The National Council Announces 2004 Tribal Involvement Grants

The National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial has received a generous four-year grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for the following purposes:

• Tribal involvement in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
• National cultural awareness campaign
• Planning for trail stewardship awareness campaign
• Development of National Council website and linkages
• COTA administration
• National Signature Events
• National Council staffing

Grant Priorities
Funding priority will be given to projects that address the following Lewis and 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, Tribal Schools, or tribally-chartered 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 COTA tribes are eligible.
4. All applications must include an official resolution of support from the affected tribal
government(s) or authorizing agency.
5. All applicants must have sovereign nation status or be a tribally-chartered non-profit with a tribal government as fiscal agent.
6. 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 100match 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. 2004 projects must occur between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004.
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.