Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Going Home Fund?

The purpose of the Going Home Fund is to help facilitate the voluntary return of Indigenous cultural items. Specifically, it:

• Serves as a conduit for individual donors and organizations wishing to voluntarily return items.
• Provides financial support to Indigenous communities seeking the return of items.
• Increases public awareness of the value of returning items to descendant communities.
• Strengthens the capacity of tribal museums to seek loans and gifts.

Who manages the Going Home Fund?

How can I get involved?

The Fund is supported by a national network of volunteers and donors. We welcome your involvement. To volunteer, use this Volunteer Form. To donate, use this Donation Form.

Who supports the Going Home Fund?

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation provided $1.25 million to establish and sustain the fund. This support was followed by a $200,000 gift from the Henry Luce Foundation to expand funding for international repatriations. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians provided $50,000 to support the return of materials to California tribes.

How do I stay informed about the Going Home Fund?

There are two ways to receive updates and become part of the Going Home Community:

• Join the Going Home Fund Facebook group.
• Subscribe to the Going Home Email List.

How can Indigenous communities seek support from the Fund?

The Going Home Fund provides support for the actual cost of returning items. To learn more and/or request funds, use this Application Form.

How can individual collectors and institutions voluntarily submit items for return?

If you have an item you wish to voluntarily return, please complete this Donation of Items Form. The Going Home Fund Council meets monthly to consider donations and make recommendations.

How can I view items available for return?

Use the Going Home Fund Objects Portal. Items are sorted by the most recently added. Search on keywords, materials, geographic region, etc.

How do Indigenous cultural institutions or communities submit a claim for an item?

To request an item, use this Claim Form. Requests are reviewed by the Going Home Fund Council. If approved, a "Notice to Return" is published on the Going Home Fund website for 30 days. If no objections are received, the item is returned.

What if I have information to share about an item on the Going Home Fund Objects Portal?

Many items come to the Going Home Fund without background information. If you can help add content and/or context, use this Additional Information Form.

What if I wish to dispute a claim within the 30-day Public Comment Period?

If you believe an item is being returned to the wrong descendant community, please use this Dispute Form to register your concerns. The Going Home Fund Council will review the information you provide and work to find a resolution.