Gipp to speak at Democratic National Convention

News Category Tag: Announcements

BISMARCK (UTN) - United Tribes Technical College President Dr. David M. Gipp has been invited to address the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Gipp will speak to convention delegates assembled in the 20,000 seat Pepsi Center on Tuesday, August 26 between 3 and 3:30 p.m. MDT. His will be one in a series of talks by so-called "real people" who have been asked to offer ideas on the theme of "Renewing America's Promise.

Gipp will focus on renewing the country's promise for American Indians, who are largely invisible in the national consciousness.

To obtain information about other UTTC topics visit http://www.uttc.edu/

» Posted: August 25, 2008

Lawsuit over Mismanagement of Individual Indian Trust

News Category Tag: Announcements

BROWNING, Mont., Aug. 7 -- Elouise Cobell, lead plaintiff in the
class-action lawsuit over the government's mismanagement of the Individual Indian Trust, today expressed "disappointment" over the ruling by U.S. District Judge James Robertson.
Here is her statement:

"I have asked our lawyers to carefully review this opinion as we consider whether to appeal the ruling."

"I know I speak for everyone in Indian Country when I say that it is
difficult to reconcile the Court's ruling with beneficiaries'
experiences with the Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust. I am
disappointed, to say the least.

"We believe we presented a strong, compelling case that individual Indian
trust beneficiaries are entitled to much more than the government's admitted mismanagement of our trust monies over the past 120 years."

To view the latest information concerning this case, go to www.indiantrust.com

» Posted: August 14, 2008

First Nations Composer Initiative accepting proposals for Round IV of our Common Ground Grant Program

News Category Tag: Announcements

The First Nations Composer Initiative is excited to announce that we are now accepting proposals for Round IV of our Common Ground Grant Program. If you are a past recipient, please feel free to act as a FNCI ambassador and pass the word on to other composers/musicians/performers you know. FNCI is here to answer questions and provide as much technical assistance as we possibly can. If you have applied in the past and have not been awarded a grant, we highly encourage you to re-apply.

The RFP can be found on line at www.fnci.orgor if you prefer a brochure mailed to you, just email or call us and we can mail one out.

The deadline for the Round IV is: October 1st 2008 and Round V Deadline is April 1st 2009. Please do not hesitate to call or email us with any questions at 651-251-2825 or gwettlinlarsen@composersfourm.org, or 651-251-2812 or jarcoren@composersforum.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

» Posted: August 13, 2008

Northwest Area Foundation Awards $2.46 Million Grant

News Category Tag: Announcements

Supports reservation's initiatives to reduce deep poverty
The Northwest Area Foundation has made a $2.46 million grant to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Ventures organization to support its 10-year strategic plan to reduce its 46 percent poverty rate on the reservation in central South Dakota. This is the Foundation's second grant to Tribal Ventures in support of this initiative.

"This grant speaks to the progress the Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures has made in reaching its poverty reduction goals," said Tony Genia, senior program officer at Northwest Area Foundation who works with Native American tribes. "The Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures program is unique, not just because it is a reservation-based poverty reduction program, but also because it relies primarily on working through collaborative partnerships with proven or promising organizations to implement strategies."

The Foundation's initial $2.5 million grant to Cheyenne River Tribal
Ventures in March 2006 funded the following strategies: individual, family and community development; community capacity building; and, economic development.

To listen to a podcast featuring Tanya Fiddler and Tony Genia speaking more about the Cheyenne River Tribal Ventures accomplishments, visit:programs.nwaf.org

» Posted: August 12, 2008

Bush Foundation Supports the Self-Determination of Native Nations

News Category Tag: Announcements

By 2018, all 23 Native nations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are exercising self-determination and actively rebuilding the infrastructure of nationhood.

Twenty-three distinct, sovereign Native nations exist in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. These culturally distinct nations have rich histories and deep strengths. They also face unique challenges. Research coming from Native nations is clear. When it comes to solving core issues, nation building is the only thing proven to work. For more information, go to: www.bushfoundation.org

For Native nations, progress is greatest wherever self-determination comes first. Leaders of these nations will be the ones to lead the change. The solutions will come from within. We want to collaborate with Native nations as the sovereign and distinct governments that they are, supporting emerging and current leaders in using their authority to establish or rebuild institutions of nationhood that work for them.

» Posted: July 25, 2008

A rare opportunity for Third-Sector practitioners from overseas

News Category Tag: Announcements

3 months in New York City to network, study and reflect.

The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society is pleased to announce a unique fellowship opportunity: the spring 2009 Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program and U.S. Diversity Fellowships. The program provides leadership training through applied research and professional mentorships for young scholar-practitioners in the nonprofit sector. This year's program will focus on the topics of community foundations, as well as corporate
social responsibility and diaspora philanthropy. The deadline for
application is September 11, 2008. visit the Center's website for program details, eligibility requirements and
application guidelines: www.internationalfellows

» Posted: July 25, 2008

Support the Preserving Lifeways Campaign

News Category Tag: Announcements

Through the Preserving Native Lifeways Campaign www.narf.convio.net, the Tulalip Tribes of Washington challenge you to help match their contribution to the Native American Rights Fund in an effort to raise $100,000. Through this Matching Gift Challenge, every dollar given to this campaign will be doubled, dollar for dollar, until the goal of of $100,00 is reached.

That means your gift will go twice as far. Campaign deadline is August 1st, act now, go to: www.narf.GiftAmount.

» Posted: July 23, 2008

New Updates to Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance

News Category Tag: Announcements

On July 16, 2008, the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House issued updated guidance www.lobbyingdisclosure.gov on how to interpret the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), as updated by the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (HLOGA). The Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance applies to any organization that registers as a lobbyist pursuant to the LDA. For information about whether your organization must register, see Recent Congressional Lobbying and Ethics Reforms www.afj.org.

» Posted: July 22, 2008

Stop the use of Plastic Bags

News Category Tag: Announcements

We can initiate our own campaign in the Indian community. Stop the use of plastic bags. It's good for Mother Earth. Learn more at: www.tinyurl.com

» Posted: July 18, 2008

Coto, Non-Profit Foundations Reach Deal on Diversity

News Category Tag: Announcements

A hard-fought compromise has been reached between the state's largest nonprofit foundations and community groups that all sides say will ensure ethnic diversity in the way the nonprofits dole out hundreds of millions of dollars each year.


The deal was reached late last month between Assemblyman Joe Coto, D-San Jose, the Greenlining Institute and ten of the largest foundations in California. His bill, AB 624, would have required foundations to collect diversity data related to leadership and grant-making, and was opposed universally by the largest grant-making organizations in the state. For more information , go to: www.capitalweekly.com

» Posted: July 18, 2008

Kresge Foundation Announces New Health, Environment Programs

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan, has announced the launch of new programs in the areas of health and the environment. The new programs are part of the foundation's multiyear plan, announced a year ago, to expand its grantmaking to better address society's pressing issues. To that end, the foundation has chosen nine values to inform and serve as the centerpiece of its philanthropic decision-making, expanded access to its signature Challenge Grant Program, and plans to expand its commitment and narrow its focus in each of its fields of interest, health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development to achieve maximum long term impact.

The new programs, which are still in the development stage, will address health and environment-related social issues, particularly those affecting minority, low-income, and other underserved communities. Over the next year, Kresge staff will work to refine the programs' grantmaking focus and strategy. For more information, go to www.kresge.org

» Posted: July 16, 2008

Summer not just synonymous with vacation: Enriching opportunities for students on the reservation throughout the summer

News Category Tag: Announcements

(PINE RIDGE, South Dakota)As summer continues to simmer throughout the Black Hills region, students from Red Cloud Indian School are using their vacation from school to, well, continue their schooling. From a multitude of summer school opportunities to athletic camps and internships, students are continuing to take steps forward in their education, preparing themselves for the world beyond the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

This summer, Red Cloud elementary school kids are attending classes each morning to brush up on their mathematic, science and computer skills. To better prepare for the upcoming school year, students from grades 1-8 are getting ahead in the classroom as they engage in summer lessons designed by Red Cloud teachers to optimize their learning experience.

