grassroots programs

[Rrlapier at AOL.COM]

Start small.
 
Go first to your local community foundation and/or state humanities  
council. Both should have funding for local small grassroots projects.
 
After you have completed a smaller project, it is easier to then get a  
larger grant from a regional foundation or national foundation. 
 
Never start at the federal level first, too much work at times, when you  
can get more from a foundation with less paperwork.
 
Also think of re-branding yourself as something different than a "language  
program" -- many foundations and state and federal programs (expect those 
just  for language) don't understand the purpose of language programs. So how 
else can  you re-brand yourself? A jobs program for elders? An after-school 
program for at  risk kids? Those are the types of things that foundations 
will fund. 
 
Also think of your program as a "success" and a "positive force in your  
community" -- no one -- wants to hear the sad story of loss. Again re-brand 
your  story to a story of success and positive advancement of your community 
-- you  have found the solution to the problems in your community -- and the 
solution  lies within your language, elders, etc. If you tell the sad story, 
no one wants  to hear it -- and bottom line -- they will not give you 
money!!
 
Rosalyn LaPier
Piegan Institute
Montana
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