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GROTTO FOUNDATION Native Language Revitalization Initiative Grant Guidelines The Grotto Commitment Minnesota's indigenous languages are endangered and whole systems of indigenous knowledge, philosophy, lifeways, and belief systems are at risk. The Grotto Foundation supports the restoration of Minnesota's indigenous languages within Native families and communities, including those of the Ojibwe and Dakota. Nurturing the root of Native culture and lifeways through language restoration is the call to which Grotto has responded. The Grotto Foundation serves as a catalyst in the work of Native language revitalization. In 2001, $5.6 million was committed in support of a fifteenyear language revitalization initiative. Approximately $350,000 is available for grantmaking annually. While this is a significant commitment, the Grotto Foundation recognizes that the renewal of indigenous languages lies within the community itself. Ultimately, indigenous communities will preserve and restore their heritage languages for future generations. The vision ? Intergenerational Native language fluency. Native languages will be heard and spoken throughout Minnesota's indigenous communities; the language lives through song, conversation, storytelling, prayer, oral and written history, and teachings. The mission ? To restore Minnesota's indigenous languages as living languages within Native families and communities. Language revitalization is far more than classroom instruction or building the proficiency levels of an individual student. Language revitalization efforts restore a heritage language as the primary means of communication in the family and community. Efforts that contribute to this end include intergenerational, individual, and family language learning through immersion-style methods; curriculum development; instructional and technological resource development; teacher development; and policy advocacy and research. The Grotto Foundation is interested in all these activities as vehicles to revitalize Minnesota's indigenous languages. Grantseeker Considerations The information contained in these grant guidelines is intended to assist grantseekers in the preparation of grant applications to the Grotto Foundation. Grantseekers are encouraged to read all information thoroughly and familiarize themselves with successful models of language revitalization before submitting a grant application to the Grotto Foundation. Information and literature on language revitalization resources is available on the Grotto Foundation website: www.grottofoundation.org. Successful Strategies Several "best practices" exist among the worldwide efforts to restore endangered languages. Grotto encourages proposals from organizations that utilize these practices. New and creative ways by which to promote language learning will also be considered. However, grantseekers should become familiar with existing, promising indigenous language revitalization models. The key to successful language revival is the creation of an environment that encourages use of the language. It is an environment where elders feel it is safe and dignified to use Dakota iapi or Ojibwemowin, where adults demonstrate the importance of using their heritage language, where young people see the honor in using their heritage language, and where young children are surrounded by the sounds of their mother tongue. Who May Apply Federally recognized Indian tribes, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and community groups that have experience and commitment in service to Native Americans in the Minnesota region may apply. Such groups and organizations should be able to demonstrate strong Native-American leadership, participation, and community partnerships. Successful grantees will exhibit dynamic leadership and innovative thinking, promote community building and crosscultural understanding, and will seek to work collaboratively with other organizations. The work required to revive endangered languages requires broad community participation. Above all, grantees will need to show commitment to vision through their own strategic planning, and in building their own strengths and capacities. |