Middle and high school students are taking part in outreach programs such as Outward Bound Leadership Camp, and Inmed, a six-week program offered by the University of North Dakota for Native American students interested in careers in medicine and science. "Both programs offer our students an introduction into the possible careers they may seek when they go to college," says Gina Ferguson, guidance counselor and mentor to students.

With so many hardships on the reservation, the summer school and camp opportunities "allow us to give the kids something to do each day, and also nurture them with a solid foundation," says Bob Brave Heart, superintendent of Red Cloud Indian School. "Our hope is to create a fertile atmosphere to mentor, instill discipline and teach our children respect for each other, their elders and knowledge of history, why they're here and the opportunities presented to them as young Lakota people," he says.

Interviews can be arranged with faculty and students taking part in summer activities at Red Cloud Indian School. To do so, contact Robbie Pipe On Head at 605/867-1105 or rpipeonhead@redcloudschool.org

» Posted: July 16, 2008

Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities' 10th annual conference

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is holding its 10th annual conference in Miami in March 2009. The dates are March 16-18, 2009, with pre-conference outings on Sunday, March 15.

To kick off the planning process, we extend this invitation to you to submit ideas for conference sessions. Please use the attached form that includes some guidance on the sorts of things we are looking for. Submissions are due by August 4th and selections will be made in mid-August.

For more information, go to www.fundersnetwork.org, or email Kimberly Ogren at kim@fundersnetwork.org.

» Posted: July 16, 2008

Sundance Institute / Walker Art Center Native American film event draws over three hundred community members!

News Category Tag: Announcements

Over three hundred people attended the Sundance Institute's www.sundance.org showing of two Native American films at the Walker Art Center on Thursday, July 10. Screening of the films, Sikumi, a short film directed by Andrew Okpeaha MacLean (Inupiaq) and Four Sheets to the Wind, a feature film directed by Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek), was followed by a Q & A, moderated by Bird Runningwater, (Cheyenne and Mescalero Apache), Associate Director of the Native American and Indigenous Initiative for the Sundance Institute. For more information and pictures, go to www.indianlandtenure.org. If you click on the pictures, it gives the information on each photo. The Host Committee Members included" Juanita Espinosa - Native Arts Circle, Richard LaFortune - Two Spirit Press Room, Georgia Wettlin-Larsen - First Nations Composer Initiative at American Composers Forum and Jo-Anne E. Stately - Indian Land Tenure Foundation.

» Posted: July 15, 2008

Zinn Education Project Promotes Civic Engagement with A People's History

News Category Tag: Announcements

July 11, 2008
Zinn Education Project Promotes Civic Engagement with A People's History of the United States in Middle and High School Classrooms

Former student funds the distribution of 4,000 teaching packets nationwide

WASHINGTON, DC - More than 30 years after attending Boston University, one former student sought to make the work of historian, professor, activist, and best-selling author Howard Zinn part of the classroom experience for thousands of American students. Like so many who have read A People's History of the United States or heard professor Zinn speak, this anonymous student-turned-benefactor found Zinn's approach to history and civic engagement uniquely compelling. Thanks to his generous donation, two non-profits, Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change, collaborated through the Zinn Education Project to distribute a free education packet to 4,000 middle and high school teachers across the country. The packet includes Zinn's A People's History of the United States, a teaching guide called A People's History for the Classroom, and the DVD Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train. Download Press Release to read on...

» Posted: July 14, 2008

Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

News Category Tag: Announcements

The next application deadline is September 1, 2008. The objective of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts is to Foster innovative artistic expression and the creative process by supporting cultural organizations that in turn, support artists and their work. The Foundation is focused primarily on encouraging work of a challenging and experimental nature, while noting that the interpretation of those terms may vary from place to place and culture to culture. Grants are made to curatorial programs at museums, artists organizations, and other cultural institutions to originate innovative and scholarly presentations of contemporary visual arts. Projects may include exhibitions, catalogues, and other relevant activities. In addition, scholarly research focusing on the development of significant exhibitions is funded through Curatorial Research Fellowshps. For more information go to: www.warholfoundation.org.

» Posted: July 14, 2008

IMLS American Heritage Preservation Grants

News Category Tag: Announcements

50 expected grants between $3,000 and $150,000, with no required matching funds. Bank of America is partnering with the Institute to provide grants to small museums, libraries and archives. The grants will raise awareness and fund preservation of treasures held in small museums, libraries and archives. Grants will help t preserve specific items, including works of art, artifacts and historical documents that are in need of conservation. Applicants will build on complete conservation assessments of their collections, to ensure that the Bank of America/IMLS grants are used in accordance with practices in the field, and underscore the importance of assessment planning. For more information, go to www.IMLS.htmDeadline Sep 15, 2008.

» Posted: July 14, 2008

Grants from the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, Inc.

News Category Tag: Announcements

The main focus of The Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, Inc. is in the field of alcoholism prevention and education. If you wish to submit a grant proposal, please include the following information: A letter of introduction addressed to: Mrs. Adele Smithers-Fornaci, President Thomas D. Coci, Vice President/Treasurer, The Christopher D. Smithers Foundation Inc. Box 67, Mill Neck NY 11765. Include a brief description of your program and the grant amount requested (budget). Include a copy of your non-profit status-501(c)3. Include a copy of your most recent annual report. For more information, go to www.smithersfoundation.org,

» Posted: July 14, 2008

Ronald McDonald House of Charities-Children's Health and Wellbeing Grants

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Ronald McDonald House of Charities support initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of children. Organizations seeking funding should have a specific program that directly improves the health and wellbeing of children, addresses a significant funding gap or critical opportunity, has long-term impact in terms of replication or reach, and produces measurable results. If your program or project focuses on a specific community or area, grant requests should be sent to one of our local RMHC Chapters for consideration. Contact your local RMHC Chapter for more information: www.rmhc.org

» Posted: July 14, 2008

Youth Service America and Disney Announces Second Round of Minnie Grants

News Category Tag: Announcements

Youth Service America and Disney have announced the launch of second round of Disney MinnieGrants to engage children and youth, ages 5 to 14, as community volunteers. Selected applicants will recieve $500 each to support their youth-led service projects. Projects must take place Oct. 15-Nov15, 2008. Granteed from the first round of Disney awards of 2008 are eligible to apply. Visit the YSA Web sit for complete program guidelines and review past award recipients from all over the world at: www.YSA.org

» Posted: July 14, 2008

The National Gardening Association--Healthy Sprouts Awards

News Category Tag: Announcements

The National Gardening Association (NGA) is accepting applications for its Healthy Sprouts Awards program to support awareness of nutrition and hunger through development of health-focused youth gardens. Award amounts are $200 or $500 in gift certificates towards purchase of gardening materials, a free copy of NGA's Eat a Rainbow Kit, 25 packets of seeds, a literature package from NGA, and NGA Supporter benefits for one year. Eligible applicants include schools or organizations that plan to garden in 2009 with at least 15 children (ages 3-18) and can demonstrate that the garden program will teach about nutrition and hunger issues in the United States. For more information, go to: www.nationalgardeningassociationDeadline: October 15, 2008.

» Posted: July 14, 2008

Excellence in Economic Education

News Category Tag: Announcements

The National Council on Economic Education is soliciting applications from qualified organizations seeking to promote economic and financial literacy among students in kindergarten through grade 12. In 2004, the United States Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement designated the (NCEE) as the sole agency to implement the Excellence in Economic Education (EEE) Program. Now in its fifth year, the NCEE is pleased to announce a new round of funding for projects during 2008-2009. The application deadline is September 15, 2008.

