Join Us Aug 13-15, 2026!

During the world's largest Indigenous art market, Better Way Foundation will convene a select group of funders for an immersive and inspiring three-day experience to learn about funding Indigenous communities.

We invite foundations not yet supporting Indigenous communities, or those new to Indian Country, to join us. We have planned an immersive experience to learn about the unique cultural challenges they have faced—and the opportunities—from their own leaders, organizers, and artists. Indigenous leaders and innovators are advancing community-driven solutions—from classrooms to clinics to farms, and together we can help amplify the momentum.

Aug 13 & 15, 2026
Vision / Approach

This gathering is designed to foster genuine connection, deepen cultural understanding, and explore what lasting philanthropic partnerships with Indigenous communities can look like.

Less than 0.5% of philanthropic dollars support Indigenous causes. While Western systems continue to disinvest in Indian Country, resilient Indigenous communities are building momentum—and we believe philanthropy has an opportunity and responsibility to help amplify that impact.

In 2010, Better Way began intentionally channeling resources into long-disinvested and overlooked communities. Data led us to Pine Ridge Reservation and other Indigenous communities. As a Catholic family foundation, our learning journey challenged assumptions and clarified what Indigenous children need to thrive, laying a foundation for reflection, humility, and curiosity about what more equitable and intentional philanthropy could become.

Today, 100% of Better Way’s grantmaking supports Indigenous communities through an education-focused funding philosophy grounded in nine-year commitments—an approach designed to build trust, strengthen relationships, and deepen impact.

We are excited to convene funders for an immersive and inspiring experience rooted in learning, relationship, and possibility.

Agenda

A detailed agenda will be shared with registered guests. In the meantime, below is a high-level overview.

Speakers & Features
  • Thursday, Aug. 13
     TopicDescription
    Through 3:00pm

    Arrival

    Sign-in table, welcome, receive welcome materials

    3:30pm

    Walking tour

    5:30pm

    Film screening

    This event is in partnership with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts

    7:30pm

    Welcome reception

    Enjoy a special meal prepared by a nationally renowned Indigenous chef

  • Friday, Aug. 14
     TopicDescription
    7:30am

    Opening circle

    Framing and expectation-setting for the day, includes breakfast

    10:30am

    Learning session 1, part 1:

    Education sovereignty

    11:45am

    Learning session 1, part 2:

    Life outcomes

    1:00pm

    Learning session 2A:

    Housing

    Or learning session 2B:

    Health

    3:45pm

    Learning session 3:

    Food sovereignty

    Site visit to an Indigenous farm dedicated to training, mentoring, and supporting aspiring and beginning farmers

    5:45pm

    Sunset dinner & stories of the sky

    Meal provided by Johnny Ortiz of the / shed, hosted by the Brindle Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the LANL Foundation

  • Saturday, Aug. 15
     TopicDescription
    7:45am

    Opening circle

    11:00am

    Learning session 4A:

    Indigenous entrepreneurship

    OR learning session 4B:

    Creative ways to invest in Indigenous communities

    OR learning session 4C:

    Indigenous sovereignty & organizing

    2:15pm

    Actions & commitments

    6:00pm

    SWAIA Gala

    Santa Fe Indian Market official event

  • Sunday, Aug. 16 (optional)
     TopicDescription
    8:00am

    Attendee breakfast

Experiences

Learn about opportunities for investment and partnership.

Engage in inspiring conversation with cultural voices and collaborate with change makers shaping the future of tribal communities.

Savor a culinary journey celebrating the flavors and culture from various regions across the U.S.

Partnership Opportunities

  • Serve as one of the leading foundations hosting alongside Better Way for this special Indigenous communities-focused Santa Fe gathering.
  • Sponsor a signature element of the Santa Fe gathering.
  • Join in one or more ready-to-fund Indigenous community- and education-specific initiatives.

Confirm Your Interest in Learning More or Attending

Our intention is to increase investment in Indigenous communities.

Our aim is to have attendees commit to—within one year of this gathering—a meaningful investment in an Indigenous organization OR a leadership-endorsement plan to start investing in Indigenous communities.

Funders new to working alongside Indigenous communities are welcome to join. The expectation is that within one year of this gathering, they both deepen their learning about and increase their investment in Indigenous communities.

The gathering is intentionally structured for candid dialogue, shared learning, and practical exploration of how funders can engage Indigenous communities with humility, accountability, and long-term commitment.

  • Space is limited to 50 attendees to foster meaningful conversation and peer exchange.
  • Please note that a block of hotel rooms has been reserved in Santa Fe. Details will be shared with registered guests.
  • The registration fee for this gathering is $750 and includes meals and ground transportation (admission to the Santa Fe Indian Market gala is separate).




Questions? Please contact Mariah Mendez at the Better Way Foundation: mmendez@betterwayfoundation.org