Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is honored to welcome the third cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers—ten exceptional young leaders from across Turtle Island who carry with them the wisdom of their communities, the determination of emerging changemakers, and the generosity that has long defined Indigenous approaches to giving.
This new group of youth leaders, ages 18–24, will begin their year-long program that was intentionally designed to nurture Indigenous leadership and ensure young people have a meaningful role in shaping the philanthropic landscape. Each participant brings a deep connection to their home community—whether reservation, rural, or urban—and a commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices and envisioning a future rooted in cultural strength.
Madison Brown
Tribal Affiliation: Seneca Nation
Hometown: Salamanca, NY
Pronouns: She/Her
Madison Brown, A:ya’gah’ganö:s’ (she has beautiful eyes), Onöndowa’ga:’, is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, from the Allegany Territory. Madison is deeply rooted in leadership and advocacy, particularly within Indigenous youth organizations and community development initiatives.
She served as Secretary (2022-2024) and subsequently, before her departure, served briefly as Co-President of the National Congress of American Indian Youth Commission, fostering her commitment to youth empowerment and tribal governance.
Currently, Madison is pursuing a degree in Sociology at her local community college, which has expanded her understanding of societal structures and community dynamics. In 2024, she was appointed to the Seneca Nation 1365 Resettlement Committee, a critical role tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for the Seneca Nation’s resettlement within the Kinzua Dam Area, lands from which they were forcibly removed in 1965. This appointment highlights her dedication to historical justice and tribal sovereignty.
Beyond her more formal roles, Madison actively engages in community service and environmental stewardship, advocating for the land and more recently the Allegany River. Her recent internship with Congressman Langworthy (NY-23rd) provided valuable experience in intergovernmental coordination, fostering a keen interest in the intricate relationships between tribal nations and governmental entities, grounded in principles of sovereignty over their people and land.
Outside of her professional and advocacy endeavors, Madison is an avid outdoorswoman, finding inspiration and connection to the “teachings in the soil” through activities such as fishing, hunting, and gathering.
