In This Newsletter:

• NAP News

                        2011 Native Philanthropy Institute Recap
                        20th Anniversary Journey Reflections
                        NAP on the Radio
                        Profiles in Native Leadership: Lori Pourier

• Member News
• Philanthropy News
• Resources
• Ways to Support NAP

NAP NEWS

Native Philanthropy Institute Recap

The 2011 Native Philanthropy Institute (NPI) was held at Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, Washington on April 4-5. Native Americans in Philanthropy gathered over 150 leaders representing over 70 Tribal giving programs, foundations, and nonprofits in forum for dialogue, interaction, and co-learning.  Together we achieved our goals for NPI which included in inclusive dialogue, where attendees from across the nation share programmatic links, lessons learned, opportunities and successes of Native and other underserved communities.  The Institute fostered strategic alliances and provided an opportunity to build relationships with a diversity of constituencies.  The NPI explored the growth, opportunities and challenges of transitions and next generation leaders.  Current research findings and the sharing of resources are additional priorities identified for the conference, you can download these reports at www.nativephilanthropy.org; click the report in the right-hand corner. Under the theme, Weaving Leadership, Indigenous People and Resources, program tracks addressed leadership, organization capacity building and strategic grantmaking strategies.

Awards recipients
Jo-Anne Stately is awarded the 2011 Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award

Jo-Anne Stately (White Earth Band of Ojibwe) currently serves as the Director of Grantmaking and Special Projects at the Minneapolis Foundation has worked tirelessly in her philanthropic activities.  From constantly being a watchdog and advisor to mainstream foundations and philanthropic associations, to assisting startup Native foundations and funds, to her community role as jingle dress maker – she embodies what it means to work toward the enhancement of Indigenous communities.

Her accomplishments include positions as Senior Program Officer at The Saint Paul Foundation, Director of the F. R. Bigelow Foundation's Children, Families and Community Initiative, Assistant to the Director and Acting Director of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (a state council on Native affairs), and as Assistant Director of the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis. Her work at Indian Land Tenure Foundation was focused on bringing greater resources to Native tribes to reclaim land rights, and to preserve and revitalize Native culture and language.

In addition, she has served as a Board member for Native Americans in Philanthropy; she is a former Trustee of the Headwaters Foundation for Social Justice and an advisory member for Fund of the Sacred Circle. At Headwaters she was a founding collaborator in forming the Fund of the Sacred Circle, a Native grantmaking fund in Minnesota and Wisconsin. At Saint Paul Foundation, she was the guiding force behind the development of a diversity fund, in which the Native Two Feathers Fund was established. She has contributed in a variety of ways including as Board member on the Minnesota Council on Foundations, the National Fund for Excellence in Indian Education, Minnesota Humanities Commission, State of Minnesota Regents Advisory Council for selection of the Board of Regents for the University of Minnesota and Advisor to the President of Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Valerie Larsen’s had this to say, “Jo-Anne helped forge the way for Native people to become part of philanthropic organizations without fanfare or attention to herself.  She truly embodies what it means to be a Native person -- true to her values, but always pressing and challenging the white world of philanthropy to understand and serve Native people.”

Yvonne Barrett, Program Officer for the Saint Paul Foundation, commented “Jo-Anne has tremendous ability in building trust and building strong relationships with non-Indian communities as well as with her own community. She has worked in both worlds successfully, bridging the gap and education non-Indian foundations. I have always been impressed with Jo-Anne’s high level of integrity and the way she carries herself- so poised, dignified and grounded in her culture.”

The 2011 Flying Eagle Woman Award for Community-Based Philanthropy is awarded to Iris Friday and Claudia Kauffman, co-founders of the Native Action Network.

The Native Action Network (NAN) is a grassroots organization dedicated to political empowerment through increased civic participation, leadership development, and the building of strong, healthy Native communities.  During its first seven years of existence, NAN organized six annual Native Women’s Leadership Forums, and has honored 26 Native women for their lifetime commitment to Native communities.

Iris Friday (Tlingit) serves on the board of the Seattle Indian Services Commission and the Center for Women and Democracy.  She is an alumni of the American Indian Ambassadors Program, and Treasurer of the American Indian Women’s Service League, a volunteer service organization formed in 1958.  She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Washington.

Ms. Friday resides in Bremerton, Washington with her husband Linley Logan, and children, Thomas, Vanessa, Sage and Seneca.  She continues to promote civic participation and leadership development throughout her volunteer activities.

Claudia Kauffman (Nez Perce) became the first Native woman elected as state Senator for the 47th District from 2006-2010. Claudia takes service to the community seriously. She has been foster mother to ten foster children, and has organized an annual dinner honoring veterans and recognizing their service. She also provides leadership training for women, and promotes civic engagement and participation.

Claudia works as the Charity Fund and Federal Relations Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.  Claudia lives in Kent, Washington, is married to Larry Cordier and is mother to one son, Josephy, and two daughters, Jessie and Zintkala.

