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Welcome to E-News from Native Americans in Philanthropy!
'Tis the season for giving and sharing! As you and your family gather, celebrate the holidays and plan for the New Year, we are doing the same at home and in office. Congratulations to one of NAP's interns, Deanna Rae Standing Cloud-Green, as she has welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world on November 29th. Also, join us in welcoming K. Kohl Miner, consultant for programming and the Native Philanthropy - National Gathering.
In spirit of the season, we invite your nominations for our annual awards. Mark you calendars for the Native Philanthropy National Gathering on May 2-3, 2008 and watch for research on Native American Board engagement in philanthropy coming in the spring. We also share other resources, events and news in philanthropy and Indian Country on our website. Please share some of your news, resources, events or job postings by sending them directly to Neely Snyder, at nsnyder@nativephilanthropy.org.
Lastly, we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season! Keep warm this winter and stay in touch.
-Joy & Neely
It is with much pleasure that we extend an invitation to you to nominate remarkable individuals, organizations, tribes or foundations for Native Americans in Philanthropy's philanthropy awards.
The Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award was established in honor of a founding Board Member and the values and ethics that he exemplifies. The award honors an individual or an institution who reflect those qualities in their actions and philosophies.
The Flying Eagle Woman Award for Community-Based Philanthropy, established in memory of Native Americans in Philanthropy's former board chair Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa, recognizes the work of Indigenous people who are living and practicing the principle of generosity in their communities. Although it may not qualify as grantmaking, per se, it is an important Indigenous contribution to the field of philanthropy.
Download nomination forms for both award programs. We encourage you to nominate the person, organization, community, tribe and/or foundation who embodies the spirit of the awards as stated in their respective criteria. A nominal contribution in honor of the award recipient will be made to the organization of their choice. Awardees will be honored at our Annual Celebration Dinner on May 2, 2008.
Native Americans in Philanthropy will host a national gathering at the Holiday Inn On The Hill in Washington, DC to celebrate outstanding philanthropic practices in Indian Country and share knowledge of best practices in Native nonprofits and Native philanthropy. Members of Native Americans in Philanthropy will also convene the Annual Meeting followed by a reception.
Hotel deadline is March 31, 2008! Call the Holiday Inn On The Hill in Washington, DC at 1-800-638-1116 and mention the "Native Americans in Philanthropy" event to receive the group rate of $179 per night.
More information can be found on our website.
Members who are at Hawk Clan level or higher are eligible to join the NAP list-serve community. If you'd like to be included in networking, sharing resources, news and other information among other NAP members, please send your request to Neely Snyder today at nsnyder@nativephilanthropy.org.
HEEF Receives 2007 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award
Hopi Education Endowment Fund were presented the 2007 Outstanding Philanthropic Award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference in Sedona, Arizona.
On behalf of HEEF, LuAnn Leonard (Executive Director) was among others who were honored to accept the award. After receiving the award, LuAnn made the following comments:
"Just so you get an idea of where we come from...Imagine being 75 miles from the nearest conveniences such as a bank, a dry cleaner or 90 miles from a Starbucks. Some might say we are in the middle of nowhere but we're exactly where we should be, on our aboriginal homelands in Northern Arizona."
"We're a small staff of 3 supported by a Board of 29 generous members from across the US. We came into our jobs with no fundraising experience but had a deep commitment and desire to help ensure the future of our Hopi people. Terms such as direct mail, planned giving, charitable remainder trusts were foreign to us."
"Individuals such as Barbara Poley and Loris Taylor helped to plant the seed of Philanthropy while others such as Alice Ferris, Jim Anderson, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Non-Profit Resource Center have helped to cultivate and nurture the seed."
"Throughout this growing process we've seen individuals leave a legacy through planned giving, we've experienced the excitement of securing a major sponsor to underwrite an event and we've learned that through the process of forging relationships with donors all examples that we've been taught are possible and achievable."
"We recognize that there are many organizations throughout Northern AZ deserving of this recognition and are humbled and thankful to be selected by the Northern AZ AFP."
"It is with great pride that we accept this award as it honors the visions of our Hopi leaders past & present. Askwali!"
Congratulations to the Hopi Education Endowment Fund - friends of Native Americans in Philanthropy.
American Bison are sent back to Lakota in South Dakota
Watch this amazing video. A herd of American Bison (Tatanka) are sent back to the Lakota in South Dakota. Sponsored by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Directed, cut and shot by Shawn Thompson. Made possible by a gift from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Watch the Video Now!