Applications will be accepted in the following categories:
Teacher Training Programs, School-based Student Activities, Replication of Best Practices, Distribution of Curriculum and Teaching Materials, Evaluations of Impact of Economic and Financial Literacy Education, Economic and Financial Literacy Research.

For general information on the Excellence in Economic Education Program, detailed information regarding funding priorities and the application process, and online application instructions, go to: www.ncee.net.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

Red Cloud Science Educator Receives National Honor

News Category Tag: Announcements

PINE RIDGE, South Dakota. A Red Cloud Indian School high school educator has been named the Distinguished Educator of the Year by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Wendell Gehman, who has worked at Red Cloud for more than 12 years, received the award this past month.

"It's important to give our students a venue to gain more experience and opportunities in the area of scientific research,"says Gehman. "Through the SACNAS, our students have been able to partner with some of the nation's top scientists."

For more information, go to: www.redcloudschool.org.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

Aetna Reaches for Healthy Communities

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Aetna Foundation is accepting applications for the Healthy Community Outreach Program. Through this program, the Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the Aetna service territory to support grassroots efforts to promote awareness about critical health initiatives through health walks, health fairs, and health education outreach. The Foundation awards grants of up to $25,000. Although applications are accepted online throughout the year, the Foundation advises submission well in advance of the events for which funding is requested. For additional information, including a list of eligible communities, visit the website at www.aetna.com.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

Stand Up Update

News Category Tag: Announcements

Ten of California's largest foundations have agreed to a multi-million-dollar, Multi-year investment in minority communities. The agreement was reached in response to pending legislation, sponsored by Assembly member Joe Coto that would have required foundations to disclose their ethic composition and document grants to minority organizations. A 2006 study by the Greenlining Institute showed only 3.6 percent of grant dollars from the nation�s top 24
private foundations went to minority-led organizations. For more information, contact Mike Welch in Joe Coto's office at 9016 319-2023.

Senators and Representatives are back home this week for the July 4th recess. It is a perfect opportunity to appeal in-person for $4 billion in neighborhood stabilization in any housing bill. Keep repeating that message! Let them (and their staffs) know the local impact.

$4 billion in neighborhood stabilization funding is critical in any housing stimulus legislation. Right now, it is a political football. With enough political will, this funding will be part of the legislation. For more information, see www.saveamericasneighborhoods.org.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

$5.6 Million to Support Faith-Based Coalitions

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has $5.6 million to support faith-based coalitions to advance community policies or environmental changes that improve access to healthy foods and/or opportunities for physical activity. They are particularly interested in efforts that reach children at greatest risk for obesity, including African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander children who live in low-income communities or communities with limited access to affordable healthy foods and/or safe opportunities for physical activity. The deadline is July 25. For more information, go to: www.raconline.org.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

$3.5 Million for National Nonprofit Organizations

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Corporation for National and Community Service has $3.5 million for the first year of a three-year grant award to national nonprofit organizations that support youth development through planning, collaboration, and alliance building for youth-serving organizations at the local and regional level. The deadline is July 29. For more information, visit: www.grants.gov.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

$12 Million to Improve Transit

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Federal Transit Administration has $12 million to improve transit in rural communities with Indian populations. The deadline is August 19. For more information, go to:edocket.access.gov.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

$10 million available for Technology-Based Learning Initiative

News Category Tag: Announcements

The U.S. Department of Labor has $10 million available for its Technology-Based Learning Initiative. Nonprofits in partnership with a Workforce Investment Board or One-Stop Center are eligible. The grants are for expanding access to technology-based training approaches especially in high-growth, high-demand occupations. The deadline is August 19. For more information, go to:www.edocket.access.gov.

» Posted: July 10, 2008

$3,000 for Published Book or Monograph

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Skystone Ryan Prize for Research on Fundraising and Philanthropy,
administered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, is accepting nominations. The $3,000 award will go to the author of a published book or monograph of at least fifty pages that is based on either applied or basic research in fundraising or philanthropy. The deadline is November 1. For more information, go to:www.afpnet.org.

Training Events and Conferences
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco will co-sponsor a symposium focused on innovative strategies to help address the economic challenges related to the rise in mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures. It will be held in Los Angeles on July 15-16. For more information or to register online, visit:www.frbsf.org

» Posted: July 10, 2008

David Cournoyer joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

News Category Tag: NAP News

David Cournoyer joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation as new program officer for the foundation's new community health leadership initiative.

The Foundation's community health leadership initiative is designed to recognize and support extraordinary upstream health leaders and their organizations; develop collaborative leadership across the state to create healthier communities; and to provide a forum to share lessons, success and results to help build the capacity and will to make Minnesota the healthiest state in the nation for all its residents. Cournoyer previously worked for the Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis. He serves as the board chair of Native Americans in Philanthropy, a national affinity group based in Minneapolis. For more information, go to: www.bcbsmnfoundation.org

» Posted: July 01, 2008

American Hiking awarding National Trail Fund grants in 2009

News Category Tag: Announcements

The two types of grants include: 1) American Hiking Society Trail Grants are made possible by donations from L.L.Bean, Therm-a-Rest and MSR. American Hiking Society Trail Grant awards will range from $500-$4,999. 2) Nature Valley Trail Grants, sponsored by General Mills Marketing, Inc. Nature Valley Trail Grants will total $5,000 each. Twenty applications requesting $5,000 will be selected as prospective Nature Valley Trail Grant recipients and will be featured on Nature Valley's website. Award winners will be chosen by public vote from October 1 through 31, 2008. The top 10 projects will each receive $5,000. For more information, go to: www.americanhiking.org. Deadline: August 15, 2008

» Posted: July 01, 2008

The CarEth Foundation's Global Justice Program accepting applications

News Category Tag: Announcements

The CarEth Foundation seeks to establish human rights (as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) as a global standard by which to assess government and corporate action domestically and abroad. The Foundation works to promote progressive activism that aims to rekindle a public dialogue about conscience, integrity, consumerism and the responsibility of all to ensure that human rights and human dignity are honored in the global system; and support the evolution of truly transparent, representational multi-lateral systems, such as those that include enforcement and compliance mechanisms around human rights standards, and/or repair the damages of the neo-liberal system, and/or halt implementation of harmful trade regulations. For more information, go to: www.proteusfund.org. Deadline, September 11, 2008

» Posted: July 01, 2008

Grants for Community & Economic Development, Housing & Employment

News Category Tag: Announcements

Strengthen your search for funding with Grants for Community & Economic Development, Housing & Employment, , representing 1,045 U.S. foundations. You'll find descriptions of more than 26,000 recent grants of $10,000 or more totaling over $3.7 billion!

This new Grant Guide is focused on these areas:

*Community improvement and development
*Economic development in both urban and rural areas
*Business promotion (including Chambers of Commerce)
*Management services for small businesses
*Community service clubs
*Employment and vocational training programs
*Housing development
*Construction and rehabilitation
*Housing search assistance
*Low-cost temporary housing (including temporary shelter for the homeless)
*Home owners/renters organizations
*Housing support services

Grants for Community & Economic Development, Housing & Employment
is one of two downloadable Grant Guides published by the Foundation Center. $39.95 ORDER NOW foundationcenter.org.

Get the same detailed content as in our print edition Grant Guides with the paperless convenience of on-screen viewing! Also available, 12 print-edition Grant Guides - $75 each.

» Posted: July 01, 2008

Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services Offer Human Services Grants to Arizona Nonprofits

News Category Tag: Announcements

Source Energy Services and UniSource Energy Services www.uesaz.com are accepting applications from charitable, nonprofit organizations in the companies' Arizona service areas.