In her nomination, Shelley Means (NAP Circle of Leaders alumnae) wrote, “As leaders, they humbly and beautifully articulate the vision of a united Native community in our Pacific Northwest region by nurturing women leaders, and promoting civic engagement.  Their actions speak louder than their words.”

Emma Medicine White Crow’s nomination Native Action Network because, “Their work in our community is, in my opinion, unparalleled and I can’t imagine more deserving recipients than Claudia Kauffman and Iris Friday…they are tireless workers in the promotion of Tribal Sovereignty, education, Indian Child Welfare, foster care, Native culture and community well being. They are vigorous volunteers; in fact, I can’t think of a community event that they aren’t a part of in some manner.”


NPI Highlights

• Over 150 attendees from over 75 organizations across North America.
• Silent Auction raised over $1,400 for the Native Americans in Philanthropy Endowment Fund.
• Over 90% of the people who registered attended.

Click the links below for more Institute highlights

Forum postings (members only): http://www.nativephilanthropy.org/forum
Post questions, reflections, ideas for future collaboration to the forum.

You will need your login…don’t have your login? Create one now!
Forgot your password?  Easy! Another can be sent to you instantly.

Breakfast at the Institute!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2oJa3-6hz4

Billy Frank Jr. mini.mov  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qM_quYw-00

Regional Action Network video clips
Northwest-Regional Action Network  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCNTpe5AP2Q

Midwest Regional Action Network Realities http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2SeL-zWCIY

Southwest-Regional Action Network http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9JqjnWyH_0
 
MORE VIDEO CLIPS COMING SOON!


Missed the 2011 Native Philanthropy Institute?
This year’s Native Philanthropy Institute at Tulalip, WA was a fantastic success. There were over 75 organizations represented from all across the nation and Indian Country.  If you missed it, there are clips that are available for viewing with more to come.  

NAP Members: go to nativephilanthropy.org, and click the ‘Login’ link at the top right of the navigation bar. Then select ‘NAP Forum’ on the right-side navigation bar. Pick discussions from the 6th Annual Native Philanthropy Institute to watch clips or post you thoughts, reflections or questions to members who attended.

Don’t have a login?  You can create one from the same link.  
Forgot your Username or Password?  You can get another one instantly!

Not a NAP member yet?
Join our group on LinkedIn: Native Americans in Philanthropy.  Once your request has been approved, you will be able to see some of the clips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!


SAVE THE DATE!!
2012 Native Philanthropy Institute in Los Angeles, tentatively scheduled April 26-28. MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND YOUR BUDGETS.


Listen to NAP Interview on First Person Radio
Interviewed on KFAI 90.3’s First Person Radio show, listen to Ron Rowell (NAP Board Chair), Carly Hare, (Executive Director) and Y. Elaine Stephens (Director of Development and Communications) discuss the current state of philanthropy, NAP’s Institute and other programs.

Click on the link to listen: http://www.kfai.org/node/35087.
 

20th ANNIVERSARY JOURNEY

Guided by our mission and strategic framework, NAP has implemented a regional lens strategy to organize philanthropic hubs connected nationally with members and allies that are dedicated to advancing philanthropic practices grounded in native values and traditions.  With input from NAP membership, we have identified approaches to deepen regional (and national) member engagement through strategically focusing and enhancing our programming for impact.  

The 20th Anniversary Journey visits have and continue to provide NAP the opportunity to share our mission, vision and strategic framework with our members and allies.  The opportunity for this on-the-ground connecting, to foster deeper relationships and collectively define region-appropriate tools and readiness for individual and/or organizational programmatic focus.  The theme for the journey is Weaving Leadership, Indigenous People and Resources.  With this in mind NAP is working to enhance Native leadership in philanthropy, share information about Native philanthropy, assess issues and opportunities within each region, and to grow resources for Native led causes and concerns.  NAP will call its membership and allies to action for the purpose of expanding the Native philanthropic network and to explore future partnerships in expanding philanthropy in Indian Country.

Through the Regional Action Networks (RAN), gatherings of native and philanthropic representatives discuss and define actions on both individual and collective action to improve the effectiveness of grantmaking in Indian Country.  The RANs are organized in collaboration with member organizations – funders, tribes and nonprofits – who wish to engage in dialog, relationship building and gain greater context for the Native community realities and experiences that philanthropy can learn from and share with their sector colleagues.  The RANs will create deeper learning opportunities for both Native people, Tribal and mainstream foundations and encourage new models of action, as they will be armed with greater knowledge.

NAP has outlined 7 regions: Northwest, Pacific, Midwest, Southwest, Central, Southeast, and Northeast. NAP has visited five of the seven regions; and has held eight Regional Action Meetings.  We will complete our first tour of regions by June.  Beginning in August, NAP will start our second tour to each region and planning has already in progress.  Contact us if you are interested in hosting a NAP Regional Action Network meeting.