7 Petitioners File for Hearing on Uranium Mine Expansion
First Request for Nuclear Regulatory Commission Hearing in 17 years
WASHINGTON, D.C. On November 12, 2007, seven Petitioners from parts of the poorest region in the United States asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to participate in decisions relative to uranium mining and its harmful effects in northwestern Nebraska and the Lakota (Sioux) Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Southwest South Dakota. According to NRC sources, this is the first request to intervene in an NRC proceeding relating to the expansion of an existing uranium mining operation in approximately 17 years. The petitioners are Thomas Cook, Chadron Native American Center, Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Corp., High Plains Community Development Corp., Western Nebraska Resources Council, Debra White Plume, and an Oglala Lakota nonprofit organization called Owe Aku.
Canadian-owned Crow Buttes Resources, Inc. (CBR) is asking the NRC for a permit to expand uranium mining in and around Petitioners' towns, farms, and Indian territories. Petitioners assert that CBR's process currently consumes and contaminates 4.7 billion gallons of water per year from the High Plains Aquifer which is also the water source to communities in eight western states. The petition (see www.bringbacktheway.com for text) challenges CBR's request for an additional 2.4 billion gallons a year to expand its operations. CBR's application is made while drought is depleting the aquifers at 160% of recharge.
In addition to the use of additional valuable water resources, CBR has admitted to:
- a spill of approximately 300,000 gallons of radioactive liquid waste at its mine in Crawford, Nebraska;
- failure to clean up one-third of the spills equaling approximately 100,000 gallons of radioactive liquid waste;
- admission that a broken coupling led to a one gallon per minute leak for several years into the Brule aquifer. It is believed that the leak resulted in toxic contamination of at least 525,000 gallons of water per year; and
- admission of a leak that contaminated 25,000 sq. ft. of the Brule aquifer.
From existing operations, CBR has had no less than 23 reported leaks of radioactive material. Petitioners assert that this contradicts CBR's statements that they have operated without any environmental impact and indicates that CBR should not be allowed to expand its existing operations. As one member of the Western Nebraska Resources Counsel stated, "In our book, you clean up your first mess before you are allowed the opportunity to create a new mess."
Petitioners are asking the NRC for a chance to submit evidence that a slow-moving, underground radioactive plume of contaminated water is moving through several inter-connected aquifers. It is believed that CBRs admitted contamination of the aquifer "plumes" through the Arikaree, Brule and High Plains aquifers. CBR's expansion application to the NRC states that the toxins that have leaked into the aquifers probably enter the human body through water as well as food sources exposed to the contamination. These toxins include Radon-222, Thorium, Uranium and inorganic Arsenic. As part of the application process, Petitioners seek an evaluation of CBR's proposed expansion relative to the health and environment of people and wildlife relying on the aquifers. The Arikaree aquifer lies directly under the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Petitioners believe there is a link between 98 wells that were closed on the Western side of the Reservation because of radioactive contamination and unusual incidences of cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, miscarriages and infant brain seizures.
Indigenous Petitioners from Native American communities also assert that the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples applies. Article 32 acknowledges that Indigenous peoples have a right to "free, prior and informed consent" with respect to development, utilization or exploitation of mineral resources. It further provides that "[s]tates shall provide effective mechanisms for just and fair redress for any such activities, and appropriate measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse environmental impact." To date, no opportunity has been provided for members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe or Native communities to analyze CBR's License Amendment or its affect on Indigenous lands and resources. Petitioners stress that it would be entirely consistent with international human rights standards if the NRC affirms the Indigenous peoples' right to intervene in the permit process for CBR's application.
It is currently unknown when to expect a decision from the NRC.
Contact: Debra White Plume, Executive Director, Owe Aku, 605-455-2155, lakota1@gwtc.net. Or Kent Lebsock, Owe Aku International Human Rights Project, 917-751-4239, iamkent@verizon.net.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Support for Indigenous Community Programs
Seva Foundation: Native American Grants Program
The Seva Foundation serves people around the world who are struggling for health, cultural survival, and sustainable communities. Seva's Native American Grants Program provides support to Native American-led organizations working to devise solutions to the challenges that face their communities, with emphasis on spiritual and cultural renewal, health and wellness, protecting Mother Earth, economic development, education, and indigenous youth. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations, Indigenous Nations, and public agencies that provide programs in urban and rural Indian communities throughout the United States. The next application deadline is March 1, 2008. Visit the Seva Foundation website for application guidelines.
Grants Target Economically Isolated Populations
Hitachi Foundation: Business and Communities Grant
The purpose of the Hitachi Foundation's grantmaking strategy is to enhance the well-being of economically isolated people in the United States. The Foundation's Business and Communities Grants program invests in path breaking practices for use by business and nonprofit organizations to mutually address community problems. Through this program, the Foundation supports partnerships that enable economically isolated people to retain and advance in their jobs, earn living wages, and accumulate savings and assets. Full proposals may only be submitted at the Foundation's invitation. However, the Foundation has developed a web-based system for inquiries from nonprofit organizations. Visit the Hitachi Foundation website for program details and online inquiry instructions.
