Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Danielle Frank

Hoopa

Summary

Dedicated and relationship-centered program leader with over 8 years of experience advancing Indigenous youth leadership, community organizing, and environmental justice. Proven ability to manage multimillion-dollar programs, lead participatory grantmaking, and cultivate impactful cross-sector partnerships. Deeply rooted in tribal communities of the Klamath Basin and a skilled facilitator of initiatives that bridge youth development, policy advocacy, and philanthropy. Passionate about creating culturally grounded pathways for BIPOC youth to thrive through connection to Nature.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Development and Community Relations

Rios to Rivers
03.2024 - Current
  • Enhanced donor relationships with personalized communication plans and regular updates on project progress.
  • Developed comprehensive strategic plans to guide long-term growth and sustainability of the organization's programs.
  • Co-leading the Paddle Tribal Waters program and organizing the First Descent of the Klamath River, a 30-day expedition and celebration engaging over 2,800 attendees.
  • Drove organizational growth, increasing annual budget from ~$600K to $1.7M in under two years.
  • Spearheading strategy, grant writing, community relations, and intertribal coalition building.
  • Represents Indigenous and water justice advocacy efforts at United Nations conferences across five countries, advancing global dialogue on equitable policies and funding for tribal communities

Native Youth Coordinator

Native Americans in Philanthropy – National
01.2023 - 02.2025
  • Maintained accurate records of attendance, participation rates, and program outcomes for reporting purposes.
  • Managed the Native Youth Grantmakers program, graduating 16 Indigenous leaders and coordinating 10+ educational trips across 7 states.
  • Supported grantmaking efforts totaling $15M+ through Native Voices Rising and other participatory funds.
  • Strategized with national funders on youth organizing in California and co-led planning for the White House Tribal Youth Forum (2 years).
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using feedback from participants, making necessary improvements as needed.

Development Coordinator & Consultant

Rios to Rivers
02.2022 - 03.2024
  • Conducted prospect research to identify potential new donors, expanding the organization''s funding sources and opportunities.
  • Developed culturally grounded curriculum integrating Indigenous history, traditional ecological knowledge, and water justice.
  • Coordinated international campaign efforts to undam rivers and elevate Indigenous-led water advocacy.
  • Supported grant reporting, fundraising strategy, and donor engagement.
  • Implemented targeted stewardship strategies that resulted in increased donor satisfaction levels and subsequent giving amounts.

Native Youth Coordinator & Intern

Save California Salmon
01.2017 - 02.2022
  • Led youth organizing and education on water policy impacts in Native territories.
  • Founded and led the Hoopa High Waters Club, serving as president for 3 years.
  • Organized large-scale community events including a 300-person reception and statewide Landback symposium.
  • Secured and managed grants from $8K to $600K, gaining early grant writing experience.
  • Mentored interns and launched a robust Native youth internship program.

Education

Bachelor of Science - River And Ecosystem Restoration

Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA
12-2027

Hoopa Valley High School
Hoopa
06-2021

Skills

  • Data management
  • Relationship building
  • Grant writing
  • Teamwork
  • Strategic Planning & Program Management
  • Budget Oversight & Grant Management
  • Youth Development & Mentorship
  • Community Engagement
  • Public Speaking & Facilitation
  • Fund Development

Certification


  • Certificate in Public Leadership (in progress) – Harvard Kennedy School
  • Emerging Organizers Fellow – Youth Organize! California
  • Native Power-Building Fellow – California Native Vote Project
  • Braveheart & Cali Native Youth Collective Fellow – Center for Native American Youth

Timeline

Director of Development and Community Relations

Rios to Rivers
03.2024 - Current

Native Youth Coordinator

Native Americans in Philanthropy – National
01.2023 - 02.2025

Development Coordinator & Consultant

Rios to Rivers
02.2022 - 03.2024

Native Youth Coordinator & Intern

Save California Salmon
01.2017 - 02.2022

Bachelor of Science - River And Ecosystem Restoration

Humboldt State University

Hoopa Valley High School
Danielle Frank