Native American Advancement Foundation

“The president and ceo have a family relationship.”

“The form 990 is reviewed by the president, treasurer and bookkeeper. After their review, a copy is delivered to all board members prior to filing.”

“Native american advancement foundation's conflict of interest policy covers any director or committee member with governing board delegated powers, or any employee, who has a direct or indirect financial interest. In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the board committee. After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the board committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists. After exercising due diligence, the board committee shall determine whether naaf can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the board committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in naaf's best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination, it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.”

“In 2024, the board of directors researched non-profit organizations of similar size located in the southwest region. Determination of the compensation was agreed upon by the board of directors after comparing the industry salaries for similar organizations.”

“The foundation's public disclosure copies of financials and forms 990 are available upon request. Form 990 is also posted on guidestar.”

“The majority of naaf volunteers are community members of guvo district, and surrounding districts, of the tohono o'odham nation. These volunteers assist with transportation, deliveries, tutoring, instruction, and special events. Naaf also hosts volunteers from partnering organizations to lead workshops and trainings, or offer help with projects.”

“Food sovereignty the food sovereignty program addresses local food insecurity through multiple operations: community gardening, home gardening, and community farming. The program began in 2019 when naaf established ruth's oidag, a thriving community garden and outdoor learning space located on naaf's campus in guvo community. Produce from ruth's oidag is distributed, free of charge, through naaf's 501(c)(3) grocery store as well as the garden's food pantry. Since planting ruth's oidag, naaf has gone on to construct numerous community gardens, home gardens, and worked to revitalize ancestral farm lands. Health education is also a part of the food sovereignty program. Naaf hosts monthly community cooking classes for all ages and incorporates these lessons into the after-school, summer adventure, and early education programs.”

“Guvo academic after-school program the after school academic program provides consistent, culturally responsive academic support to tohono o'odham youth in rural communities. The program operates monday through friday during the school year, offering tutoring, homework assistance, stem lessons, snacks and other activities in a safe, nurturing environment. With a focus on literacy, math, and social-emotional development, the program integrates o'odham himdag (way of life) to promote both academic achievement and cultural identity.”

“The store the store provides four rural communities with access to food and household staples. This program also provides job training and internships for high school and college students, allowing them to build their resumes for future employment. The store helps break a cycle of poverty by offering part-time employment. As a direct connection between tohono o'odham culture and economic empowerment, the store provides a space for local artisans to sell their art on consignment without charge. Finally, the store serves as a gathering place for locals to enjoy outside games and events in a safe and drug/alcohol free environment, promoting a drug/alcohol free lifestyle in a prevention type model.”