Through the companies' "Grants That Make a Difference" program, TEP and UES are making a combined total of $145,000 available to nonprofit organizations that help people afflicted by homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, child abuse, and other social problems. The program is designed to encourage cooperation among charitable groups that provide services in the companies respective service areas to help make the most of limited philanthropic resources.

Grant applications will be reviewd by volunteer committes and scored based on attributes including agency collaboration to enhance service delivery, opportunity to leverage volunteers or other funds, and effectiveness in responding to critical social service needs.

Applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and be located in TEP or UES Web service territory.

Visit the TEP www.tep.com or UES www.uesaz.com Web sites for grant guidlines and application procedures.

» Posted: June 30, 2008

Calling All Social Entrepreneurs

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Social Venture Network (SVN) Innovation Awards support the "next generation" of socially responsible businesses and nonprofits by providing them access to people and resources to help develop their ideas into successful enterprises. Submit applications now through July 15, 2008 and learn more about SVN at www.svn.org/awards

» Posted: June 30, 2008

California Foundations Back Compromise to Defeat Diversity-Disclosure Measure

News Category Tag: Announcements

A coalition of 10 big California foundations has headed off controversial state legislation to require big grant makers to disclose information about the diversity of their giving, staff members, and boards by pledging to spend millions of dollars to strengthen organizations that serve minority and low-income people.

Joe Coto, a Democrat from San Jose who drafted a measure that was passed by the Assembly, agreed to withdraw the legislation on Monday following months of talks between the foundations and three legislative caucuses that represent members of minority groups.

For the full transcript go to www.californiafoundationsbackcomprom

» Posted: June 26, 2008

Irvine Foundation Supports Creativity

News Category Tag: Announcements

The James Irvine Foundation is accepting applications for the Creative Connections Fund. Through this fund, the Foundation supports creativity and the expansion of diverse, relevant cultural offerings in local communities across California, primarily outside the San Francisco Bay area. The Foundation focuses on reaching small and mid-sized arts organizations by providing one- to two-year project grants of up to $50,000. Applications are due August 1, 2008. For additional information, visit the website CreativeConnections.

» Posted: June 23, 2008

Grants Enhance Pacific Northwest Communities

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that strengthen communities in the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The Foundation accepts proposals in the following three program areas: The Arts and Culture Program supports a wide range of cultural projects that span the visual, performing, new media, and literary arts. The Youth Engagement Program encourages efforts to promote early reading proficiency, expand opportunities for experiential learning, and involve young people in addressing community needs.

The Community Development and Social Change Program seeks to improve long-term social, health, and economic outcomes for individuals and families by increasing access to resources such as healthcare, housing, employment, nutrition, and other basic needs. The upcoming deadline for letters of inquiry is July 8, 2008. A detailed description of the grantmaking programs and application information are available on the website www.pgafoundations.com

» Posted: June 19, 2008

Open Meadows Foundation Offers Funding for Projects for Women and Girls

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Open Meadows Foundation is a grantmaking organization for projects that are led by or benefit women and girls. Open Meadows funds projects that do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or ability.

The foundation offers grants of up to $2,000 each to projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls; reflect the diversity of the community served by the project; promote community power as well as racial, social, economic, and environmental justice; and have limited access to financial resources or have encountered obstacles in their search for funding.

Organizational budgets should not exceed $150,000. Small and start-up organizations are strongly encouraged to apply. Proposals from organizations not previously funded will be given the priority. See the foundation's Web site for complete program information and examples of funded projects. RFP www.openmeadows.org
Deadline: August 15, 2008

» Posted: June 19, 2008

Verizon Foundation-Education, Literacy and Health Grants

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Verizon Foundation aims to help people increase their literacy and educational achievement; avoid being an abuser or a victim of domestic violence; and achieve and sustain their health and safety. To achieve this goal, the Foundation funds programs in the following areas of interest: education, literacy, domestic violence prevention, healthcare and accessibility and Internet safety.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Proposals will also be considered from elementary and secondary schools that are registered with the National Center for Educational Statistics.
VerizonGuidelines
Deadline: November 1, 2008

» Posted: June 19, 2008

The WHO Foundation: Women Helping Others

News Category Tag: Announcements

The WHO Foundation nationally supports grass-roots charities serving the overlooked needs of women and children. Grants are provided to organizations serving women and/or children in the United States and Puerto Rico. Specific projects and programs addressing health and social service needs are our priority.

The Foundation recognizes the value of new programs created to respond to changing needs and will consider funding projects of an original or pioneering nature within an existing organization. PLEASE NOTE: Funding requests must meet the funding criteria and be made using the WHO Foundation application.

Funding requests must be made using the WHO Foundation application. For more information, go to:http://www.whofoundation.org/

» Posted: June 19, 2008

Collaboration Prize to Honor Successful Nonprofit Collaborations

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Lodestar Foundation www.lodestarfoundation.org and it's partner organizations have announced the creation of the Collaboration Prize to recognize collaborations among two or more nonprofit organizations that each would otherwise provide the same similar programs or services and compete for clients, financial resources, and staff.

The Prize program also seeks to build an information base of effective practice models that can be studies and used by academics, nonprofit leaders, and grantmakers to inspire and advance their work. For the purposes of the prize, collaboration means joint programing, administrative consolidations, or mergers among two or more organizations that each would otherwise provide the same or similar programs or services; have a structure that is evidenced by a formal agreement that uses the resources of each party in a more effective way(this agreement could be a memorandum of understanding, a letter of agreement, a contract, or merger agreement); and have begun operation at least eighteen months prior to the nomination and have been in existence no longer that eight years prior to the date of nomination.

The collaboration or each participant must be registered as a 501(c)(3) organization and be located in the United States. The prize of $250,000 will be awarded to the winning collaboration. Although the award must be used for charitable purposes, there are no specific requirements for its use. Nomination may be made by individuals who are familiar with the collaboration but are not an employee of any organization involved. Complete prize program information is available at the Collaboration Prize Web site. collaborationprize
Deadline: July 21,2008

» Posted: June 19, 2008

The Heineman Foundation

News Category Tag: Announcements

The purpose of the Heineman Foundation is to provide seed money to start-up projects within existing organizations for a maximum of three to five years. The foundations general areas of interest are the following (no particular order): 1.) programs that enable economically challenged women to enter the workplace (such as: on-site day care centers for women in the workplace; or job-training programs); 2.) language and leadership skills; 3.)environmental research that will help prevent,reduce, and/or eliminate large-scale water degradation; 4.) music as education and preserver of culture; 5.)research into prevention, education, and treatment for childhood illnesses; and 6.) programs that enable youth to think, create, and communicate effectively. The average range of the foundation's donations is $20,000 to $50,000 per annum.

To be eligible an organization must have 501(c)(3) status and upload copies of corresponding IRS documents to the online application form for the application to be considered. For more information, go to: www.Heinemanfoundation.org/guidelines
Deadline:September 1, 2008

» Posted: June 19, 2008

Groundbreaking Grantmaking Collaborative Supporting Human Rights

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Disability Rights Fund, a groundbreaking grantmaking collaborative supporting the human rights of people with disabilities, today announced its first grants competition. The broad objective of the Fund -- which was launched by the Open Society Institute, The Sigrid Rausing Trust, the United Kingdom Department for International Development, and an anonymous donor on the first anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) -- is to empower disabled persons organizations in the developing world and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union to effectively implement and monitor the CPRD. In 2008, the Fund plans to give out a total of USD $700,000 in one-year grants ranging from USD $5000 - $50,000 and aimed at awareness-raising, strengthening coalitions and networks, and rights advocacy. Interested organizations are urged to review the full eligibility criteria and application details posted at the Fund's website DisabilityRightsFund
Any questions on the proposal process should be directed to info@disabilityrightsfund.org by July 15. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2008.

» Posted: June 18, 2008

Sustaining Language

News Category Tag: Announcements

Sustaining Language, Sustaining Meaning-An Ojibwe Story on Speaking of Faith from American Public Media.

