American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP)

American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP)

Program Overview: AIFEP creates pathways for American Indians to reach their goals, on their own terms, through microgrants. The program values reciprocity in all relationships and supports recipients in growing their knowledge, resources, opportunities, and networks.

Background: Since 1993, AIFEP has supported generations of American Indian people in developing skills, resources, and cultural strengths. Since inception, the program has distributed more than $4 million in grants to more than 2,000 individuals in pursuit of professional, educational, and cultural opportunities.

Award Amount: Grants range from $500 to $2,500

Grant Rounds:

Round 1: January 1 – March 15

Round 2: July 1 – September 15

Impact Areas

Education

Earn college degree, certificate, vocational training, or GED

College entrance exams

Tuition, textbooks, and transportation

Health and Wellness

Improve physical and mental health initiatives

Promote healthy food systems

Reclaim traditional tobacco instead of commercial tobacco

Reclaim knowledge of traditional plants and medicines

Work with initiatives to heal from trauma

Learn about health and wellness practices to build a healthy community

Culture and Language

Revitalize Native American languages (including classes, conferences, and workshops)

Develop curriculum

Learn from elders to preserve Native culture

Develop kinship ties

Work on Native art and crafts initiatives

Work on cultural projects such as traditional games, lacrosse, and traditional storytelling

Economic Independence

Expenses related to employment

Entrepreneurial opportunities

Home ownership and housing

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Must be 18 years old (adults cannot apply on behalf of minors)
• Tribal Lineage: Must be able to trace tribal lineage to a federal or state-recognized tribe and provide proof. This includes First Nations tribal members and descendants from Canada residing in Minnesota. Acceptable documentation includes tribal identification, enrollment verification, or other verification/explanation of enrollment or descendant status
• Geography: Must reside in the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, Ramsey, and Washington counties
• Supporting Documents: Must include supporting documents (i.e., tuition bills, prices/quotes of materials)

Application Support

Tiwahe hosts in-person application workshops to support relatives in pursuing their goals. Workshop recordings are available in three parts.