                                                                            -Carly Hare, NAP Executive Director


Reflections from the Road: NAP Staff share their thoughts and outlook from their 20th Anniversary Journey stops

“The NAP staff has been on the road for much of the past six months visiting our members across the nation and Indian Country. As you may, or may not know, as part of the 20th Anniversary Journey (themed Weaving Leadership, Indigenous People and Resources), NAP is visiting each of the seven regions by summer with a follow-up visit later this year.

It is a great feeling to connect with members, new friends and allies on the ground!  The comment I constantly get from our gatherings is how nice it is to just have the space to connect—this sometimes gets forgotten in the efforts of getting the much-needed work done.  I have had the distinct honor of seeing the incredible work of Institute of American Indian Arts students, learned some of the history around Seattle’s urban Indian community, the empowerment of Native-led economic development at Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and grounding of Native heritage culture arts and history at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Oklahoma.  

My thoughts here are few but my heart is full with so much that has been shared with me by friends and relatives across Indian Country.  I am renewed in my charge, look forward to future visiting with friends, and await new connections as we continue this Journey.”
                -Y. Elaine Stephens, NAP Director of Development & Communications



PROFILES ON NATIVE LEADERSHIP


Profiles in Native Leadership: Lori Pourier, First Peoples Fund President & Former NAP Director

Lori Pourier (Oglala/Mnicoujou Lakota) cites her mother, Marilyn Sherman Pourier and grandmother, Alice Kemery Sherman as being the major influences that directed her towards a life in philanthropy and social justice.  As President of First Peoples Fund, her career path is rooted in the environment she grew up—and continues to impact her outlook on philanthropy.

Lori grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota.  Her mother, Marilyn, worked for the tribe’s Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM) prior to the 1973 incident and uprising at Wounded Knee where the battle occurred.  Followers of the American Indian Movement (AIM) occupied the small church near Wounded Knee, South Dakota.  The AIM leaders and activists occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days while the United States Marshals and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the town.  The siege resulted in 64 unsolved murders.  Lori’s family having all been born and raised in the area were caught up in the middle of the events.  “I had a lot of direct experiences within my family and the struggles between the tribal government and those directly involved with the American Indian Movement.  I experienced first hand a lot of the injustices.  From a young age, when you see all the things going on combined with the tribal, state and federal politics you may not fully understand it.  On the other hand, you know it’s not right,” she said.  “Marshal Law was in effect and our Nation was under siege. Folks from the Movement coined this era the ‘reign of terror’,” continued Lori.

Lori’s mother’s involvement with Native movements started earlier in her life and career.  “My mother and dad were part of the relocation period during the late 1950’s.  By the late 1970’s though, my mother willingly left the reservation and would later settle in the Denver metro area where she became active in the Coalition of Indian Controlled School Boards movement alongside other leaders,” said Lori.  The coalition was an alliance of Indian schools that aimed to place the control and decision making power in the hands of Indian people.  Her mother was active in this organization, which started the first Indian controlled school in her home community of Kyle, South Dakota.  Shortly after, her mother spent the next 15 years working for the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder, Colorado.  Lori credits these experiences with shaping her perspective and laying the foundation for her work today.  “It was my reality. I am a product of my reservation community and the environment of mother’s early political work that molded me,” Lori said.

Early on during her undergraduate education, Lori studied in fashion design and merchandising.  She even traveled to Paris, France to study in an intensive program under haute couture designers.  Her interest in art stemmed from her grandmother, Alice, who was one of the first Indian teachers on her reservation and a great aunt who was a Native fashion designer.  Her grandmother was fluent in the Lakota language and began teaching art at the age of 19 on the Pine Ridge reservation. Following her earlier studies at Dorothy Dunn Kramer’s Studio School at the Santa Fe Indian School along side Alan Houser and other native artists, Lori’s grandmother went on to receive her Elementary Education degree at the Black Hills Teachers College, now the Black Hills State University, where Lori later studied as well.  Although Lori continued her passion for art into her professional career, during her education she turned her focus to Community Economic Development (CED).  She obtained a Masters in Science at South New Hampshire University’s Graduate School of Business.  She found her experience at the university both rewarding and inspiring.  

She obtained her graduate degree while serving as the Associate Director of Marketing at the First Nations Development Institute (FNDI) after making a connection to the organization at the university.  The President of FNDI taught a course for the CED program on Indigenous Economics, based on FNDI’s early work on asset development in Indian country and their role in founding the first micro loan fund located on the Pine Ridge reservation – the Lakota Funds.  “The Lakota Funds were modeled after the Grameen Bank, a microfinance for rural poor women in Bangladesh,” explained Lori.  Her uncle Gerald Sherman was the first Executive Director of the Lakota Fund’s and today works for the Indian Land Capital Company of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.  Lori explained that the establishment of the Lakota Funds on Pine Ridge provided the framework for the FNDI Oweesta Corporation’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) work today.  “There are more than 60 Native Community Development Financial Institutions (NCDFI) in Indian country today,” she said.