Language is a carrier of human identity. It is a vehicle by which we
understand and express our very sense of self. Novelist and translator David Treuer is helping to compile the first practical grammar of the Ojibwe language. In Sustaining Language, Sustaining Meaning, An Ojibwe Story, he describes an unfolding experience of how language shapes us culturally and spiritually. Some memories, Treuer believes, can only be carried forward by Ojibwe.

Download product at www.speakingoffaith.org. You will also find broadcast locations and times, other Speaking of Faith programs and much more.

» Posted: June 18, 2008

SMSC DONATES $1 MILLION TO YANKTON SIOUX TRIBE

News Category Tag: Announcements

Prior Lake, MN- The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces a grant for $1 million for fiscal year 2008 to the Yankton Sioux Tribe of Marty, South Dakota, for two community centers.

Three hundred thousand dollars of the grant will be used to complete the center at Marty. Previous grants of $2 million over fiscal years 2006 and 2007 helped fund that community center as well. The remaining $700,000 will allow for construction to begin on a community center at Lake Andes.

This press release and other information may be downloaded from the SMSC website at www.shakopeedakota.org

» Posted: June 18, 2008

Navajo Nation President receives Barry Goldwater Human Rights Corporate Award

News Category Tag: Announcements

On June 14, 2008 the Navajo Nation President, Joe Shirley, Jr., received the Barry Goldwater Human Rights Corporate Award. The award is presented yearly by Equality Arizona, an LGBT equal rights and education organization, to organizations which demonstrate a commitment and taken specific measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression .

Visit www.NativeOUT to watch video of the President's
acceptance speech of the award (with intro by openly gay Navajo state senator Jack Jackson, Jr.and an interview with the President regarding his veto of the Dine Marriage Act of 2005, his thoughts on receiving the Barry Goldwater Human Rights Corporate Award.

» Posted: June 18, 2008

Drug Abuse Prevention Efforts Supported by SMSC Donations

News Category Tag: Announcements

Prior Lake, MN- The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces $80,300 in donations to support drug abuse prevention efforts by seven different organizations. A matching donation of $50,000 went to First Nations Recovery of Minneapolis, Minnesota. "Had it not been for the benevolence of the Shakopee Mdewakanton, First Nations Recovery would not have been able to get off the launching pad. The SMSC vested in the vision to help bring sobriety to our community," said ex-officio community developer Gordon Thayer and founder of the American Indian Community Development Corporation. For information on the SMSC Charitable Giving Program, go to www.shakopeedakota.org

» Posted: June 17, 2008

Bill Reinforcing Vocational Tracking

News Category Tag: Announcements

Bill Reinforcing Vocational Tracking to be Heard in Committee SB 672 (Torlakson) will be heard in the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday, June 18. The bill creates a new education mandate in which schools and school districts that wish to access desperately needed funds will be forced to require their students to take two vocational education classes in order to graduate from high school. The bill gives cover to schools that do not adequately prepare students of color for life after high school and diverts sorely needed resources away from more urgent reforms like class size reduction, hiring more school counselors, and comprehensive professional development for teachers.

Please contact the Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, Assemblyman Gene Mullin today, and let him know your opposition to the bill. His contact information is as follows: Assembly Member Gene Mullin (916) 319 2019 Phone (916) 319 - 2119 Fax
For more information go to Assemblymember

» Posted: June 17, 2008

Rep. Becerra's Latest Tax Bill Provides for Equal Treatment

News Category Tag: Announcements

Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Assistant to the Speaker of the House and the only congressional member from Southern California on the Ways and Means Committee, introduced H.R. 6005, the Tribal Charities Fairness Act of 2008.

"This modest bill would repair far-reaching inequities in the tax code," Rep. Becerra said after introducing the legislation. "By simply recognizing Indian tribal governments as local government entities, tribes would finally be free to fund public charities that serve the needs of their communities. It's a question of equality, and tribes deserve to be treated the same as any local government." For more information, go to www.becerrataxbill

» Posted: June 06, 2008

Native American Videos from RI MA Selected for PBS Television Series

News Category Tag: Announcements

HOOP - Honoring Our Own Power is a Native American nonprofit in Newport, Rhode Island working to Strengthen Indigenous (Native American/American Indian) Initiatives. HOOP- Honoring Our Own Power, founded in 1998 by Newport, Rhode Island resident Wanda Jean Lord, Cherokee/Choctaw, serves Native peoples with the help of mainstream friends. HOOP members residing in Rhode Island and Massachussetts were chosen by WGBH/PBS to conceptualize and create videos by contemporary Native American people. "We Shall Remain" - In Massachusetts - Honoring Our Own Power's Reggie Chandler Hazard, Nipmuc and Robert Peters, Mashpee Wampanoag were chosen to create videos in collaboration WGBH/PBS and The American Experience for the "We Shall Remain" television series. You can help! . Send contributions to support this and other HOOP educational projects to Honoring Our Own Power 21 Burdick Avenue, Newport, RI, 02840 For more information Contact Wanda Jean Lord, CEO, HOOP -Honoring Our Own Power at: Honeringourownpower or 401-835-4806.

» Posted: June 02, 2008

Red Cloud selects Lakota-owned architectural firm

News Category Tag: Announcements

PINE RIDGE, South Dakota's Red Cloud Indian School has selected Encompass Architects of Lincoln, Nebraska, to design the $2.5 million addition and renovation to its high school. This is the first building project committed to an academic space in more than 20 years. "We are so proud to have committed to a relationship with Encompass, and in particular, Tammy Eagle Bull, a Lakota woman and president of the architectural firm," says Steve McCarthy, Red Cloud board treasurer and project manager of the planning committee for the new addition. "Tammy's knowledge of the Pine Ridge Reservation and Red Cloud, along with the firm's dedication to a day-to-day involvement with our administrators and students set them apart from others." Encompass was established by Eagle Bull and business partner Todd Hesson 5 1/2 years ago. With over 40 years of combined experience, they have developed a highly interactive process, infusing their designs with qualities and imageries of their client's community.

For more information about the building addition and the campaign for Red Cloud Indian School, contact Robbie Pipe On Head at 605/867-1105 or rpipeonhead@redcloudschool.org

» Posted: May 29, 2008

SMSC Provides $1 Million Grant to Kickapoo Tribe

News Category Tag: Announcements

SMSC Provides $1 Million Grant to Kickapoo Tribe for Administrative Center Prior Lake, MN- The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces a donation of $1,000,000 to the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas for a new Administrative Center. The Center will house the tribal government and will feature a community meeting room and kitchen. The two-story building will have more than 26,000 square feet to house the offices of the tribal council members, public relations, legal department, a conference room, and break room. No firm timeline has been established for the project but it is expected to open in 2009. Go to: www.dakotameadows.org to see the article.

» Posted: May 29, 2008

First Nations Announces FY 2008-2009 Native Youth and Culture Fund Grantees

News Category Tag: Announcements

First Nations Development Institute is pleased to announce that it has awarded 24 tribal organizations and entities with grants under its Native Youth and Culture Fund (NYCF) program. First Nations launched the grant program in 2002, with support from the Kalliopeia Foundation and other generous supporters, to partner with tribes, Native nonprofit organizations and Native community groups working in rural and reservation-based communities seeking ways to preserve, strengthen, and/or renew Native culture and tradition among Native youth. First Nations believes that Native youth represent the future of Native communities, and that their health and well-being determines the future health and well-being of the community. By investing in youth and giving them a sense of place and tradition in the community, a community insures that it will have future leaders.
Funded projects draw upon traditional knowledge in the local community, build relationships between youth and elders, and explore traditional approaches to strengthening Native values in youth. Grants awarded this year ranged from $3,200 to $20,000.

