Potlatch Fund

Strengthening the Arts and Cultures Infrastructure

Location:

Seattle, WA

Award:

$10,000

Website:

Potlatch Fund

Potlatch Fund is a grant-making foundation and leadership development organization serving Native communities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The foundation focuses on expanding philanthropy to Native communities by working with Tribal leadership, community leaders, nonprofits and Native artists. Potlatch Fund supports Native peoples in the arts, self-determination, governance, strategic planning, and media, non-profit and small business management. Through its grant-making, Potlatch Fund assists artists in professional development, collaboration, sustainable business practices, marketing and audience development, and the production of new work.

“The act of giving was part of the ‘gifting economy’ of the Northwest where one’s wealth was measured by generosity, good work and a good heart. That is the work of philanthropy too: It’s an honor to have plenty and to share. There is no lack when you have this process in place and the most important mindset to have while participating is gratitude, or giving thanks and promising to care for all, no matter what.”

Elizabeth Woody, Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama

K-12 Program Coordinator, Center for Coastal Marine Observation & Prediction

“These gifts demonstrate strong tribal interest in creating a powerful funding engine for protecting and preserving Native art and culture—the very cornerstones of tribal sovereignty. A foundation of this nature will help reverse the long history of government suppression of Native culture done as part of the United States' assimilation program. Through gifts of this nature, Indian Country can direct its resources to protect what is closest to home to all Indian tribes—our own cultures."

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Of counsel, Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C.

Potlatch Fund

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees