Native Public Media Board Establishes Two New Permanent Funds to Sustain Tribal Broadcasting

by Kyler Edsitty

At its latest meeting, the Native Public Media (NPM) Board voted unanimously to establish two landmark nonprofit reserve funds designed to secure and strengthen Tribal broadcasting in the wake of recent federal funding cuts:

The Tribal Media Endowment Fund will invest contributions in perpetuity, providing sustainable, long-term support to Tribal broadcasting stations.

The Tribal Station Fund will deliver rapid-response grants to Tribal stations suddenly defunded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

“This bold action underlines our commitment to Indigenous media sustainability,” said Roanne Robinson-Shaddox, NPM Board chair. “The Tribal Media Endowment Fund ensures enduring stability, while the Tribal Station Fund equips us to respond swiftly to the disappearance of federal support. Together, these funds affirm our communities’ resilience, independence, and cultural integrity.”

The 2025 CPB rescission forced CPB to begin shutting down, placing Tribal stations at risk of collapse. NPM had previously warned that CPB defunding would jeopardize vital emergency information and uniquely Native storytelling in tribal communities.

“With CPB’s rapid defunding, Tribal stations operating in areas without reliable internet or cell service faced imminent shutdown, especially in rural communities like Alaska,” said Gerad Godfrey, Treasurer of the NPM Board. “The Tribal Station Fund can bridge those gaps. The NPM Board, as primary overseers of these funds, ensures we stand ready to protect our media sovereignty when it is most needed.”

NPM President and CEO Loris Taylor agrees. “These two funds represent both a shield and a legacy. The Tribal Media Endowment Fund embodies enduring stewardship, presenting a path forward modeled on time-honored tribal traditions of long-term, principal-preserving trusts. Meanwhile, the Station Fund reflects urgency and flexibility, channeling immediate resources to stations in crisis.”

Contributions to both funds are now open and gratefully accepted:

• Online: Donations can be made securely via NPM’s website.

• By Mail: Checks may be sent to NPM, designated either to the Tribal Media Endowment Fund or the Tribal Station Fund.

About Native Public Media

Founded in 2004, NPM champions Native-led public media—providing training, guidance, advocacy, and technical support to 58 Tribal radio and three television stations across 12 states. NPM ensures these critical cultural platforms continue serving Tribal communities with authentic storytelling, emergency alerts, and media empowerment.

Summary at a Glance

Fund Name	Purpose	Governance	Contribution Methods
Tribal Media Endowment Fund	Long-term, perpetual support for stations	NPM Board	Online or by mail
Tribal Station Fund	Emergency response to CPB defunding	NPM Board	Online or by mail