Connecting Communities - Sharing Knowledge - Building a Common Future
January 2006

Dear IFIP Friends,

Please join International Funders for Indigenous Peoples at our annual conference that will be held at the Ford Foundation from May 16-17, 2006. Based in New York City, this year's event provides the ideal background for this year’s theme, Strengthening Partnerships in Philanthropy: Building Effective Grantmaking in Indigenous Communities.

This year’s conference will look at ways in which philanthropists can partner to support locally driven community sustainability and will feature partnerships with donors, international organizations, and Indigenous communities. It will discuss the importance of successful strategies and effective grantmaking for foundations that work with Indigenous communities or NGO’s that support Indigenous Peoples.

The second day will include a “Funders Only” meeting in the morning to discuss lessons learned and will provide specific recommendations and guidelines for donor’s portfolio. We will then attend an IFIP session at the United Nation's Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues. The Forum brings together some 1,500 Indigenous leaders and representatives and this year’s gathering is focusing on Indigenous Peoples and the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.

I encourage you to submit a session proposal for this year’s annual conference. Please see IFIP’s “Call for Sessions” for more information and remember to submit your proposal before the February 15, 2006 deadline.

IFIP is also thrilled to announce that our planning committee members for the 2006 annual conference are: Mary Tkach, Executive Director of Environmental Sustainability of Aveda Corporation; Katie Wilson, Assistant Program Officer of The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation; Anne Corcos, Director of Seeds for Communities; Katie Sternfels, Program Coordinator of Grantmakers Without Borders; Susan Balbas, Executive Director of Tierra Madre Fund; Mililani Trask, Executive Director of Gibson Foundation; and David Brown, Americas Program Officer for the American Jewish World Service.

Please join us, as space is limited and make the most of this opportunity to speak directly with Indigenous representatives by registering early. Click here for “Registration Form.”

Respectfully,
Evelyn Arce-White
IFIP Executive Director






REPORTS & ARTICLES


Asset-Building and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

SEDI (Social and Enterprise Development Innovations) has prepared this brief paper at the request of senior officials at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The purpose of the document is to outline our interest in exploring asset-building as a policy tool to enhance self-sufficiency, personal responsibility and access to the economic mainstream for Canada's Aboriginal Peoples, and to make the case for a further dialogue with Aboriginal Canadians.

Asset-building is an approach to addressing poverty that recognizes the importance of assets, alongside income and social services while also bringing hope and opportunity to those who need them most. It includes a wide array of options to support access to short, medium and long-term financial and tangible assets over the life-course. It is an approach that is rooted in an understanding of development - it recognizes the need for a wider range of resources, the need for individual and community engagement and the potential to create intergenerational impacts through interventions made today. Click here for full report.


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Indigenous Peoples and Poverty
An International Perspective
Edited by Robyn Eversole, John-Andrew McNeish
and Alberto D. Cimadamore

This book brings together two key concerns in development policy - the urgent need for poverty reduction and the situation of indigenous peoples in both developing and industrialized countries. It analyses patterns of indigenous disadvantage worldwide and explores some difficult questions, including the right balance between autonomy and participation, the tensions underlying ‘propoor’ and ‘inclusionary’ development policies, and the new spaces that such policies may provide for indigenous peoples to advance their demands. The rich collection of country case studies illustrates that both differences and commonalities must be recognized in any realistic study of indigenous poverty. The experiences of diverse indigenous peoples provide valuable practical insights for development organizations and indigenous peoples themselves. Click here for more info.



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GrantCraft & Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity
Call for Collaboration

GrantCraft is collaborating with the Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity to produce a guide to grant making with a racial equity lens. The purpose of the guide is to help grant makers deepen their thinking about race and ethnicity and to turn that thinking into effective grant making.

See outline for your review here. Respond with stories from your own experience by January 24, 2006. Be assured that although GrantCraft acknowledges its contributors, we keep all quotes anonymous. If you'd like to talk by phone, or to return your comments, please contact Gail Cooper at g.cooper@fordfound.org.







AWARDS


Attend the GSBI Summer 2006 Session
on a Fully Paid Scholarship

Deadline: January 25, 2006

The prize: An intensive two-week immersion experience (July 29 - August 12, 2006) in social venture business planning, at no cost to you (besides transportation expenses). An outstanding faculty, seasoned mentors from the high-tech and venture communities, and the shared lessons of leading social entrepreneurs, make this an unparalleled learning and networking opportunity. The objective is to enhance your ability to sustain and scale your venture.
The submission deadline is January 25, 2006, but going through these exercises may take a lot of your time. You will need to rethink your business, your strategy, even your mission. You will most likely need to include your management team in the process. Click here for more info.



