American Indian Family Empowerment Program A Partnership of the Westcliff Foundation, Marbrook Foundation and the Grotto Foundation Background The American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP) is a unique grantmaking program that began operating in 1996 under the direction of the Marbrook Foundation and an American-Indian community advisory committee. AIFEP is one of few philanthropic endeavors that include the wisdom and expertise of the American-Indian community in its grantmaking structure and decision making. A pivotal point in the AIFEP organizational history was the formation of the administrative and grantmaking partnership between the Grotto Foundation and the Marbrook Foundation in 2001. Nurturing family and community resiliency Successful initiatives in American-Indian communities recognize the importance of nurturing resiliency in families and communities. Community building occurs through individual and collective energy, commitment, and creativity. AIFEP recognizes American-Indian families for their community and cultural contributions, knowing that their efforts are improving the conditions in their community. AIFEP's grantmaking is an investment in human capital; the skills and resources that people possess that allow them to lead healthy and productive lives, build strong relationships, and make meaningful contributions to their community. Such dynamic investments are furthered through education, training, and the fostering of community connections. AIFEP is a culturally-responsive grantmaking initiative that blends the values of American-Indian tradition, with innovative philanthropic concepts. A wide array of economic and psycho-social needs exists in the Twin Cities American-Indian community. However, AIFEP grantmaking emphasizes 1) resiliency; 2) access; 3) opportunity; 4) cultural preservation; 5) the ability to plan, attain a goal, and make a positive life change as a result of an AIFEP grant; 6) community service and leadership. AIFEP Vision American-Indian culture and values are respected, preserved, and passed on. AIFEP Mission To support and encourage American-Indian families and individuals in the Twin Cities area to be of service to their community, connected to their culture, and to have their own potential realized. The original purpose of the AIFEP was to provide financial assistance in the form of small grants to urban American-Indian families and individuals who strive to reflect, preserve, and perpetuate a respect for American-Indian culture and values. AIFEP grants are intended to reward families who are promoting positive change in the their family and community. AIFEP Guiding Principles and Values Culture Kinship -- tribal and community connections Community service and leadership Honor and Respect Compassion Self-awareness -- a holistic view of oneself and the world, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually AIFEP Individual, Family and Outcomes Ideally, an AIFEP grant will result in one or more of the following individual, family, and community outcomes: Improved self-determination -- making choices and participating in decisions that positively impact: - one's own life - that of one's family - that of one's community Improved Native cultural connections, such as - Native-language proficiency - Kinship ties - Traditional practices Improved educational access and opportunity Improved economic self-sufficiency AIFEP Program Eligibility Resident of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area is the focus of AIFEP. This includes the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, Ramsey, and Washington. Applicants must be a member of a federally or state recognized tribe or Native community and be able to provide proof of tribal lineage. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the extent of their community or cultural commitments and involvement. Applicants must be able to document an individual or family plan of action with clear goals, and demonstrate how these goals will ultimately benefit the urban Indian community. Applicants must be able to able to identify other resources and supporters of their plan. Applicants must be willing to share what they think contributes to individual, family and community well-being. Income will not be a determining factor in grantmaking. AIFEP grant recipients will not be eligible to reapply for at least two years. For further information on AIFEP, or to request a grant application form, please call (763) 277-3437, or you may print an application at this website (see download documents section). The AIFEP Magazine, a showcase of grantmaking partners and grantees, is available to download in .pdf format. Launching a self-sustaining initiative ? The AIFEP partnership is committed to the AIFEP program and its continued development. Together they are working to expand support for this partnership. If you are interested in joining this collaboration, contact LaVon Lee at (763) 277-3436. Email address: llee@grottofoundation.org