Page 32 - 2024 October

GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES (10)
There was a robust discussion about NAU and its standing in the state of Arizona. All 3 universities in the state offer free tuition to Native students, so they are all working to position themselves as preeminent institutions for this population. The University of Arizona, where Levi now works, has been successful in attracting Native students. Questions were raised about NAU’s declining enrollment in the business school and the previously noted discrepancies with the endowment. Perhaps there are opportunities to support a pipeline program in the state that could help guide more students to and through postsecondary education.
Sherry was commended for this linkage report as well as the report she prepared on the tribes of the Northwest U.S., which also had been included in the materials.
g. Letter of Inquiry from AISES
The following materials had been circulated: an excerpt from Lowell’s final report on the December 2023 Board Retreat and an LOI from AISES requesting a one-year, 1:1 matching grant of $100,000 to develop the organization’s STEM & Business program. The LOI was included for the Committee’s consideration because it relates to JSF’s newly defined focus on education leading to college completion. The request includes funding for individuals who are “American Indian/Alaska Native, have completed or currently pursuing a STEM degree program, and/or are interested in developing a STEM business.” This description is inclusive of individuals who have already obtained a degree or may not be degree seeking.
The discussion touched on several topics, including the fact that the proposal seems to have a goal of business creation rather than degree completion. The LOI states that AISES received funding from Wells Fargo to support financial literacy curriculum development and training, and the STEM & Business cohort participants will receive this training. This led to a conversation about the connection between financial literacy and degree attainment. Algebra classes and Advanced Placement courses, for example, have been shown to help students get to college, but this seems to fall short of that. There was agreement that financial literacy is within the mission when it involves education leading to a degree for students who have not already graduated.
10. Communications and social media
The September marketing and communications report had been circulated. As directed by the Committee in March 2024, the report included a revised goal statement for JSF communications: To use JSF’s communications platforms to support and showcase the work of our grantees, sustain strong partnerships, and discover potential new partners whose work aligns with JSF’s mission.
The Committee approved as presented the revised goal for JSF communications.
A question was asked whether JSF wants to use its communications to adopt an advocacy role in favor of free tuition, such as what has happened in Arizona for Native students. While some foundations choose to advocate for causes, it was stated that one of the Foundation’s strengths is that it is seen as being neutral. JSF can broadly advocate for people or issues, as long as it’s not a specific piece of legislation. However, advocacy is often seen as a partisan activity, so the Foundation should be cautious and confident that whatever topic for which it is advocating aligns with the mission.
Page 30 October Report