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Independent Sector invites nominations for
Gardner Leadership Award

Deadline: January 31, 2006

Each year since 1985, Independent Sector has presented the John W. Gardner Leadership Award to an individual working in the voluntary sector who has advanced the common good by building, mobilizing, and unifying people, institutions, or causes. The award consists of $10,000 and a replica of an original relief bust of John Gardner by the late sculptor Frederick Hart. RFP available here.


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Fund for Global Human Rights Announces
Request for Proposals

Deadline: February 15, 2006

In early 2006, the Fund for Global Human Rights will award grants to organizations based in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mexico and Guatemala. The deadline to submit proposals for first time applicants is February 15, 2006. Send questions to: info@globalhumanrights.org or see the website http://www.hrfunders.org/fghr/.


 
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Calling for US Activists: 2006 Human Rights
Advocates Program Application


Deadline: February 28, 2006

The Program helps foster proven human rights leaders’ skills, knowledge, and contacts to prepare them to participate in national and international policy debates on economic globalization. An equally important aspect of the program is to promote debate and dialogue on the global economy between the advocates and the faculty and students at Columbia University as well as the NGO, policy-making, and corporate communities. Download the application.


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The Native Leadership Scholarship (NLS)

Deadline: March 25, 2006

A program that creates educational opportunities for women around the world who are grassroots leaders, organizers and activists demonstrating financial need.The Channel Foundation, based here in Seattle, offers scholarships for indigenous women around the world to get masters degrees in fields that benefit their communities. See their website at www.nativeleaders.org.


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Call for nominations:
2006 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award

Deadline: April 15, 2006

Call for nominations: 2006 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 to honor creative individuals who are engaged in strategic and nonviolent efforts to overcome serious human rights violations. Presented annually, the RFK Human Rights Award reflects Robert Kennedy's opposition to tyranny and his belief in the power of individual moral courage to overcome injustice. More information on the nomination and selection process can be accessed here.







UPCOMING CONFERENCES


IFIP EVENTS

Family Foundation Annual Conference

January 29–31, 2006
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Honolulu, Hawaii

IFIP will hold a lunch roundtable for funders that want to learn more about the Challenges and Opportunities to support Indigenous Projects scheduled for Monday, January 30 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Hawaii’s approaches to such issues as school reform, elder care, child care and natural resource management are being replicated around the country. Grantmakers will learn and discuss these models with local and national foundation and non-profit leaders through thought-provoking concurrent sessions, stimulating keynote speakers, and inspiring site visits in Honolulu. Register before December 16 and save- click here to register. Contact Lauren Kotkin 202/467-0438 or kotkl@cof.org for more information.



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World Water Forum

March 16-22, 2006
Mexico City, Mexico

The aim of the water forum is to address looming global water scarcity and contamination and develop solutions to this crisis. Registration can be done on the World Water Forum website here.

Ecologic Development Fund is sponsoring the session “Successful Indigenous Approaches to Integrated Water Resource Management and Achieving the Millennium Development Goals”, IFIP is co-sponsoring this session.

The session will bring together a panel of indigenous leaders from Mesoamerica who will discuss their successful experiences with Integrated Water Resource Management at the community level and how Integrated Approaches to Water Resource Management present opportunities for improved sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.


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57th Annual Council on Foundations Conference

May 7-9, 2006
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Pittsburgh, PA
www.cof.org


Effective and Innovative Strategies for
Increasing Indigenous Grantmaking

Saturday May 6, 2006 4-6pm Room 324

Partnership and collaboration are essential for successful grantmaking to Indigenous communities. Join this session to explore ways international grantmakers can improve their grantmaking practice. Reviews of successful cases will provide tools to enhance collaborative potential and to structure and support interpersonal relationships between grantmaker and indigenous grantee. This session will also discuss International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) accomplishments and ways to become more involved with IFIP.

Speakers include: Rebecca Adamson, President Emeritus of First nations development institute, Ken Wilson PhD, Executive Director, The Christensen Fund and Evelyn Arce-White, Director, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP)


International Funders for Indigenous Peoples
Annual Awards Reception

Sunday May 7, 2006 6-7PM Room 323

Please join International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) Annual presentation of the IFIP Award, bestowed upon an individual that has demonstrated efforts to increase philanthropic support for Indigenous Peoples around the world. Last year, the very first recipient of this prestigious award was presented to Susan Berresford, President of the Ford Foundation, for her leadership in increasing a greater commitment from a philanthropic institution. We are all looking forward to honoring the next philanthropic leader to be announced soon. All are welcomed to attend and take part in this momentous event. Refreshments will be provided.


