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians near Sacramento, Calif. committed an additional $1.5 million.
Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors was Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee). Other founding board members were Joy Harjo, (Muscokee-Creek) poet and musician, Elizabeth Woody, a writer and cultural specialist from the Warm Springs Reservation, Marshall McKay, Chairman of the Rumsey Rancheria, Letitia Chambers, a private consultant of Cherokee descent, and Buffy St. Marie, the singer/activist.