The National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Announces
2005-2006 Tribal Involvement Grants

The National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial received a generous grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to support Tribal involvement in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. Working with the Circle of Tribal Advisors (COTA), the National Council will continue to use Hewlett funds to make grants to COTA tribes and affiliated organizations.

Up to $200,000 will be awarded for tribal bicentennial projects and programs occurring in 2005-2006. The individual awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000 and will be awarded on a matching basis.

Grant Priorities
Projects must focus on Tribal aspects of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. Funding priority will be given to projects that address the following Lewis & Clark Bicentennial goals:

1. Cultural awareness and understanding
2. Cultural resource protection
3. Tribal language revitalization
4. Environmental stewardship
5. Diverse partnerships and collaborations
6. Public education and enjoyment

Eligibility
1. ONLY proposals from COTA member tribes, Tribal Colleges or Tribal sponsored non-profit organizations affiliated with Lewis and Clark tribes will be considered.
2. Proposals must relate to the Lewis and Clark commemoration and American Indian Tribes that either encountered the Corps or whose homelands were traversed by the expedition. Proposals are encouraged to examine issues both then and now.
3. Both federally recognized tribes and non-recognized tribes are eligible.
4. Non-profit organizations and tribal entities and schools are eligible.
5. All applications must include an official resolution of support from the affected tribal government(s) or authorizing agency.
6. All applicants must have sovereign nation status, 501(c)(3) IRS tax-deductible status, or be sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization or a tribal government as fiscal agent.
7. All applications must include a copy of the sponsoring organization’s financial statement, IRS Form 990, or audit report for the most recently completed fiscal year.

Grant Amounts

• Minimum Grant Award: $2,500
• Maximum Grant Award: $10,000

Required Match
The Tribal Involvement Grants require a 100% match from grant recipients - in either cash or in-kind services.

Ineligible Activities
The following activities are NOT eligible for funding:
1. Debt retirement
2. Illegal activities
3. Personal expenses
4. Any use not specified in the application
5. Non-tribal activities without full tribal participation and official tribal support

Application Process
Please submit a written proposal NO LONGER than 3 pages that addresses the following:
1. Brief synopsis of the project.
2. The long-term benefit of the project. What are its measurable goals? What is the lasting legacy?
3. Partners and stakeholders. Who is actively involved in planning and carrying out the project? Who will be responsible for accomplishing the project?
4. Audience. Who will benefit - why and how?
5. Budget. What will the project cost? Include a budget detailing all costs (cash and in-kind) and projected revenues (cash and in-kind).
6. Time frame. Include a schedule of activities for the project from start to finish. Projects must occur between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2006.
7. Attach a financial statement, Form 990, or audit of applicant or sponsoring organization for the most recently completed fiscal year. Financial statement may be in addition to the 3-page limit.

Submit 3 copies of the Application To:

National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
COTA TRIBAL INVOLVEMENT GRANTS
C/o Missouri Historical Society
P.O. Box 11940
St. Louis, MO 63112

Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Completed applications must be POSTMARKED no later than the deadline date. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

The National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial looks forward to receiving your application. If you have questions, please call 1.314.361.9031