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Linking Circles V: International Funders for
Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) Annual Meeting


Save the Date: May 16th and 17th, 2006
Ford Foundation in New York City
.

Join us and other members of the philanthropic community on May 16th and May 17th at Ford Foundation where donors will have an opportunity to speak directly with "neutral" (non-grantee) representatives from Indigenous communities on specific concerns. We will look at ways in which philanthropists can partner to support locally-driven community development and will feature partnerships with donors, international organizations, and Indigenous communities.

For Registration Info: evelyn@internationalfunders.org







FOR FUNDERS ONLY


VI World Social Forum/ II Americas Social Forum

January 22- 30, 2006
Caracas, Venezuela

Forging Alliances South and North is assisting donors and others who wish to attend the VI World Social Forum/ II Americas Social Forum in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 22- 30, 2006. Services include handling registration for the Social Forum and hotel reservations, pre-trip readings and travel information, a Social Forum orientation in Caracas, an optional one-day Venezuela reality program, and other assistance. Join with other funders (both individual and institutional) and social change activists to explore this regional expression of the 2006 polycentric World Social Forum. For more information, see the flier and visit: www.for-al.org.


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Innovation Funders Network 2006 Summit
"Networks, Innovation and Social Change"


January 30-31, 2006
San Francisco, CA

Over the past decade, the emergence of the internet, cellular phones and other innovations in Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) has brought about profound social and economic change. We are now living in a networked society. These networks provide new ways to collaborate, express ourselves politically and culturally, address social and economic issues, and build local and global communities. For registration info click here.



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Teatime Briefing for Funders

February 8, 2006
2:30 - 4:30 PM
Tides Foundation
Presidio Building 1014 (Lincoln Blvd and Torney)
Pacific Room
San Francisco, CA

IRC staff will be presenting a brief overview of our past work and focus on our current foreign policy initiative, Global Good Neighbor.
International Relations Center is organizing a funder briefing in San Francisco to discuss efforts to develop a new vision for U.S. foreign policy.The briefing will be held from 2:30-4:30 on February 8 at the Tides Center. An invitation letter with more information is attached. If you are interested in attending what will be an interesting discussions on how citizen participation can help evolve a morals-based foreign policy, please contact Sebia Hawkins at sebia@irc-online.org, or (505) 982-1863. Download more info and visit http://www.irc-online.org.
 

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The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
“The Winds of Change”

March 15-17, 2006
Washington, DC

It will focus on the demographic, political, and socio-economic trends influencing philanthropy. The conference welcomes international participants. Registration information will be available in mid-December at www.givingforum.org. For more information contact Paula Shoecraft at PShoecraft@givingforum.org.


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The 5th Annual Global Philanthropy Forum

April 3-5, 2006
Washington DC

We will explore the power of individual social entrepreneurs bringing about positive change, and will consider how philanthropy can take us beyond policy to achieve societal goals. Please visit www.philanthropyforum.org/conference/2006 for updated speaker and conference program information.


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Grantmakers Without Borders 2006 Conference

June 8-10, 2006
San Mateo, CA

GwoB will hold its 6th annual conference in San Mateo, California, June 8-10, 2006. The conference will focus on Global Social Change Philanthropy, and is open to international participants (grantmakers as well as philanthropic support entities, including funder networks).

For more information and for the proposal guidelines contact John Harvey at john@gwob.net or +1 617.794.2253.






OPEN TO ALL


Awakening the Dreamer
Changing the Dream Symposiums

9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
February 4, 2005
First Unitarian Universalist Church
Starr King Room
1187 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA

The Symposium explores the link between three of humanity’s most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Using video clips from some of the world’s most respected thinkers, along with inspiring short films, leading edge information and dynamic group interactions, the Symposium allows participants to gain a new insight into the very nature of our time and the opportunity we have to shape and impact the direction of our world with our everyday choices and actions. To register for February 4th Symposium, click here.



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Mapping New York Communities:
An Introduction to GIS and Community
Demographic Analysis Workshop


One Day Workshop

March 2nd and 3rd
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
NYC Seminar and Conference Center
71 West 23rd Street, Suite 515
New York, NY 10010

This fast paced, hands-on workshop teaches the fundamentals of how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a way that is particularly relevant to social service providers, planners and researchers. Participants learn to make thematic maps of their community, geocode addresses and perform spatial queries and analysis. Participants also learn to extract and map Census variables such as race, poverty, language, education, health and many other demographic variables. Exercises are designed for beginners. Intermediate Excel skills required. Each students is assigned a computer on which to work for the day.

Please note, this is a one day workshop. Please choose which date is most convenient for you. Limited seating, please register early.
Fee: $399 Checks, Credit Cards and Purchase Orders Accepted

To register online or for more info visit here or telephone us 877.241.6576.