Funds for National and International Projects
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established in 1930 to help people help themselves. Specifically, the Foundation supports children, families, and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. For greatest impact, the Foundation targets its grants toward specific areas, including health, food systems and rural development, youth and education, and philanthropy and volunteerism. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the southern African countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Proposals are accepted online year-round. For more details, visit the W.K. Kellogg Foundation website.
Services for Disabled Children Supported
Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation
The Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that are dedicated to providing direct care or services for children with special needs, acute illnesses, or chronic disabilities. Preference is given to small organizations that might not otherwise be helped. Grants support new ideas and approaches to providing services as well as equipment purchases. Requests are accepted from January 1 through August 31, annually. Visit the Innovating Worthy Projects website for application guidelines.
Grants for Pacific Northwest Organizations
Charlotte Martin Foundation
The Charlotte Martin Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth in the areas of athletics, culture, and education. An additional focus of the Foundation is preserving and protecting wildlife and habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Support is provided to nonprofit organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington that address the Foundation's priorities. Online applications may be submitted at any time. Visit the Charlotte Martin Foundation website for details on the Foundation's focus areas and online application information.
Women's Leadership Scholarship
The Women's Leadership Scholarship (WLS) formerly known as the Native Leadership Scholarship program creates educational opportunities for women who are grassroots leaders, organizers, and activists from the Global South and/or from indigenous groups. WLS invests in women's leadership by supporting non-doctoral graduate education in human rights, sustainable development, and public health.
Pre-applications for the 2008-09 academic year are due March 14, 2008. For more information please visit www.nativeleaders.org where you will find a more complete description of the Scholarship guidelines and eligibility requirements.
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December 5-7, 2007
AIM Alliance Conference "Not Just a Direction, But an Aim: Equity & Philanthropy"
Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN
The Arizona-Indiana-Michigan (AIM) Alliance invites you to participate in an important convening that focuses on encouraging and equipping the next generation of leaders in grantmaking institutions. The convening will be a dialogue regarding the critical paths to effective leadership in the foundation sub-sector. In addition to a broad diversity of emerging practitioners, several senior leaders in philanthropy will attend this major convening.
Register Today.
December 06, 2007
Journeys with First Nations
Ogema, MN
Be a part of "Journeys with First Nations," Sustainable Tourism at White Earth, which is co-hosted by White Earth Land Recovery Project and Renewing the Countryside.
This sustainable tourism route will highlight locally-owned businesses, organizations, events, tribal and US government entities (natural areas like refuges and praries, camping areas) and events of important cultural significance.
More Info
December 07, 2007
Northwest Indingenous Film Festival
Native American and worldwide indigenous film makers are invited to submit entries produced by or about indigenous peoples for the second annual Northwest Indigenous Film Festival. All genres and lengths are welcome and creative storytelling is encouraged. Categories include drama, comedy, documentary, experimental, and animation. A film maker may submit up to five shorts up to 20 minutes each. One feature-length production may also be submitted. Submissions must have been completed in the year 2006 or later. Preview format should be in DVD (NTSC format). A screening quality DVD, Beta SP, or DV cam, 16 or 35 mm format is to be received within two weeks of notification of selection. If screening in DVD, please send two quality screening DVD's with submission. Deadline is December 7, 2007. Regular entry fee: $20, Student entry fee: $10. For more information please contact Susan Balbas, or download the description here (pdf). The application can be downloaded here (pdf).
December 12, 2007
Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
Honolulu, HI
The Grant Institute's Grants 101 course is an intensive and detailed introduction to the process, structure, and skill of professional proposal writing. This course is characterized by its ability to act as a thorough overview, introduction, and refresher at the same time. In this course, participants will learn the entire proposal writing process and complete the course with a solid understanding of not only the ideal proposal structure, but a holistic understanding of the essential factors, which determine whether or not a program gets funded. Through the completion of interactive exercises and activities, participants will complement expert lectures by putting proven techniques into practice. This course is designed for both the beginner looking for a thorough introduction and the intermediate looking for a refresher course that will strengthen their grant acquisition skills. This class, simply put, is designed to get results by creating professional grant proposal writers.
Participants will become competent program planning and proposal writing professionals after successful completion of the Grants 101 course. In three active and informative days, students will be exposed to the art of successful grant writing practices, and led on a journey that ends with a masterful grant proposal.
For more information on how to register Click Here
View Other Events
IRS Section 7871: What You Should Know: Summary and Actions from MN Regional Gathering
Building a Shared Understanding-Summary:
Institute for Nonprofit Management
Portland State University Leadership Fellow Program
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Washington State University
Assistant Director of Development
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Washington State University
Development Coordinator
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Western Carolina University
Sequoyah Distinguished Professorship
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Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
Diversity Fellowship
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