Dakota Indian Foundation was founded in 1971 by the late John Frank Lindley, former State Representative and Lieutenant Governor of the State of South Dakota. He conceived the Foundation from his concern for the plight of the Dakota Sioux Indian and to find some means to assist them and preserve their history and culture.
The Foundation was incorporated under the laws of South Dakota as a non-profit charity on March 16, 1971. It was granted tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(C)(3) on May 10, 1971.
Dakota Indian Foundation is an independent non-profit, non-sectarian corporation. The Foundation grants funds to groups and organizations throughout the former Great Sioux Nation to support a wide variety of activities directly related to the social enhancement and cultural preservation of the Dakota Sioux Indian people.
What the Dakota Indian Foundation is...
The Foundation is specifically a non-profit organization for the Sioux Indian people primarily of the former Great Sioux Nation. The Board of Trustee’s gives priority with most of its funds to grant proposals that address needs of the Sioux Tribe of Indian people. Needs of other Indian Tribes are addressed on a “funds available” basis.
In addition, program priorities reflect two factors: available dollars (within particular areas) and the Trustee’s current assessment of overall needs. Preference is given to projects for which specific amounts over a predetermined duration are expected to generate significant benefits.
The Foundation is interested in proposals addressing the needs of the Native American People that fall under one of the following areas:
1) Cultural Preservation 2) Social Enhancement
The Foundation will not approve grants for the following purposes:
- National fund raising campaigns, ticket sales, fund raising, dinners or private benefits. - Supplementing existing governmental programs or services. - Support of religious organization general funds. - Lobbying or political action campaigns - Political office candidacies.
How Dakota Indian Foundation is governed...
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees who are not paid for their services, but do receive expenses when necessary. The Board consists of nine business and professional people, four of whom are of American Indian descent. The Board meets monthly and additionally when necessary.
How are Programs Funded...
Funding for the Foundation comes from voluntary contributions, testamentary bequests and interest on deposited funds. The Foundation uses direct mail to solicit funds from donors.
The Foundation's financial records are audited annually by an Independent Certified Public Accounting firm. Annual reports are available upon request.
Past and Current Projects...
The Ella C. Deloria Research Project in Indian Language, Culture and History.
Publication of texts which preserve and teach the language and culture.
Preschool tuition and post-high school scholarships.
Distribution of clothing, bedding and books.
Assist in the education and professional development of Indian people.
Summer camps and general support of camping programs
Special funding for filming of commemorative documentaries for the "Year of Reconciliation.
Support for Powwows, and Native American Heritage Festivals.
Summer recreation programs for on/off reservation participation.
Garden projects.
Assisted in development of Lakota Dictionary.
Assisted with funds for the annual Mankato 38 memorial ride.
The Great Sioux Nation
Please click HERE to view the Ella Deloria Research Papers