» Posted: May 23, 2008

2008 Call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) for Little Eagle Staff Fund

News Category Tag: Announcements

First Nations Development Institute is also inviting Letters of Intent for its Little Eagle Staff Fund grant program. Native Community-Based Nonprofit Development Organizations (NCNDOs) and Native Community Serving Financial Institutions (NCSFIs) play a key role in creating an "enabling environment" for economic development in Native communities. It is First Nations' vision that support for the "enabling environment"- also known as the business climate or investment climate - in Native communities will mean creating healthy social entrepreneurial institutions that provide support and capital for local entrepreneurs. To submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), please go to the website and download the forms. http://www.firstnations.org/

» Posted: May 23, 2008

SMSC $1 Million Grant Helps Upper Sioux Community

News Category Tag: Announcements

SMSC $1 Million Grant Helps Upper Sioux Community Prior Lake, MN- The Upper Sioux Community has been awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to build a community administrative building. The new building will provide a space to consolidate six different facilities that house tribal operations' staff and programs. For more information, go to www.shakopeedakota.org.

» Posted: May 23, 2008

TSA Announces Tribal Government Photo ID Cards Acceptable Documents

News Category Tag: Announcements

NCAI is delighted that after months of collaboration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on April 28 it will officially accept Tribal government photo ID cards as identification for domestic flights. TSA announced a series of improvements in its aviation security and traveler screening system to strengthen security and streamline procedures for travelers while reducing the "hassle factor" for travelers. The revision includes new list of acceptable forms of identification. This new list includes "Native American Tribal Photo ID" and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Cards as one of the documents that will be accepted at TSA airport checkpoints in the United States. The NCAI Homeland Security Working Group has been working vigorously to ensure Tribal ID cards receive the same respect accorded to all governmental identification. TSA's decision is the result of the persistent efforts of the Working Group. The Working Group was also successful in obtaining approval of Tribal ID cards for international land border crossings earlier this year.

For further information on this new rule or the NCAI Homeland Security Working Group, contact Heather Dawn Thompson, hthompson@ncai.org or Robert Holden,
rholden@ncai.org at NCAI.

» Posted: May 23, 2008

New Lakota dictionary

News Category Tag: Announcements

New Lakota dictionary is available at http://www.lakhota.org, or at: Stores.Language.

» Posted: May 12, 2008

Indigenous Peoples Critical of Position on Carbon Trading of

News Category Tag: Announcements

New York City, NY Indigenous Peoples attending the Permanent Forum are outraged that their rejection of the carbon market has been ignored in the final report of the 7th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII). The final report of the PFII hails World Bank funded carbon trading, like the Clean Development Mechanism, as good examples of partnership despite the human rights violations and environmental destruction they have caused. Indigenous Peoples attending the 7th session of the Permanent Forum are profoundly concerned that our key recommendations on climate change are not being taken into account by the Permanent Forum. "This Permanent Forum was created precisely to recognize, promote, and support the rights of Indigenous Peoples," says Florina Lopez, Coordinator of the Indigenous Women's Biodiversity Network of Abya Yala. Contacts: Juan Carlos, Amazon Alliance, 202-285-0153 (Spanish) Marcial Garcia, Kuna People, ariasmarcial@hotmail.com (Spanish) Jihan Gearon, Indigenous Environmental Network, 218-760-1370 (English). Please take a few moments to check out our My Space Page!Revolution. Learn more about the Campus Climate Challenge! ClimateChange. Join the IEN Newsletter!

» Posted: May 12, 2008

Dollar General Accepting Applications for Back-to-School

News Category Tag: Announcements

Back-to-School Grants program provides funding to assist elementary,
middle, and high schools in meeting some of the financial challenges they face in implementing new programs or purchasing new equipment, materials, or software for their school library or literacy program. In order to be eligible, schools must be located in Dollar's 35-state operating territory and must be within twenty miles of
the nearest Dollar General Store. A store locator is available
online at:LiteracyGrants. Complete program information and application instructions are
available at the Dollar General Web site at GeneralDollar

» Posted: May 07, 2008

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas Receives Nearly $1 Million

News Category Tag: Announcements

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas Receives Nearly $1 Million Grant for Loan Consolidation and Community Development Prior Lake, MN- A grant of nearly $1,000,000 from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will fund debt consolidation and community development. This press release and other information may be downloaded from the SMSC website at http://www.shakopeedakota.org/.

» Posted: April 30, 2008

First Nations Development Institute is inviting Letters of Intent

News Category Tag: Announcements

First Nations Development Institute is inviting Letters of Intent for its Little Eagle Staff Fund grant program. Native Community-Based Nonprofit Development Organizations (NCNDOs) and Native Community Serving Financial Institutions (NCSFIs) play a key role in creating an "enabling environment" for economic development in Native communities. In 2001, First Nations Development Institute launched its Little Eagle Staff Fund (LESF), which provides financial and economic development organizations with early stage investment and capitalization so that they can increase organizational capacity and enhance their development of new financial products and services. The goal is to support Native community based development organizations, especially financial institutions, so that they can promote economic development in Native communities. First Nations expects to award approximately 4-6 grants ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 under this initiative in 2008. LOIs are due June 23, 2008. All LOI applicants will be notified by Friday, July 18th, 2008, as to whether they will be invited to submit a full proposal. The full proposal will then be due on August 15th, 2008. Awards will be announced in late August or early September 2008. To submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), please download the application documents at FirstNations.

» Posted: April 30, 2008

Red Cloud Indian School students lead nation in prestigious Gates Millennium

News Category Tag: Announcements

PINE RIDGE, South Dakota
Eight students from Red Cloud High School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation have received the coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship, tying two other schools nationwide for the highest number of scholars selected from a high school in the country. This is also the highest number of scholars to come from Red Cloud since the scholarship's inception in 1999. "This is an unprecedented day for Red Cloud," says Fr. Peter Klink SJ, president of Red Cloud. "This is a tremendous achievement for our students, and a testament to the faculty and entire student body for their hard work throughout the academic year. I couldn't be more excited for these students." For more information about Red Cloud's Gates Scholars, or to interview the students or faculty, contact Robbie Pipe On Head at 605/867-1105 or RedCloudSchool.

» Posted: April 30, 2008

150 Years of Immigration in Minnesota: Call for Artists

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Minneapolis Foundation invites artists to submit work for its upcoming Immigration in Minnesota exhibit. As a part of the State of Minnesota's Sesquicentennial recognition, this exhibition will highlight the immigration experience to Minnesota both historical and current through photographs and a variety of visual mediums. We encourage submissions from artists of all generations and backgrounds. We would like submissions from non-professional as well as professional artists. Our goal is to represent the immigration experience from multiple populations who now make up our state's culturally diverse landscape.
This exhibit will be on view at The Minneapolis Foundation office from May 1 to August 31, 2008.
For more information, please contact Trevor Roediger at 612-378-1189 or museumservices@gmail.com.

» Posted: April 14, 2008

Scholarships for VOTER technology training

News Category Tag: Announcements

If you're planning on a voter project this year and you're wondering how you're going to manage the data from your membership database and the voter list, you should come to our training at the end of April. (This training is part of our VOTER project.) With the Voter Tech Training coming up very soon, we're expediting awards for scholarships and travel funds. You can apply as part of your application for the VOTER Project following the procedures here scholarships and travel funds if you aren't ready to complete the whole proposal now, you can apply on the course registration page available from here, just remember to request a scholarship and say that you will be submitting a VOTER Project proposal.

» Posted: April 11, 2008

Status of American Indian & Alaskan Native Families Today

News Category Tag: Announcements

For a copy of the report go to http://www.nuifc.org. For more information on the NUIFC and this report, please contact Janeen Comenote at jcomenote@unitedindians.org or 206-829-2229.

» Posted: April 07, 2008

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Receives $1 Million SMSC Grant

News Category Tag: Announcements

In fiscal year 2006, the SMSC provided a $1 million grant for the Elderly village, which will be one of the first state-licensed, federally certified nursing facility on an Indian reservation. In 2005 the SMSC gave the CRST a $3 million loan for the same project. It will provide about 60 jobs for local residents. The facility will contain 60 beds: 50 skilled nursing beds and 10 assisted living beds. The 50,000 square foot facility will be open to both Indian and non-Indian patients. This press release and other information may be downloaded from the SMSC website at www.shakopeedakota.org

» Posted: April 07, 2008

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Family and Informal Caregiver Support Program

News Category Tag: Announcements

It is an undeniable fact that most frail older adults are cared for by family, friends and other nonprofessionals. It is a difficult challenge for many. For most there is no alternative. As a society, we simply do not have the resources to provide professional caregivers and support services to everyone who needs assistance. But we do have community assets which can be used in more creative ways. With this funding initiative, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation will help community partnerships develop innovative ways to support these devoted caregivers.FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONhttp://www.hjweinbergfoundation.org/
CaregivingRFP@theweinbergfoundation.org

» Posted: March 25, 2008

Red Lake Students Make CookBook

News Category Tag: Announcements

Students on the Red Lake Indian Reservation have put together a cookbook with the help of a General Mills employee group. The company's American Indian Council, which consists of employees with American Indian heritage, donated $20,000 for the project and worked with the students to complete "The Taste of Red Lake Cookbook." High school junior Rob Pemberton Jr. said students had fun working on the project. "The cookbook is a positive symbol of the Red Lake Nation, and it teaches other communities about traditional food from Red Lake," he said. The Red Lake Indian Reservation was the scene of a school shooting in March 2005 that left 10 people dead and seven people injured. The cookbook includes traditional and contemporary recipes collected from families and friends, along with nutritional information. Xerox Corp. has donated the printing for the first 1,800 books. Profits will go toward a community picnic, scholarships and school improvements. Cookbooks, $10, can be ordered via e-mail at tasteofredlake@red lake.k12.mn.us; by phone, 218-679-3353; by fax, 218-679-2321; or mail, Taste of Red Lake Cookbook, c/o Red Lake High School, P.O. Box 499, Red Lake, MN 56671.

» Posted: March 24, 2008

St. Paul Travelers Foundation helping underserved and minorities

News Category Tag: Announcements

Travelers is one of the largest providers of property and casualty insurance products in the United States. The St. Paul Travelers Foundation funds a wide range of programs, particularly those designed to help the underserved and minorities. Emphasis is placed on efforts in Minnesota and Connecticut, where the company has a large presence. However, national organizations may receive support for specific initiatives that fit within the foundation's funding priorities. Special consideration will be given to those national requests that support or leverage the potential of other grantees, and those that directly aid local initiatives.For more information visit: http://www.travelers.com/iwcm/docs/TRV_CA_guidelines.pdf

» Posted: March 24, 2008

Susan Jenkins receives the Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award!

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Louis T. Delgado Distinquished Grantmaker Award was presented to Ms. Susan Jenkins,Choctaw Nation. Susan is the Executive Director of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation
in Cherokee, North Carolina www.cherokeepreservation.org. Susan provided leadership for the foundation since its' inception, developing the grantmaking strategy and building infrastructure. Susan has brought vision, leadership, and creativity to her work and works to bridge gaps between mainstream philanthropy and Native philanthropy. She has forged new ground in Native philanthropy by working to ensure that an endowment was established at the Cherokee Preservation Foundation through use of gaming funds. Ms. Jenkins exhibits the qualities and values inherent in the Louis T. Delgado Award with her tireless commitment to Native leadership, Native philanthropy and continual advocacy for increased resources to Indigenous communities.

» Posted: March 20, 2008

April Lea Go Forth to receive the Flying Eagle Woman Award!

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Flying Eagle Woman Community Based Philanthropy Award recipient this year is Ms. April Lea Go Forth is a-ni-yv-wi'ya, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Go Forth is founding Director of the nonprofit corporation Resources for Indian Student Education (RISE) in Alutras, Modoc County, CA. April is presented with the Flying Eagle Woman Award because of her humanitarian efforts and promotion of Indigenous rights and culture in her community and nationwide.

» Posted: March 20, 2008

Launch of Disability Funders Networks New Accessible Website

News Category Tag: Announcements

Disability Funders Network Board and Staff are Pleased to Announce the Launch of Disability Funders Networks New Accessible Website:http://www.disabilityfunders.org/

» Posted: March 20, 2008

National Museum of the American Indian Visual and Expressive Arts Grants Awarded

News Category Tag: Announcements

The National Museum of the American Indian has announced the recipients of their Visual Arts and Expressive Arts Grants. The Visual Arts Grants support exhibitions and installations of contemporary Native American art, as well as publications and critical writing. The Expressive Arts Grants support the creation and presentation of new works with an emphasis on collaboration. For the full press release, visit: http://www.nmai.si.edu/press/releases/20080314_Grant_Recipients.pdf

» Posted: March 20, 2008

Tribal facilities called inadequate

News Category Tag: Announcements

Tribal facilities called inadequate, despite testimonials to progress WASHINGTON - Tribal jails, schools and health facilities remain in a radical state of disrepair or inadequacy, due primarily to lack of funding, according to the consensus of tribal witnesses before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs March 6. Read more at http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416839&na=570

» Posted: March 17, 2008

Grant opportunity for financial/investor education!

News Category Tag: Announcements

Through its grant program, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation http://www.finrafoundation.org/ (formerly the NASD Investor Education Foundation) funds research and/or educational projects that support its mission of providing underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. In 2008, the foundation is especially interested in applications that focus on the following areas: new marketing and distribution channels for financial and investor education; helping Americans manage their finances and investments inretirement; meeting the financial and investor education needs of underserved audiences; and using behavioral finance to improve saving and investing. For complete grant application guidelines and summaries of funded projects, see the foundation's Web site http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10011723/finra. For additional RFPs in Education, visit: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_education.jhtmlDeadline: April 11, 2008; and July 12; 2008.

» Posted: March 13, 2008

Who Are America's Poor Children?

News Category Tag: Announcements

The following report includes information that 40% of American Indian children live in poor families and that states that American Indian children are disproportionately poor. Who are America's Poor Children? The Official Story, November 2007 From the National Center for Children in Poverty, this fact sheet provides demographic information on children in the United States who are considered poor based on the national poverty threshold. Between 2000 and 2006, the number of children living in poverty increased 11 percent, which equates to 13 million. For more information, please see:http://nccp.org/publications/pdf/text_787.pdf

» Posted: March 13, 2008

Ground Breaking Report on Health and Health-Influencing Behaviors Among

News Category Tag: Announcements

The report finds additional evidence that American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas face major hurdles in reaching health status similar to their fellow Americans. Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a national telephone survey conducted yearly and coordinated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), show America Indians and Alaska Natives living in selected urban areas were more likely to report difficulty accessing health care, had higher rates of risk behavior, and experienced worse health outcomes than the general population. To down load a copy of the report, please visit: Reported Health and Health-Influencing Behaviors Among Urban American. For more information on the report findings, please contact: Maile Taualii MaileT@uihi.org

» Posted: March 12, 2008

Otto Bremer Foundation announces its new executive director.

News Category Tag: Announcements

Effective Thursday, May 1, Randi Ilyse Roth will begin her duties at Otto Bremer Foundation as its new executive director. Randi currently serves as the independent, court-appointed monitor in a civil rights lawsuit brought by African American farmers against the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prior to that, for seventeen years she served as a staff attorney and then as executive director of the Farmers Legal Action Group, Inc. For more information go to http://www.ottobremer.org/.