Lori’s work with FNDI began with the development of a National Marketing Program for tribal communities with an emphasis on Native arts and culture.  Her tenure ended at FNDI having served as the Associate Director of Marketing.  She attributes her knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising to both Sherry Salway Black and Rebecca Adamson whom she worked with at FNDI.  Shortly after her tenure ended, Lori began consulting with nonprofits from Boulder, Colorado.  She continued her work as a consultant until she joined the Indigenous Women’s Network (IWN) in 1995 and joined the founding members in Beijing, China at the Fourth World Conference on Women.  Lori served as the Executive Director of the network until 1998.   “As the ED I founded the Emerging Activist Leadership Program that supported young emerging Native women leaders.  The program placed them in nonprofit’s located within tribal communities such as the Lakota Funds on Pine Ridge and the Hopi Foundation in Second Mesa, Arizona,” Lori stated.  The young women in the program were required to establish their own community based projects within their tribal communities.  They were also required to commit to a month long internship at regional and national foundations such as the Northwest Area Foundation in Minnesota and the Fund of the Four Directions in New York City.  The participating foundations had American Indians serving as program officers who provided oversight and support during their internships.

Lori’s work caught the attention of Jennifer Easton, the founding donor of the First Peoples Fund (FPF).  She recruited Lori in 1998 to serve as the Program Officer of the fund.  FPF at the time was a donor-advised fund at the Tides Foundation.  In 2003, FPF spun off from the Tides Foundation, forming their own Board of Directors and located their offices in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Lori then transitioned into the President of FPF. “We’ve grown our programs and have diversified our funding base.  The Ford Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation were our initial donors outside of Jennifer Easton.  Today, we have a range of donor support and are national in scope,” she said.  The First Peoples Fund's mission is to honor and support the creative community-centered First Peoples artists; and nurture the “collective spirit” that allows them to sustain their peoples.  FPF strives to provide support and voice to the creative Indigenous artists who share their inspiration, wisdom, knowledge and gifts with their communities.  FPF’s programs include Artists in Business Leadership and Cultural Capital Fellowship programs, the annual Community Spirit Award, as well as a Native Arts Professional Development workshop.  The organization also provides business coaching with Native Community Development Financial Institutions.  “I’ve come full circle in my career at First Peoples Fund and our continued work with the NCDFI’s through our collaborative work these past five years with the Oweesta Corporation,” said Lori.

One of the ways Lori enjoys experiencing philanthropy at its best is through the FPF’s Community Spirit Awards.  The awards honor and pay tribute to tradition bearers (artists) or those who sustain the culture.  “They’re the aunties and relatives that remind us who we are and where we come from and those that impact future generations through simply teaching and sharing their ancestral knowledge,” she said.  So far the Community Spirit Awards (CSA) have honored and recognized 52 recipients from 42 tribal nations.  In 2011, the Fund began to honor each recipient within their own tribal communities with a message to encourage tribes to increase their support for artists who are giving in spirit.  “It’s moving to see the love and compassion these individuals have for their community and are generally quiet humble leaders who seek no recognition.  They do it from a quiet place but you can see the ripple effect one person can have on several generations in a particular community.  I think I would define philanthropy through the eyes of the CSA recipients—individuals with a generous spirit who have a love for humanity and loving life.  We’ve seen those that have made their journey and who are no longer with us today but who continue to impact many others in their tribal community,” she said.

Lori also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA), the Red Cloud Indian School on Pine Ridge, and is a former board member of Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP).  Lori followed Rebecca Lowery (one of the IWN emerging activist leaders) who was the first Native person to serve on the GIA board with her at a time when they too, decided to support emerging leaders in philanthropy.  Lori recalled her first GIA membership meeting when Rebecca acknowledged Lori’s influence on her. “Rebecca recognized me in the room and said, ‘I would not be here today if it was not for a Native woman leader in the room today,” said Lori.   “I was pleased to see our work at IWN would lay the foundation for these young women to be given the opportunity to work within their tribal communities as leaders or within philanthropy,” she added.  In 2004, Lori was part of a small group that formed the GIA’s Indigenous Resource Network (IRN).  The goal of the IRN is to increase cultural competency and awareness within philanthropy regarding Indigenous models of giving, values, arts, and expressive culture.  It aims to strengthen the role of Native voices in GIA programs including the annual conference and the Reader publication.

Having first learned about NAP in the early 1990’s, Lori attended the organization’s seminars during the Council on Foundations’ annual conference.  NAP’s membership at the time was primarily comprised of individuals who worked within mainstream foundations.  Lori recently finished serving her second consecutive term on NAP’s Board of Directors.  She feels the work that NAP does is important to the field at large with its focus on the nonprofit sector, leadership development, and tribal government gift giving or philanthropy.  “Under Joy Persall’s leadership NAP built a solid reputation and is deeply rooted in mainstream philanthropy.  NAP’s size of grants and the multi-year funding and ties with the other philanthropic affinity groups are important to its future,” she explained.  She feels that the work NAP does on transition of leadership and the organization’s recruitment and support of young leadership as well as leadership work is essential.  Lori said, “The transition from [NAP’s former Executive Director] Joy Persall to Carly Hare and its young staff is a clear indicator of NAP’s leadership programs and its desire to support emerging leadership within philanthropy.  NAP is walking the talk,” she said.  

