After my summer visit to South Dakota to see my relatives I was struck by the strength and wisdom of those I am lucky to call my family. Many of our Dakota relatives are from the Lakota Sioux tribe and come from the Rosebud Reservation. Although most of the family has moved from reservation lands they have not moved away from their beautiful culture and beliefs. Maintaining our heritage and the civil rights that come with being a citizen of this country means a lot to my family, as it does to the funder below.

This week’s pick: Fund of the Sacred Circle, a program of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice, is offering grants to “American Indian organizations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin addressing issues of racial, social, economic and environmental justice.” Areas of interest to the Fund include:

• Land and cultural revitalization or restoration
• Sovereignty and treaty rights
• Self-determination and civil rights

The Fund provides Planning Grants up to $5,000 and Implementation Grants up to $10,000. August 1st, 2009 is the due date for applications. Organizations that apply typically have operating budgets of less than $400,000

Click here to access grant application materials.