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2022 Our Language Grant II Application

Doyon Foundation's mission: To provide educational, career and cultural opportunities to enhance the identity and quality of life for Doyon shareholders.

The efforts of our language revitalization program are a key component of our mission-driven work. 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).

In 2012, the Doyon, Limited board of directors generously approved funding to promote the revitalization of our Native languages. This year, Doyon Foundation will award grants of up to $5,000 to fund language revitalization projects through the Our Languages grant program. 

GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 11, 2022, 5 p.m. AKDT

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Doyon region tribal governments/tribal councils/communities
  • Nonprofit Alaska Native organizations, societies and community groups
  • Alaska Native cultural, educational and recreational organizations/centers
  • Previous applicants may apply but they must have satisfactorily completed all final reporting on previously funded projects, as required by Doyon Foundation. If you have a past due final report, please contact us so we can help you close out your grant. 

Who is not eligible to apply?

  • Individuals
  • Non-Alaska Native organizations (unless in partnership with Alaska Native organizations or Alaska Native advisory committees)
  • For-profit organizations
  • Federal departments and agencies
  • State and municipal governments and their agencies

Proposal requirements

Each section of the proposal is worth a certain number of points. Proposals will be evaluated and points awarded for clarity and detail provided. Proposals must include the following:
  • Project goals and objectives (20 POSSIBLE POINTS)
    • Goals are the big picture, such as “all children will understand basic words by 2022.”
    • Objectives are the specific tasks you will take to move toward the goal. For example: 1) “We will record 10 Elders talking about their lives as children in their Native language.” Or 2) “We will develop four new lessons to teach in the classroom.” Or 3) “10 students will participate in the language camp.”
  • Project timeline to track progress. List action items/tasks, when each will be completed, and the individual responsible for completion. Note that regular check-ins must be part of timeline. (10 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Other questions to consider (2 POSSIBLE POINTS PER QUESTION, 10 POSSIBLE POINTS TOTAL):
      - What will your project do to promote language revitalization?
      - How does this project combat negative language stereotypes?
      - How does this project fit into a larger community language revitalization plan?
      - Does this project utilize partnerships?
             - In addition to this grant, what other sources of funding will be used for the project?
  • Promotion plan. Describe how you will inform people about the project and how they can get involved. (10 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Evaluation plan. How will success be measured (how your project will be evaluated)? (10 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Documentation plan. Describe how you will document your project through audio recordings, videos, photos, written lessons and/or lesson plans. (5 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Letter of support (can be from village council, tribal office or Native nonprofit entity). (10 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Complete Community Language Survey (template included later in online application). (10 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Verification of grantee status (first-time Our Language grant recipient or previous grant recipient who has submitted a final report). (5 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Project budget (template included later in online application). (10 POSSIBLE POINTS)
  • Media release. Provide a signed consent for Doyon Foundation to use language project materials (described above) for educational purposes. Media release form will be included with award letter sent to selected grantees. (REQUIRED)
  • Community language plan (template included later in online application). Note that this plan is not a requirement for Doyon Foundation funding of your language proposal, but we urge all communities to adopt a plan to address language loss in the region. (OPTIONAL; ELIGIBLE FOR 10 POSSIBLE BONUS POINTS)

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

Once we have received your proposal, Doyon Foundation staff will notify you via email that it has been received. We recommend contacting the Foundation office after submitting your proposal to ensure it was received; you may reach us at haytona@doyon.com or 907.459.2162.

Each awardee agrees to submit a final report (see template here) at the end of their project, and no later than Friday, September 30, 2022. Articles about completed language projects will be published on the Doyon Foundation website, blog and social media channels, as well as in the Foundation newsletter and e-newsletter. 

Failure to submit the final report or request an extension by Friday, September 30, 2022, will adversely affect any future grant opportunities. If you have a past due final report, please contact us so we can assist you in closing out your previous grant. 

For additional details or assistance, visit www.doyonfoundation.com or contact Allan Hayton at haytona@doyon.com or 907.459.2162.

Online applications are strongly preferred; interested applicants should complete the online application below. If internet or computer access is unavailable, applicants may request a hard copy application by contacting mosesc@doyon.com or 907.459.2048.