Tiwahe Foundation Is Created
The American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP), a donor-designated fund, has achieved its strategic goal of creating a new foundation called the Tiwahe Foundation. “Tiwahe” means “family” in the Dakota language.
After 13 years of operating as a donor-designated program, the American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP) received its IRS classification as a public charity in July of this year. AIFEP’s original purpose was to genuinely engage the American Indian community in philanthropy.
Throughout its history, AIFEP has promoted leadership development and American Indian self-determination by supporting families and individuals striving to reach their potential through education, economic self-sufficiency, service to community, and cultural connections—traditions that Tiwahe Foundation board members intend to continue.
The Tiwahe Foundation received its first donation from an individual donor. John Pollack, a civil rights attorney from Montgomery, Alabama, won first place at the 17th annual Great American Think-Off. He was honored with a gold medal and a monetary award.
John, having read a press release about the newly created foundation, donated his monetary gift to the Tiwahe Foundation. The Think-Off is hosted each year in New York Mills, Minnesota, and allows for regular people to share their perspectives on challenging life issues. “Is It Ever Wrong to Do the Right Thing?” is the question which was posed to the contestants.
More information on the Great American Think-Off is available at www.think-off.org.