Family Empowerment Program

The Family Empowerment Program is a grant-making project of the Tiwahe Foundation, which awards grants to individuals working to be of service to their community, connected to their culture, and to have their potential realized.

About the Grant

Throughout its history, this program has invested in human capital — in the skills, resources, and cultural strengths that American Indian families and individuals possess that allow them to contribute to the cultural and social wellbeing of their community. Since its inception, the Family Empowerment Program has made nearly 800 grants totaling more than $1.4 million to grantees, supporting an individual or family in pursuit of professional, educational, or cultural opportunities. Grants range from $500 to $2,500.

Areas of Interest

Education
- Expenses related to college degrees, certificates, vocational training, GED, and college entrance exams
Health and Wellness
- Expenses related to improving physical and mental health initiatives
- Asset-based learning or business model development related to building a healthy community
- Work in promoting healthy food systems
- Work promoting in traditional tobacco vs. commercial tobacco
- Work in (trauma) healing

Economic Independence
- Employment, business, entrepreneurial opportunities and home ownership
Culture
- Learning Native languages (speaking and understanding)
- Developing kinship ties (learning from family, elders and community members)
- Learning traditional and cultural practices

Here is an informational video about the application process:

For questions, please email tony@tiwahefoundation.org

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Application Deadlines

GRANT ROUND 1

JANUARY 1 – FEBRUARY 15

GRANT ROUND 2

April 1 – May 15

GRANT ROUND 3

OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 15

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be able to trace tribal lineage to a federal or state-recognized tribe and provide proof of tribal lineage – this could include, but not limited to, a copy of tribal identification or enrollment, or any other verification/explanation of enrollment or status as a descendant. Please feel free to inquire with our Program Manager with any questions.
Applicant must reside in the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, Ramsey, and Washington counties.’
The applicant must be 18 years of age. Adults cannot apply on a minor’s behalf.
Previously funded applicants who do not submit a final report are ineligible.
Computer or similar technology requests must include supporting documents showing purchase estimates.

612-722-0999