First Nations Development Institute Receives $1.2 Million to Build Effectiveness & Sustainability of Organizations Targeting Native Arts & Culture in Four States

LONGMONT, Colo., March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) today announced it has received a $1.2 million grant for a three-year project that aims to build the sustainability and vibrancy of Native American organizations that are specifically targeting Native artists and Native cultural institutions.

Under the project, First Nations expects to award between 18 and 55 grants ranging from $500 to $30,000 each over the next three years.  The grants will help develop the effectiveness and capacity of reservation-based and select non-reservation-based Native museums, cultural centers, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), nonprofit organizations, tribal programs and Native chambers of commerce that have program initiatives in place to support Native art and Native artists. There also will be additional grants, scholarships and travel stipends awarded for professional development opportunities, conferences and related convenings. 

The grant, awarded by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, will allow First Nations to use its deep and well-known capacity-building expertise within Indian Country, specifically with projects in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

"We are sincerely thankful for this grant, of course, but we are even more excited about the potential this project holds to give a much-needed boost to Native arts and cultural entities, the people who lead and manage them, and to the broad community of Native artists themselves," said Michael E. Roberts, First Nations president. "Through direct grants and our technical assistance and training, we hope to significantly increase their management effectiveness and, thus, the long-term sustainability, stability and economic impact of these entities and individuals so they can continue to carry out their essential work with Native artists. These organizations will assist in increasing market access, access to capital, and overall market readiness for Native artists and their goods. We believe the continuing development of Native art is an important component of Native community economic development and the retention of Native cultures."

PROGRAM CONTACT:
Raymond Foxworth, First Nations Senior Program Officer and Deputy Director of Development
(303) 774-7836 x207
[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:
Randy Blauvelt, First Nations Senior Communications Officer
(303) 774-7836 x213
[email protected]

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SOURCE First Nations Development Institute