The Tiwahe Foundation was one of 22 place-based community foundations awarded grants through the Minnesota Council on Foundations’ Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund.
“This grant will be added to our current programs funded by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation through the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation, the Bush Foundation and the Blandin Foundation. We will increase the grant dollars available to American Indians in Minnesota through three different programs,” Tiwahe Foundation Executive Director Shirley Sneve said, “We are truly grateful for this support in challenging times facing our relatives”.
There are two deadlines for proposals: May 6 and September 6.
Board of Directors is also redirecting some of its funds to increase Family Empowerment Program and Oyate Leadership Network grants to address needs brought on by the COVID19 pandemic. Nonetheless, how can these limited funds have lasting impact in this new reality? There are many folks who have lost their jobs, many who are struggling at home—juggling work and children—just trying to stay safe and healthy. How can Tiwahe’s values of family, respect, trust, generosity, the circle of giving and the Indigenous World View be a beacon of hope in trying times?
We are storytellers. Let’s use the opportunity to hear from each other and listen. The lessons and stories of our ancestors resonate more now than ever. Grants of $1,000 will be awarded to Twin Cities Minnesota American Indian artists who submit stories of healing and resilience. Proposals will be accepted in any artistic genre, such as prose, poetry, traditional arts, visual arts, performance, video or audio. The content will be housed on the website, www.tiwahefoundation.org and actively promoted through social media. Artists will retain copyright to their work.
Tiwahe Foundation will fund individuals through the Family Empowerment Program’s four impact areas of education, culture, economic independence, and health and wellness—both regular applications and needs created by our current health crisis. Alumni of the Oyate Leadership Network may apply for up to $5,000 project-based grants through a fiscal sponsor.