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Communications and Contemporary Native Americans - A Media Symposium

March 2-3, 2006
Washington, DC
The absence of U.S. media coverage about Native American communities means that Indian Country today is a mystery to most people. While there are rampant stereotypes, realities and cultural strengths remain hidden.Come participate in a conversation about Indian Country with the goal of engaging more people with issues affecting indigenous peoples in the United States.For more info click here.


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Native Philanthropy Institute & Annual Meeting

April 10-11,2006
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Prior Lake, Minnesota

Native Americans in Philanthropy invites you to The Native Philanthropy Institute which will build awareness and capacity for fund development and fundraising, marketing and communications, leadership development and skill-building for Native projects. Our goals are to provide the growing field of Tribal and Native philanthropy with tools for strategic grantmaking, while at the same time providing these foundations and other Native nonprofits tools to raise more funds - and together to "tell their story" more effectively - remaining grounded in their communities and strength of the cultures.

Deadline for registration is March 31st. REGISTER NOW! Contact Neely Snyder for details at nsnyder@nativephilanthropy.org. Download the Registration form.



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2006 International Indigenous Business and
Entrepreneurship Conference

June 19-22, 2006
Sandia Casino & Resort
Albuquerque, NM

The International Indigenous Business and Entrepreneurship Conference and Expo will bring together international and domestic academics and indigenous entrepreneurs and policy-makers participants who are interested and/or involved in Indigenous business and entrepreneurship. See website http://iibec.mgt.unm.edu/default.asp.

For more info contact Jaye Francis, Conference Coordinator Ph: (505) 277-8889, Fax: (505) 277-9868 or at iibec@mgt.unm.edu.

Download the Registration Form.






Become an Esteemed, Sustaining or Individual Member. Download our New membership form,
click here.

Sponsor IFIP's 2006 Meeting at Ford Foundation
See the benefits
click here.


Looking for ways to help your grantees become successful grantseekers?
Order copies of the "Indigenous Peoples Funding and Resource Guide." IFIP Members receive a 30% discount.

click here.



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IN THE NEWS


"I Believe Only In the Power
of the People"
By Evo Morales
First Indigenous President of Bolivia. Speech given at "In Defense of Humanity." meeting. more

Indigenizing a Nation: Morales Victory Ushers in Prospects of Change
On December 18, 2005 Bolivians made history at the polls, as 54 percent of the country’s voters chose Evo Morales, an indigenous Aimara leader of the combative coca-growers’ unions, to become president. more

Selling the
Amazon for a
Handful of Beads

In the midst of an Amazonian oil boom, classified documents reveal deep links between oil companies and Ecuador's military. more

Botswana: Mediation in Conflict Between Government and Basarwa
President Festus Mogae has invited First People World Wide (FPW) to facilitate negotiations between the government and Basarwa over the relocation from Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). more

Colombia: Indigenous Groups Badly Affected by Conflict
The armed conflict in Colombia is badly affecting the country's one million indigenous people and UNHCR is concerned that entire communities could disappear after being forced to flee their traditional territories. more

Canada First to Ratify the UN Cultural Agency's Diversity Convention
Canada has become the first State to ratify an international convention on retaining the rich diversity of the world’s means of cultural expression, now endangered by globalization, which was adopted last October by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. more


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EMPLOYMENT

Environment Program Officer
C. S. Mott Foundation

The Environment program of the Michigan-based C. S. Mott Foundation seeks a program officer to co-manage its grantmaking aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable development globally by reforming the core policies and practices of international financial and trade institutions. Please go to http://mott.org/e-job for a description of the position and the application process.

Director of Development and Communications
Global Greengrants Fund GGF believes that grassroots activism is key to solving seemingly intractable problems and halting cycles of poverty, powerlessness and environmental destruction.The Director of Development and Communications is a management-level position, overseeing all aspects of developing and implementing fundraising and external communications strategies. These strategies are aimed at achieving clearly established and ambitious revenue goals, including a 20 percent revenue expansion per year over the next five years. Click here for the complete job listing. Please submit cover letter and resume or CV to: ggf@greengrants.org. To learn more about GGF, see www.greengrants.org.

SVPI Executive Director
Social Venture Partners is an international network of accomplished individuals who combine the power of business and the passion of philanthropy. SVPI seeks an Executive Director ready and able to take the organization through a period of building – not start-up or maintenance. The Executive Director of SVPI will be responsible for promoting the mission of the organization and developing a culture of delivering superior service and value to SVP affiliates.Please submit cover letter (2 pages max.) and resume to info@svpi.org with the subject line “SVPI Executive Director” no later than January 31, 2006. Click here for details.



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