Over the years, Lori feels there have been positive changes in the field of philanthropy in regards to Indian country.  “Today, philanthropy in Indian country has grown, including tribal philanthropy.  The field of Native philanthropy has changed significantly.  Tribes are leaders in giving both within Indian country and within their counties,” Lori said.  She would love to see tribal giving programs honor tribal tradition bearers, people she considers national treasures, within their communities.  “I’d like to see tribal leadership be more inclusive of their culture bearers and as they make decisions on behalf of future generations.  These individuals represent the fabric of tradition based practices and are important voices in sustaining culture at the community level,” she said.

When asked about the types of philanthropy to consider, she said, “I’d love to see us embrace the Giving Circle model.  Each tribal community could assess what the “gift giving” truly means to each of us as people both historically and today and develop our own approaches to redistributing our resources and to simply give back; we will have accomplished a lot,” she explained.  She feels it’s important to have a vision and to think about how we begin to work with other communities and other nations.  Lori would like to see a global spin on Native philanthropic sector since she believes that there is power in the collective of all tribes and their work with indigenous nations outside of the United States.  “Sadly, even today we often remain irrelevant within the philanthropic sector within the United States.  Unless there are individuals working with the Foundation and on behalf the Indian communities—we are not considered, especially rural reservation communities,” she said.  “We need to strengthen our own institutions and bases for philanthropic support,” she said.

Lori practices philanthropy and gift giving in traditional ways through ceremonies and giving back to people within her community.  Her interest in philanthropy first stemmed from the work of her mother,, who continues to be her source of inspiration.  Her mother currently serves as the Director of Development at the Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge reservation.  She was also inspired by the work of Ingrid Washinawatok El Issa (Human Rights activist), Sherry Salway Black (FNDI), Valorie Johnson (W.K. Kellogg Foundation), and Lucille Echohawk (Casey Family Programs) in the early days of NAP.  Her advice for someone who is interested in the entering field of philanthropy is to find programs similar to the IWN’s emerging activist leadership program that allows people to get a feel of what the field looks like and exposes them to foundation networks.  She also cites tribal giving programs as a good place to start and graduation programs that support nonprofit development.  Lori believes getting into foundations is the hardest part since it depends on where you live and where the foundations are located.  She feels it is also the responsibility of those already within the field to look for new emerging leaders and provide them with opportunities.  “There is only a handful of Native people that work within philanthropy.  Those that work within have to always look for new and emerging leadership,” she said.  As she sees positive changes happening in philanthropy, as it relates to Indian country, she hopes that organizations like Native Americans in Philanthropy and the First Peoples Fund will help to create a national network of Native philanthropy, reviving traditional ways of gift giving and working towards the power of the collective.



MEMBER NEWS

New & Renewed Members
NAP would like to take the time to recognize and welcome our new members and our recently renewed members.  Thank You!

Organizations
Cachil Deheh of Wintun Indians
The California Wellness Foundation
Tiwahe Foundation
St. Labre Indian School
Lannan Foundation
Northwest Area Foundation
Institute for Dine Culture, Philosophy & Government

Individuals
Drena McIntyre, Tacquan Consulting
Hugo Morales, Radio Bilingüe, Inc.
Shona Chakravartty, Hill Snowdon Foundation
Elsie Farve, Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Marilyn Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions
Jaclyn Sallee, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
Kathie Ferguson, Corporation for National & Community Service
Ronald Solimon, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc.
Andrea Alexander, Chinook Wind Enterprises, Inc.


Where’s your thank you?
Thank you to you who sent Thank You in your Native language.  Here is what we have so far.  Is yours on the list?

Email the words thank you and the name of your tribe and language to: Elaine at yestephens@nativephilanthropy.org.


The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointments
By Adriana Godoy Leiss, The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF)

Woodland Hills, CA – The Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) today announced two new appointments: David S. Barlow, M.B.A, C.P.A., as chair; and Barbara C. Staggers, M.D., as vice chair.

The Foundation’s president and CEO, Gary L. Yates, looks forward to the contributions each will bring to their respective new roles.

“As trustees over the past several years, David and Barbara have provided a wealth of knowledge, insight and clear vision to the Board, culled from their respective expertise in the fields of finance and adolescent health,” said Yates.  “Going forward, their perspectives and leadership will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation.”

Barlow, who joined the Board in 2005, is vice president of finance and administration at the Stuart Foundation, an independent family foundation dedicated to investing in children and youth to create lifelong impact.  Previously, he served for 10 years as executive director of The San Francisco Foundation Community Initiative Funds, a nonprofit corporation founded to provide fiscal sponsorship services to community groups that are not incorporated as independent, nonprofit corporations.  Barlow has nearly 25 years of experience in finance for philanthropic, nonprofit and for-profit corporations.
Read the full press release here.

Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service
From the McKnight Foundation

The McKnight Foundation invites nominations for the 2011 Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service.

Each year The McKnight Foundation recognizes up to six Minnesotans who have demonstrated an exceptional personal commitment to helping others in their communities but who have received little or no public recognition.

In alignment with McKnight's mission, the Foundation seeks individuals who attend, unite, and empower others in communities throughout Minnesota.  Here, we define individuals who "attend" as those who serve people or organizations directly; who "unite" as those who bring people together around a shared goal; and who "empower" as those who enable people to help themselves and others.

Each awardee receives $10,000 and is honored at a ceremony in late summer.
To read more about the awards and to submit your nominations, click here.

James Irvine Foundation Awards $4.4 Million in New Grants
By Ray Delgado, the James Irvine Foundation

San Francisco — The Board of Directors of The James Irvine Foundation has approved 12 grants totaling more than $4.4 million in support of the Foundation's mission of expanding opportunity for the people of California to participate in a vibrant, successful and inclusive society.

Deepen Cultural Participation in the Arts:
Grants approved as part of the Arts program include grants to American Friends Service Committee ($200,000), Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana ($180,000) and New Conservatory Theatre Company ($200,000) for a variety of audience engagement efforts.  Irvine’s Arts program seeks to promote a vibrant and inclusive artistic and cultural environment in California.

Involving the Public in Local Decision Making:
Grants approved as part of the California Democracy program include a $450,000 grant to Environmental Health Coalition to provide opportunities for San Diego County residents to participate in public decision making on land use and environmental health issues.  Irvine’s California Democracy program seeks to advance effective public policy decision-making that is reflective of and responsive to all Californians.
To read the full press release, click here.

Northland Foundation recognizes Blandin Foundation
By Northland Foundation

Blandin Foundation recognized for over $1 million in grants and sponsorships to Northland Foundation to serve the region.

Duluth, MN – The Blandin Foundation has been honored by the Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees and staff for contributions spanning a 20-year period.  Grants and sponsorships from the Blandin Foundation for various Northland Foundation programs and projects total more than $1.1 million to date.  The two foundations share a dedication to strengthening the vitality of rural northeastern Minnesota communities.

Jim Hoolihan, Blandin Foundation president/CEO and Mary Kosak, program officer-education and youth, were on hand to accept an award presented by Northland Foundation Chair, Cindy Hansen.

“Our mission is helping rural Minnesota communities to thrive and that requires a focus on relationships, partnerships and leadership capacity that can be leveraged by many, especially in the Grand Rapids area,” stated Hoolihan.  “The Northland Foundation has been a strong partner in building that type of capacity in the region.”
To read the full press release, click here.

Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Announces Call for Letters of Intent for 2011 Grants
Liz Hill, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

VANCOUVER, Washington– The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) announced a call for letters of intent for the Foundation’s 2011 grants.  The three categories include: Artist Project Grants; Mobilizing the Community; and the Regional Collaboration Pilot Program.  NACF’s grants support the artistic creativity of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian individual artists, programs and organizations.

This year, grants will be awarded in three categories: Support for Individual Artists (2011 Artistic Innovation Initiative); Support for Communities (2011 Mobilizing the Community Initiative); and Support for the Field (2011 Strengthening the Arts and Cultures Infrastructure Initiative).

“NACF’s funding initiatives provide support for arts and cultural activities across the broad diversity of Native cultures, from rural landscapes to urban centers, from contemporary arts practices to grassroots community arts activities,” says NACF Program Director Reuben Roqueñi. “In 2011, NACF will offer $500,000 in grants and fellowships.”

The Artistic Innovation Initiative will support individual artist projects that engage community members in new ways. Grants up to $10,000 per artist will be awarded.

The Mobilizing the Community Initiative will support networks of artists, with particular consideration given to organizations presenting arts conferences, convening artist gatherings, or supporting master artist-to-artist residencies. Awards will be up to $15,000 per project.

The Strengthening the Arts and Cultures Infrastructure Initiative will focus on organizations providing support for arts and cultural activities. Particular consideration will be given to organizations that do at least one of the following: re-grant; offer professional development opportunities; focus support in a particular field or practice; and/or provide unique opportunities to artists in national arenas. Awards will be up to $40,000 per organization.

Letters of intent are due to the NACF on April 30, 2011.
Visit www.nativeartsandcultures.org for criteria and guidelines.

PHILANTHROPY NEWS


Foundations Gave More in 2010 amid Downturn
By Michelle Nichols, Reuters

Foundations worth up to $100 million boosted their giving to charitable causes by nearly 20 percent last year as the U.S. economy struggled to emerge from its worst financial crisis in decades.

