Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Native American Advancement Foundation
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: NAFF
Mailing Address: 6262 North Swan Road, Suite 135 Tucson, AZ 85718
City: Tucson
State: AZ
Postal Code: 85718
Main Phone: 3175011608
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: www.naafnow.org
Employer ID Number: 45-2725155
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 7/19/2023
Requested Amount: $3,500

Project Title: GuVo District Tohono O’Odham Cultural Sewing Club
Project Description:

NAAF works on behalf of the Tohono O’odham Nation, which is the second largest Native American reservation in both population and land size on the U.S.-Mexico border. NAAF works specifically with residents living in the GuVo District, which is the Nation’s western most District located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona. It is a beautiful land, but one defined by economic hardship and a lack of infrastructure/resources. Even the Tohono O’odham language is considered to be an endangered language.

As such, one of NAAF’s areas of focus is on Language and Culture. As members of the Nation, NAAF has a vested interest and long-term commitment to preserving the District’s heritage, customs, beliefs and language. This includes the teaching and development of traditional Tohono O’odham art, handicrafts, language, gardening, and cultural history. Now, NAAF is seeking support to start a Districtwide “Sewing Club” so that community elders can use their love of sewing to teach the younger generation this fun and useful skill.

NAAF’s Health and Prevention Team would oversee these activities as a means of ensuring traditional meaningful designs are not lost, and that the younger generations learn the importance of continue the traditions of Native People being able to communicate their identity through their clothing. Funding would be used to purchase sewing supplies and materials, including a small number of sewing machines. As envision, the group would meet monthly to socialize, host workshops/tutorials, and create a fun, hands-on, cultural experience where community elders can use their knowledge and experience to help younger generations learn about their heritage by making Tohono O’odham apparel, or other crafts, and sharing the meaning behind the designs.

Total Project Budget: $3,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): N/A. This is the first request NAAF has made in support of this project.

Project Duration: 12 months (minimum)
Geographical Area Served: The GuVo District/Southern Arizona
Age Group To Be Served: 12 and older

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Robb
Contact Last Name: Schrimshaw
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 3175011608
Contact Email: rschrimshaw@inaaf.org