How to Help Native American Communities

How to Help Native American Communities Rise Above Poverty & Preserve Their Culture

Running Strong’s Mission: Create a better future for Native American youth in rural and urban communities throughout the United States

Since 1986, Running Strong has strived to fulfill the vision of our founder, Olympic champion and Lakota native Billy Mills, to improve the lives of Native Americans in their communities throughout the nation.

While our charitable efforts first began on South Dakota’s Cheyenne River and Pine Ridge reservations, we now support 30 Native American communities across the U.S.

Here are some of the ways Running Strong fights Native American poverty:

Water Is Life provides clean water access on Native American reservations, even engineering innovative ways to connect more families with safe, running water.
We help Native American communities create organic gardens, so they have easier (and more sustainable) access to quality food, which also improves their health outcomes.
We partner with groups that have culturally-based programs that are helping to preserve Native American culture for generations to come.
We also support Intertribal Creatives, offering an entrepreneurial avenue that celebrates Native American art and culture.
Our Dreamstarter® program provides grants to Native American youth and educators, offering a way for them to fulfill their dreams and create stronger, self-sustaining communities.
Substandard schooling is a multi-generational problem in Native communities. We develop youth centers and provide backpacks of school and food supplies to Native American youth.

Running Strong is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, a proud member of America’s Best Charities, and a designated Platinum Level of Transparency by Guidestar.

Hope in Action: Running Strong’s Impact on Native American Reservations

Through our programs, Running Strong is cultivating real change in every Native American community we have the privilege of supporting.

Here are some of the ways we’ve seen progress:

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Over 23,000 backpacks of food and/or school supplies distributed to Native American youth in several states

Over 600 safe water connections and over 1000 benefiting from clean water projects

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Over $1,000,000 awarded through Dreamstarter® grants

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Over 20,000 lbs. of produce grown by Medicine Root Gardening students yearly

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Over 30,000 lbs. of food provided to the Cheyenne Indian Reservation yearly

How You Can Help Fight Native American Poverty, Protect Their Culture & Support Their Dreams

The biggest factor in combating historical poverty is you.

Poverty and oppression on Native American reservations is a centuries-old stain on our nation’s history. But, when people take action communities are revitalized and generations of Native Americans are given a path to a brighter future.

Please join us in our mission to provide sustainable solutions to Native American poverty.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

"Running Strong always seems to pull through, just when we need it the most!"

Sarah M.

Heat Match Recipient