The number of grants over $1 million jumped by a third and the amount of money given to arts and culture soared 67 percent in 2010 from 2009, Foundation Source said after analyzing more than 900 foundations for which it provides support services.

"Through this entire period of recession and turmoil in the financial markets the story is that smaller and mid-sized foundations have continued to step up," said Andrew Bangser, president of Foundation Source.

The actual number of grants made in 2010 rose nearly 9 percent, after a 15 percent jump in 2009, found the analysis of the organizations, which gave more than $269 million in 2010.
To read the rest of the article, click here.


Online Giving is Fastest Growing Fundraising Channel, Study finds
The Foundation Center

Online giving is the fastest growing fundraising channel for nonprofits, while online engagement and legislative advocacy are assuming an expanded role in the sector, a new report from fundraising software provider Convio finds.

Drawing on data from nearly six hundred nonprofits with 2010 fundraising revenue totaling more than $1.15 billion, Convio's annual Online Marketing Nonprofit Benchmark Index Study (48 pages, PDF) found that online fundraising increased by 40 percent year-over-year in 2010, with 79 percent of the organizations responding to the survey reporting an increase in revenue.  The improved performance is due in part to an 88 percent rise in the number of donations received and an average increase of $8 per donation.

According to the report, e-mail continued to grow as a means of connecting with constituents in 2010, with many organizations growing their e-mail distribution lists significantly.  In addition, the authors argue that an increase in episodic giving after the disastrous January earthquake in Haiti reinforced the perception of online fundraising as an efficient and immediate outlet for donors interested in responding quickly to events or issues.
To read the rest of the article, click here.


Funders Briefing: New Intersections between Race, Justice & Disability

The Aepoch Fund, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, and Common Counsel Foundation invite you to the Funders Briefing: New Intersections between Race, Justice & Disability. A dynamic and informative funders briefing conference call.

When: Thursday May 12, 2011 at 11 am - 12 pm PST / 2 pm ­ 3 pm EST

Speakers:
Patty Berne, co-founder and director, Sins Invalid, San Francisco, CA
Stacey Milbern, community outreach director, National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN), Raleigh, NC
Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz, co-founder, Intersections Consulting, Silver Spring, MD
Moderator:
Zak Sinclair, Aepoch Fund, San Francisco, CA

Please join us for an engaging, interactive briefing about the emerging framework of Disability Justice as central to the success of our broader social justice movements.  No longer accepting disability within a framework of “individual” struggle, Disability Justice activists address disability within a broader social context that includes race, class, and sexuality.

An emerging Disability Justice framework provides us the opportunity to learn how disability is interconnected with every other issue, and how our movements can become inclusive and sustainable for all people, of all abilities and identities.

We will hear from three visionary activists at the leading edge of Disability Justice.

“People living with a disability may be inconvenienced by living with an impairment, but what *oppresses* us is the systemic prejudice, discrimination, segregation and violence we face because we do not fall within a perceived ‘norm’.” ― Patty Berne, Director Sins Invalid

*Register HERE*

Please contact briefing@aepoch.org with any questions.
 

RESOURCES

2011 Trading at the River: A Gathering of Native Businesses & Tribal Enterprises
April 20-21, 2011 at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde, OR.

For more information or to register, click here.



Casey Family Programs: Indian Child Welfare Director

The Director – Indian Child Welfare is a nationally recognized expert in the field of Indian child welfare and provides support and consultation to tribes and jurisdictions throughout the country on Indian Child Welfare issues.  The Director works on projects involving state and federal jurisdictions to promote and demonstrate high quality, culturally appropriate services to American Indian/Alaskan Native children and families, and with tribes to identify, promote and demonstrate high quality, culturally appropriate services that reflect the sovereignty of tribal nations and advance Casey’s 2020 goals.  Responsibilities include, project oversight and management to assure compliance with legal, financial and Casey’s strategic objectives and state plans; research on Indian child welfare best practices, issues, needs, and outcomes; and working positively and effectively with all staff internal to Casey as well as external contacts.
To read the full job posting or apply, click here.


American Indian Student Summer Employment Opportunity

Location: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Minnesota 4-H American Indian Youth Program are recruiting for two STEP (student temporary employment positions) to be located at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, near Detroit Lakes Minnesota.  These positions have been designed to provide
a summer work experience for American Indian Students working with staff on the Tamarac Refuge, Detroit Lakes Wetlands District, University of Minnesota- Minnesota Extension 4-H and Tribal DNR.

Nature of the work: One position will work directly with the staff out in the field with an emphasis on conservation, natural resources and refuge management activities.  The second position will work with visitor services, education and outreach with Tamarac and University of Minnesota Extension staff.  Both positions will have an opportunity to work with White Earth Reservation youth who are involved with summer programs at Tamarac and White Earth.

Position requirements: Open to American Indian students who:

• Have or will graduate from High school by June of 2011,
• U.S. Citizen,
• Are enrolled or accepted into a program of study leading to a degree, diploma, certificate from a technical or vocational school, two or four year college and/or graduate or professional school, and
• Are in good academic standing with their educational institution.

