Up to 23% of Native American families live with low food security, and nutrition-related disease is disproportionately higher than other Americans.

Long-Term Solutions

Community Investment

PWNA’s Community Investment Projects (CIPs) leverage community assets to support the development of new resources with a sustainable gain for Native communities. The CIPs focus on grassroots leaders and influencers who are proposing or already leading projects in their reservation communities.

PWNA provides seed funding, supplies and technical support for community-led initiatives that will enhance a resource or project impacting the quality of life for participants and the community.

Our Community Investment Projects typically involve:
  • Community gardens and garden training for healthy food access
  • Native food sovereignty initiatives (training, food preservation, forums)
  • Animal welfare solutions for strays and overpopulation
  • Youth development and engagement projects

Our community investment projects run over a longer period and we track outcomes over a longer period as well. For examples of our Long-Term Solutions projects, see our Annual Report.


Our Services

Community Investment Impact stories

Hopi Elders, Mary and Delphine, from YPV

Through the gift of a shared common goal, the YPV Senior Activities Center on the Hopi Reservation became a reality. Read More
video thumbnail of Project Grow with Program Partner

Gardeners bring gardens to life as part of the movement toward food sovereignty and access to fresh produce in a rural food desert. Watch Video
Generosity is a Lakota value John embraces wholeheartedly

Johns’ bountiful harvest moved him from “gardener to grower” and his produce is purchased at local and mobile farmers markets across the Pine Ridge Reservation. Read More