Giving and Red Cloud Indian School : fiscal years 2007-2011

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the philanthropic partnerships at Red Cloud Indian School, a private-public religious partnership that educates approximately 600 Lakota students on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, during the worst recession since the Great Depression – 2007 through 2011. Research finds that during this time contributions fell for Native American organizations, educational and religious organizations. Despite these realities, contributions to Red Cloud Indian School increased. Red Cloud Indian School attempted numerous fundraising approaches dating back to the late 1880s with the support from Sister Katherine Drexel. Throughout the decades Red Cloud Indian School relied on contributions from networks, including friends of the Society of Jesus, the Black and Indian Mission, and a national direct mail program. These fundraising efforts fluctuated significantly since the mid-century and plateau in the early 2000s forcing a board directed change to raise additional financial support. This dissertation examines the research question: “In what ways do high net worth individual supporters understand their relationship to Red Cloud Indian School from Fiscal Years 2007 through 2011 which led to an increase in financial support of fortyfour percent (44%) over the five-year period.” This study provides an example of donor relationships with an organization, in particular engaging donors who support educational organizations for indigenous populations. Understanding the donors’ perceptions, desires, and motivations for directing their philanthropic activity specific to Red Cloud will complement the quantitative research that has been completed regarding high net worth donors. This study uses an emergent qualitative design, which allows the study to evolve and be as malleable as possible in order to follow the interviewees and explore information uncovered.