For Additional Information:

The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is an option for job seekers interested in a Federal Government career.  This program is designed for individuals who are interested in temporary employment and does not have to be related to your course of study.  As a STEP employee, you can earn money while continuing your education, providing an opportunity for you to combine academic studies with on-the-job work experiences.  

For more information, click here.

To apply, submit an up to date resume to:

Neil J. Powers
Project Leader
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Complex
218/847-2641 ext. 11
218/847-9141 FAX
neil_powers@fws.gov

Application screening will begin the second week of April and continue until suitable candidates are found.


Mapping America: Every City, Every Block
By The New York Times

Browse local data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, based on samples from 2005 to 2009.  Because these figures are based on samples, they are subject to a margin of error, particularly in places with a low population, and are best regarded as estimates.
http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/map


Grantmakers in the Arts is seeking a Director of Development and Membership

Grantmakers in the Arts is a national nonprofit membership organization of arts and culture funders. The mission of Grantmakers in the Arts is to provide leadership and service to advance the use of philanthropic resources on behalf of arts and culture.  Information about the organization is available at www.giarts.org.

A qualified applicant should have experience planning and implementing resource development strategies.  Key actions include initiating and providing oversight of all policies and procedures related to fund-raising; identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects; providing oversight for all aspects of donor relations and stewardship; and developing communication strategies to support funder and membership retention, recruitment and benefits.  Duties include supervision of development staff, managing grant strategy, grant proposal development, and grant evaluation.  Work experience should include proficient knowledge of database management, grantwriting, final report execution, Word and Excel.  Candidate’s familiarity with CiviCRM database product a plus.  Position requires some travel.

Compensation: Salary DOE.  A comprehensive benefit package includes leave time, insurance and an employer-paid 401(k).  Details regarding this will be available for those selected for a phone interview.

GIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please e-mail your Cover Letter and Resume to Jan@giarts.org.  Please no phone calls.  All resumes will be reviewed; if appropriate a phone interview will be scheduled.  Once a pool of applicants are selected an in office interview will be conducted.  Please be prepared to provide references and a grant writing sample for consideration if you are selected for an interview.

Posting will remain open until filled.


Family Violence Prevention & Services/Grants
For Domestic Violence Shelters/Grants to Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages) and Tribal Organizations.

Application Due Date: May 13, 2011
 
Description
This announcement governs the proposed award of formula grants under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages) and Tribal organizations.  The purpose of these grants is to assist Tribes in efforts to increase public awareness about, and primary and secondary prevention of, family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence and to provide immediate shelter and supportive services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents (42 U.S.C Section 10401, et. seq.).  This announcement sets forth the application requirements, the application process, and other administrative and fiscal requirements for grants in Fiscal Year 2011.  Grantees are to be mindful that although the expenditure period for grants is a two-year period, an application is required each year to provide continuity in the provision of services.
 
Click here for more information.


Fore more resources from NAP, click here.
Visit our website for a complete list of job postings.


Got NAP? Can’t wait until the next e-Newsletter? Want More NAP now?
Get updates on what NAP is doing and where we are going. Join the Native Americans in Philanthropy Facebook Group!!

Not a member of NAP? Or need to renew your membership?
It’s easy! Go online right now to and pay later: http://nativephilanthropy.org/membership/join_now
 

WAYS TO SUPPORT NAP
There are a number of ways you can support NAP. There is something for every level of commitment. Here are just a few:
 
Membership - You can become a member of NAP with a level of your choosing. Individual gifts from members provide a large source of funding for general operating expenses such as our office space, phones, and other daily activities that are not always supported through grants.  Check out the benefits of membership here: http://nativephilanthropy.org/membership/member_benefits_structure
 
In-kind services/donations – Promote your business or products to Native communities. Donate your products or services to NAP for distribution at NAP events, programs attendees, and other opportunities.
 
Corporate and Foundation underwriting – NAP has a range of regional and national work that is sustained though programmatic-supported grants. If you are a funder and you are interested in partnering with NAP or would like to know more about the work NAP is doing, contact Elaine at yestephens@nativephilanthropy.org.
 
Major Giving – Individuals may offer unrestricted, philanthropic support in larger amounts (typically $1000+). Major gifts are the sustaining funds that often support the ongoing, strategic efforts of NAP’s work across the country.
 
Endowment – Your gift can be designated to go into the NAP Endowment.  Endowments are funds that are earmarked and invested as principal to remain intact in perpetuity to ensure the security and growth of NAP.
 
Planned Giving - You can leave a powerful legacy — to ensure the future financial stability of Native philanthropy in your community.
 
Volunteer activities – You can volunteer your time to NAP. Volunteer opportunities range from helping with mailings to leading panel discussions at events and organizing special events.
 
How will you support NAP?  Email us today at info@nativephilanthropy.org.

Native American Clip Art supplied by First People.