grassroots programs

[s.t. bischoff]

The endangered language
fund<http://www.endangeredlanguagefund.org/language_legacies.php>might
be a good place to look as well. You may also try to find an "academic
scholar" who has worked with your language or might wish to work with your
language and community. Establishing an equal partnership, where your needs
and desires are respected and met (as near as possible given funding
options), could lead to access to the larger funding agencies in unexpected
ways.

On Fri, Jul 22, 2011 at 10:11 AM, <Rrlapier at aol.com> wrote:

> **
> 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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