W.K. Kellogg Foundation Supports AIFEP, Native Americans in Philanthropy (12/20/05)

The Grotto Foundation was awarded a $180,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP), while Native Americans in Philanthropy received a $140,000 from the Kellogg Foundation to support the enhancement of Native philanthropy.

AIFEP, which is administered by Grotto Foundation staff, will use the grant to advance American Indian leadership and participation within the Minnesota philanthropic and nonprofit sectors; create partnerships and networks among philanthropic, tribal, corporate and nonprofit communities and sectors; and support infrastructure improvements.

"We are confident that AIFEP is a model that can help other foundations meet their goals for making their organizations and their grantmaking processes more inclusive of voices that have not traditionally been heard," said Gabrielle Strong, AIFEP administration and Grotto Foundation program officer. "Members of our advisory committee are leaders in the American Indian community. It is essential that our leaders play a key role in determining solutions for problems facing our community."

Since its inception in 1996, AIFEP has awarded small grants to individuals pursuing professional, educational or personal development goals.

Native Americans in Philanthropy received a $140,000 from the Kellogg Foundation to support the enhancement of Native philanthropy and the building capacity of Native Americans in the field of philanthropy over two years. A focus of capacity building will be increasing membership for the national affinity group.

"Kellogg is instrumental in helping Native Americans in Philanthropy launch a project with a primary goal to enhance self-determined philanthropy," said Joy Persall, NAP executive director. "We are deepening our relationship with those in Native philanthropy and providing opportunities like our Native Philanthropy Institute."

Native Americans in Philanthropy engages Native and non-Native peoples in understanding and advancing the role of philanthropy through practices that support Native values for current and future generations.