Meet OUR Indigenous Abundance Accelerator (IAA)

The Circle is delighted to announce a new program launching later this Summer! The Indigenous Abundance Accelerator (IAA) is a four-month intensive for Indigenous-led organizations activating philanthropy. This will be an opportunity for Indigenous philanthropic entities, pooled funds, and Indigenous foundations to connect with one another for shared learning. 

iAA's PURPOSE

The Circle’s IAA program will cultivate a Community of Practice of Indigenous organizations to collaborate, share insights, support and learn alongside one another. IAA will:
  • bring people together to build connection and share vision
  • amplify the existing networks good work led by Indigenous peoples 
  • explore what Indigenous peoples mean when we say “philanthropy”
  • host space for dialogue, wisdom, and inspiring examples of Indigenous values and worldviews being embedded into governance, operations, granting, and investment strategies. 
  • share learning and resources to support wellness and transformation in the settler philanthropic sector

IS IAA FOR you?

IAA is a four-month intensive for Indigenous-led organizations activating philanthropy.  Any Indigenous person who works within and contributes to the philanthropic landscape through grant-making, as an advisor, or program officer at an Indigenous-led organization can apply to participate in IAA.

IAA's SCHEDULE

Launching in Summer 2023, IAA will be a 4-month intensive with two in-person sessions and two virtual: 
  • JULY 17 - 18 @ 10:00 - 4:00 (local time) | IN PERSON*
  • AUGUST 22 - 23 @ 10:00 - 1:00 PT /  1:00 - 4:00 PM ET | VIRTUAL 
  • SEPTEMBER 19 - 20 @ 10:00 - 1:00 PT /  1:00 - 4:00 PM ET | VIRTUAL ​
  • OCTOBER 24 - 25 | IN PERSON*​
*Locations for in person offerings to be announced this Spring

PROGRAM COST

IAA is included in The Circle’s membership. Unsure of your membership status? You can check here.

Travel costs and accommodations for in-person gatherings must be covered by participants. 

​There are limited financial resources to enable partial cost coverage upon request and application. For more information please contact Valine Brown to begin the partial sponsorship process.

CURRICULUM will cover the following topics

  • Healing Justice practices and policies 
  • Connecting Indigenous laws and UNDRIP to philanthropy 
  • Allyship: Teaching Sovereignty, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion (Black, Accessibility, 2SLGBTQS+) 
  • Tax law + understanding non-qualified donees 
  • Evaluation and learning 
  • Mapping Settler Philanthropy
  • Emerging social impact trends 
  • Investment screening and shareholder advocacy

APPLICATIONS

Acceptance will be based upon: 
  • When your application is submitted (the sooner, the better)
  • Geographic region to ensure we have representation  
  • Responses to the application questions
  • Circle membership status​
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
​JUNE 1 2023 @ 12PM PST | 3PM EST
​Successful applicants will be notified by JUNE 8 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and still-evolving, and The Circle is committed to honoring policies and practices that promote safety and comfort.  The COVID-19 protocols in place at IAA's in-person gatherings will observe local authorities and will likely exceed provincial requirements. COVID-19 testing and/or proof of vaccination may be required.

We maintain the right to implement additional measures and make changes to our protocol to support a safe and successful gathering. 
IAA's artwork is designed by artist, Jade Roberts. Click here to learn more about Jade and her work.

IAA's logo and imagery represents the cycle of IAA's learning journey. As a collective IAA's participants will engage in seasons of learning and growth together, alongside IAA faculty. Together, we will grow into the landscape around us, transforming into the ecosystem of Indigenous Philanthropy.  THEMES: Emergence, abundance, nourishment, cycle, ecosystem, growth.