» Posted: March 12, 2008

The Foundation Center releases its 2008 edition of Foundation Giving Trends.

News Category Tag: Announcements

According to the 2008 edition of Foundation Giving Trends, a comprehensive analysis of all grants $10,000 or more released by 1,263 of the largest private and community foundations in the United States released by the Foundation Center, health surpassed education on the share of grant dollars received. Overall, the nations largest foundations increased funding across all program areas in 2006 with international giving experiencing a near 50 percent increase.

For more information, or a free downloadable PDF of the highlights from Foundation Giving Trends, visit: http://www.foundationcenter.org/

» Posted: March 12, 2008

Spread the Word.

News Category Tag: Announcements

Form 990-N Now Available, Searchable The new Form 990-N Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) is now available online for filing by smaller nonprofit organizations. The new e-postcard system is administered by IS member, the Urban Institute. The IRS is asking nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and tax practitioners to help spread the word about this new reporting requirement. The public also now has access to the information filed on the Form 990-N
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html. through a searchable database.

» Posted: March 12, 2008

Matching Grants Now Available To Promote Asset-Building

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Health and Human Service's Office of Community Service's (OSC) has $19 million available under the Assets for Independence (AFI) Program, for organizations wishing to start or expand their matched savings accounts programs, otherwise known as Individual Development Accounts (IDA). Tribes across the country are using this resource to build assets in their communities. IDAs are matched savings accounts designed to help low-income families. Funds can be used to purchase a home, start businesses or pursue educational opportunaties. The savings are matched, therefore encouraging low-income families to build wealth and plan for the future. Visit First Nations Development Institute on the Web at www.firstnations.org Applications due by March 25.

» Posted: March 10, 2008

Calls for Submissions for Anthology of Rural Medicine in the 21 century

News Category Tag: Announcements

Beyond the Country Doctor
Published by Kent State University Press and Hiram College Center for Literature, Medicine and Biomedical Humanities. It is no longer the country doctor taking care of the farmers and ranchers. Today a diverse group of clinicians have added cell phones and PDAs to their black bags, minister to a multi-colored patchwork quilt of patients.
We want to show the breadth of rural medicine in the United States today. We are looking for poems, essays, and short stories (fiction and creative nonfiction, max 5000 words) written by health professionals(doctors, nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, mental health providers, paramedics and students of all of the above. We are not able to pay for your contributions. The book will be published in Fall, 2009. We are willing to consider already published work as long as we can secure permission to reprint it from the original publisher. Work should not include the identifying information of patients unless permission is granted. Authors with contributions published in the collection will receive a free copy of the anthology. Submission due by April 15, 2008 by email attachment to: zink0003@umn.eduFor more information go towww.alliesmediaart.com

» Posted: March 10, 2008

Call for Nominations - Community Spirit Awards

News Category Tag: Announcements

First Peoples Fund, a national nonprofit organization invites you to nominate an artist from your American Indian community for their ninth annual Community Spirit Award, recognizing individuals who have made substantial contributions to their communities. Following a rigorous selection process, four individuals will be honored with a $5,000 fellowship.

Community Spirit is an expression that speaks of the unselfish generosity and reciprocated love these artists have for their Indian community. The same spirit that guides artists' work also drives them to do service in their communities. This process of bringing spirit back to the community is part of a sacred honor system that First Peoples Fund works to strengthen through recognition of these artists. Community Spirit also describes the teaching of gifts that promote and sustain indigenous cultures. Recipients of this award must demonstrate these acts of Community Spirit through their art form. First Peoples Fund seeks artist who demonstrate these values we hold strongly:
1.) Deeply rooted and maintain direct ties to their tribal community.
2.) A commitment to building the strength of native communities by sharing their skills and talents with others in their respective communities.
3.) An artistic practice that passes on the traditions and the life ways of the people.

Nominated artists must be: practicing artists of demonstrated maturity in their field, continually practicing artists for a minimum of 10 years, and be a documented affiliate of a United States tribe. In addition to Visual Arts, First Peoples Fund also recognizes traditional forms of Performing Arts and Literary Arts. Nominate your candidate online at www.firstpeoplesfund.org by April 11, 2008.

» Posted: February 27, 2008

Pro Patria Award to Choctaw Nation

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has earned Oklahoma's committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's highest honor, the Pro Patria Award. General John W. Hubbard will present the award to Chief Gregory E. Pyle on Friday, February 15th at 10:00 a.m. in the Durant Tribal Complex auditorium.

"We support our employees who serve in the military," said Chief Pyle. "We have also gone to great lengths to support military personnel who are Choctaw and friends of Choctaws." Some of those efforts include transportation to and from Fort Bliss, Texas for National Guardsmen as well as welcome home and departure ceremonies and meals for the 180th.

On several occasions, a special need has been brought to the attention of the tribe. Many thank you notes have come back to the tribal offices from soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who have received special knives that can cut vehicle harnesses or safety straps quickly, walkie-talkies so that transport teams can talk to each other when their visibility was too low to actually see each other, phone cards and other great items in Care Packages, and an ultrasound machine to check for embedded shrapnel.

"The Choctaw Nation has been very willing to support those serving our great country through all branches of the armed services," said Chief Pyle. "Employees are highly honored for their willingness to serve and the tribe is excited at receiving this award."

"Our Tribal Council members are tremendous advocates for veterans and active military." Chief Pyle explained that the Council approved funding to establish a Veterans Advocacy Program, an annual Veterans Ceremony and provided property and funding for a Veterans Cemetery.

The Choctaw Nation has also been nominated for the 2008 Freedom Award in the category of large employer. According to Walter Cross, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Employer Support of Guard and Reserves, the Freedom Award is presented to only fifteen nation-wide outstanding employers of Guard and Reserve members and is presented in Washington D.C. by the Secretary of Defense.

» Posted: February 13, 2008

Announcing the 2008 Community Spirit Award Honorees

News Category Tag: Announcements

Frank Dominquez, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash - Califonia Contemporary Arts: Mixed media/installation

Margaret Hill, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe - Minnesota Traditional Arts: Birchbark/sweetgrass

Marietta King, Blackfeet - Montana Visual Arts: Oil Pastel

Jeanette "Molly" Parker, Passamaquoddy - Main Traditional Arts: Ash Sweetgrass baskets

First Peoples Fund extends our gratitude to this year's CSA Selection Committee for their commitment and generous spirit:

Georgia Wettlin-Larson, Assiniboine/Nakota; Tina Kuckkahn, Chippewa; Linley Logan, Seneca; Ron Martinez Looking Elk, Taos Pueblo.

For more information from First Peoples Fund, please visit their website.

» Posted: December 11, 2007

NPAction Update

News Category Tag: Announcements

A new online voter registration tool is being made available to nonprofits by Rock the Vote and Young Voter Strategies. The two groups dedicated to mobilizing young voters merged in August 2007.

NPAction, an online resource hosted by OMB Watch, provides access to tools and information for nonprofit advocacy from a wide range of organizational partners and sources in order to encourage greater participation by nonprofits in the policy arena.

For more information, contact:

NPAction
1742 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington DC 20009
(202) 234-8494
E-mail: npaction@npaction.org
Web: www.npaction.org

» Posted: December 07, 2007

Morris K. Udall Scholarship Program

News Category Tag: Announcements

The Scholarship Program awards eighty $5,000 merit-based scholarships for college sophomores and juniors seeking a career in tribal health, tribal public policy, or the environment. Scholarship recipients participate in a five-day Orientation in Tucson, AZ, to learn more about tribal and environmental issues. Applications must be submitted through a Udall Faculty Representative at the student's college or university. More information about Faculty Representatives can be found on the Udall website. The application deadline for the 2008 academic year is March 4, 2008.

» Posted: December 04, 2007

Majority of U.S. households give an average of $2,045 to Charity, New Study Shows

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