Tiwahe Foundation is thrilled to announce the awarding of 50 grants to individuals in the areas of Culture & Language, Economic Independence, Health & Wellness, and Education through the American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP). This round, we invested $122,000.00 in the strengths and talents of Native people residing in the greater Twin Cities Metro Area.
🌟 Culture and Language: $17,500 awarded to seven individuals
🌟 Health and Wellness: $20,000 awarded to eight individuals
🌟 Education: $22,987 awarded to ten individuals
🌟 Economic Independence: $63,149.39 awarded to twenty-five individuals
Upcoming AIFEP Grant Round Opening July 1st and Workshop in August (pending official date)
The AIFEP aims to empower Native communities and promote their growth. We will soon be accepting applications for the upcoming grant round, starting July 1st, with a submission deadline of September 15, 2024. Fifty grants of up to $2,500 each will be awarded to Native Americans living in the Twin Cities Metro.
Join us for the upcoming AIFEP Workshop in August, where attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in the application process, be inspired by impactful stories, and network with like-minded changemakers. These workshops are designed to unlock your purpose and highlight the unique ideas and talents within each of us. Keep an eye out for updates!
Kelly Miller has served as a board member and AIFEP Grants reviewer for nearly three years. She is currently a candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner in District 7. Kelly has played a crucial role in Ramsey County’s Workforce Solutions, contributing to the creation and hiring of the first-ever American Indian Community Coordinator Fellow position.
Before 2020, in the previous 125 years, only 11 Native Americans were elected to Congress. However, in the last 4 years, 7 Native Americans have been elected. So, get out there and vote!
Jenny Bush received an AIFEP grant to become a real estate agent and is one of the few Native and agents in MN. She is also working to reduce absenteeism among Native students in St. Paul Public Schools. Watch her story here.
“It’s essential to build trust and ensure Native folks receive good treatment. As an advocate, I aim to be a voice for our people, aspiring to build an all-Native real estate team to make a dynamic impact in our community. I’m thrilled to be out in the community with this job. Embracing our cultural identity and healing is crucial, and we need more Native people in all sectors.” – Jenny Bush
MacKenzie Miettinen recently graduated from Augsburg University, specializing in Elementary Education with a focus on American Indian Studies. She plans on teaching in Fall 2024 and aims to incorporate culturally relevant education to empower her future students.
“Tony Drews kept encouraging me to apply, and when I saw the post on Instagram, I knew I had to. I applied and got the grant. AIFEP covered my $2500 school fees for the summer semester, allowing me to continue my studies since I didn’t qualify for financial aid. It was a tremendous relief as I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was looking into applying for loans or getting another job. But a huge shoutout to Tony. He made the application process easy and was very encouraging. The program felt like family, removing the hesitation to ask for help. The support has been a lifesaver for many. It even helped my mom pay off her mortgage.” – MacKenzie Miettinen
Stay Tuned for AIFEP Grantee Stories!
If you want to hear inspiring stories like these, join us at our Circle of Generosity gathering. Meet our grantees and hear directly from them at the American Indian Center on September 21st.
Let’s continue to uplift and support the strengths, goals, and dreams of our Native communities!
Miigwech, Wopida Tanka!
Tiwahe Foundation
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Summer is a “do season” for Tiwahe Foundation