In our ongoing efforts to revitalize the endangered Native languages of the Doyon region, Doyon Foundation will award grants of up to $5,000 to support local language revitalization projects in 2022. Applications for 2022 Our Language grants are due by Friday, February 4, at 5 p.m. AKST. Apply here.
Online applications are strongly preferred; interested applicants can access the online application via www.doyonfoundation.com. If internet or computer access is unavailable, applicants may request a hard copy application by contacting [email protected] or 907.459.2048.
Doyon region tribal governments/tribal councils/communities; nonprofit Alaska Native organizations, societies and community groups; and Alaska Native cultural, educational and recreational organizations/centers are eligible to apply for an Our Language grant.
Grant proposals will be evaluated based on a point system, with points awarded for each section of the proposal. A total of 110 points are possible, including 10 bonus points for completion of the optional community language plan.
Grant proposals must include a description of project goals and objectives, project timeline, plan to promote the project, an evaluation plan, a documentation plan, signed media release, project budget, a completed community language survey, and a letter of support from the village council or tribal office. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to complete the optional community language plan.
Each awardee must submit a final report at the end of their project. Final reports are due by Friday, September 30, 2022, unless an extension request is submitted. Previous awardees who did not submit a final report or request an extension are not eligible to receive funding. If you need assistance submitting a final report from a previous grant, please contact [email protected] or 907.459.2162.
The 10 ancestral languages of the Doyon region are all severely to critically endangered, and will be lost within the span of a few generations if no action is taken. These languages are Benhti Kokhut’ana Kenaga’ (Lower Tanana), Deg Xinag, Denaakk’e (Koyukon), Dihthaad Xt’een Iin Aanděeg’ (Tanacross), Dinak’i (Upper Kuskokwim), Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in), Hän, Holikachuk, Inupiaq and Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana).
Doyon, Limited established the language grant program in 2012, and the Doyon Foundation language revitalization program now manages the Our Language grants. Last year, we awarded 13 grants totaling $65,000 to support a wide variety of community-based language revitalization projects.
To apply, complete the online application accessible at www.doyonfoundation.com. Or help us spread the word by sharing our grant flyer. For additional information, contact Doyon Foundation’s language revitalization program at [email protected] or 907.459.2162.