Use this form to submit interest in being apart of 2019 cohort.
There are two options for state-wide retreat, and one option for the East Metro area focused on Racial Equity. Leadership Sessions will provide resources and professional development in a network approach to community leadership. Upon completion, participants can submit proposals for funding community projects through the Oyate Leadership Project Grant.
State-wide cohort will meet two separate weekends. Weekends this year will be at Cloquet Forestry Center, Friday will be a travel day, Saturday will be a full day of workshops, Sunday will be a half day departing after lunch.
East Metro cohort will meet at a location in the cities for two separate weekends, Saturday will be a full day of workshops and Sunday will depart after lunch. We define East Metro as Dakota, Washington, and Ramsey counties. Leaders will grow, connect and strategize with others to address racial equity.
To Qualify:
MN-Based*
Identify as American Indian
Commit to both weekends
The Tiwahe Foundation is a resource for giving and strengthens American Indian communities by building capacity through leadership, culture, values and vision.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be 18 years of age. Adults cannot apply on a minor’s behalf.
- Applicant must be a member of a federally or state recognized tribe, and must provide proof of tribal lineage – this includes a copy of tribal identification, enrollment or lineage documentation.
- Applicant using a parent’s enrollment documentation must submit a copy of birth certificate verifying relationship between parent & applicant.
- Applicant must reside in the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, Ramsey and Washington Counties.
- Former grantees must have submitted a final report within one year of their grant award date. Past grant recipients are eligible to apply for funding three years after submitting a final report. Previously funded applicants who do not submit a final report are ineligible.
- Applicants applying under Education Impact area must include a Financial Needs Statement.
- Computer or similar technology requests must include supporting documents showing purchase estimates.
AIFEP does NOT fund:
- Computer or similar technology requests over $1,100
- Payment and/or reimbursement for outstanding bills or bills that have been paid
- Traffic tickets
- Loans
Grantee Commitment:
- Attend Grantee Honoring Event to celebrate accomplishments of program recipients and supporters.
- Submit a final report of accomplishments and expenses within one year from grant award, or 60 days of completion of grant purpose.
- Agree to share story, photographs and/or videos.
- Register on Oyatenetwork.com
Impact Area (examples of past awarded grants):
Culture
- Learning Native languages (speaking and understanding)
- Developing kinship ties (learning f rom family, elders and community members)
- Learning traditional and cultural practices
Education.
- Expenses related to college degrees, certificates, vocational training, GED, and/or college entrance exams
Economic Independence
- Employment, business, entrepreneurial opportunities and home-ownership.
Health and Wellness
- Expenses related to improving physical and mental health initiatives
- Asset-based learning or business model development related to building healthy community
- Work in promoting healthy food systems
- Work in promoting traditional tobacco vs.
commercial tobacco - Work in (trauma) healing
Selection & Notification
All applicants will receive a email of notification of grant award or declination.
Application deadline submission and notification date:
Postmarked by:
- January 6 — Notified by February 14
- May 6 — Notified by June 13
- September 6 — Notified by October 10
Additional Information:
If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the following business day becomes the postmark deadline. Early submission of your application is encouraged, but will not be a factor in the committee’s decision.
If you have any questions about how to apply or eligibility please feel free to contact Hannah Smith at program@tiwahefounation.org
The Tiwahe Foundation provides resources to American Indian people to live culturally centered, economically independent, and healthy lives — grounded in sovereignty and indigenous worldview.
Funding Guidelines & Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be 18 years of age or older
- Applicant must reside in Minnesota.
- Completed network cohort trainings (offered throughout the year hosted by Tiwahe Foundation).
Grantee Commitment
- Submit a final report of accomplishments and expenses within one year from grant award or 60 days of completing project.
- Attend Grantee Honoring or set up a personal meeting with Program Director.
- Agree to share story, photographs and/or videos.
- Register on oyatenetwork.com
Grant Application Checklist:
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
- Complete Application
- Project Description
- Fiscal Agent information
Selection & Notification
All applicants will receive an email and a letter of notification of grant award or declination.
Application deadline submission dates:
Postmarked by: January 6, May 6 September 6.
If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the following business day becomes the postmark deadline.
Please mail application to:
Tiwahe Foundation
2801 21st Ave South, Suite 132-F
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Oyate Network
Tiwahe envisions a collaborative approach for American Indian leadership across urban, tribal and rural communities that moves from isolation to transformation, action and social change; The Oyate network. The Oyate Network provides Native leaders across Minnesota the opportunity to connect to others through the Oyate Leadership Network, an online platform and selected cohorts. Our collective values and community work can strengthen through collaborative connections within this network. Selected cohort leaders in the Network have the opportunity to fund community projects through the Oyate Network Community Project Grants.
The Final Report is intended to help us learn from your grant experience and demonstrate the importance of this program and how it helps individuals attain educational achievement, economic self-sufficiency and preserving and renewing cultural connections.
Family Empowerment Program Purpose:
To support individuals promoting positive change in their life, family and community; working to be of service to their community, connected to their culture and to have their potential realized.
The Final Report is intended to help us learn from your grant experience and demonstrate the importance of this program and how it helps individuals attain educational achievement, economic self-sufficiency and preserving and renewing cultural connections.
