The Walter H. McClenon Fund, Inc.

Special Report

American Indian College Fund

P.O. Box 172449

Denver, CO 80217-9673

The civil rights movement of the 1960’s included an Indian self-determination movement. In 1968 the Navaho nation created something new: a college controlled by the tribe, located on the reservation, to provide higher education to tribal members. The tribal college movement and there are now over 30 such colleges in at least 13 states of the U.S.

They get little governmental support, and in1989 this organization was created to raise private-sector funds. It now grants about 6,000 scholarships annually.

I have the impression that its leaders want to fight poverty while preserving tribal languages and cultures. Other Indian leaders try to help Indians integrate into the wider U.S. culture.

In 2009 they had about $19 million in revenue, spent about $10½ million in “program expenses, spent about $2½ million for fund-raising and administration (Toal$13 million spent) and sent the remaining $6 million to their “affiliates” (the actual tribal colleges).

Ratings The American Indian College Fund meets the standards of the (BBB) Wise Giving Guide, gets an “A-“ from the American Institute of Philanthropy, and a 4-star overall rating from Charity Navigator. To me they seem eligible for contributions from both of our Endowments, both under By-law III D, #3 (for equality of education) and #5 (for rehabilitation of those suffering from a special handicap).

I suggest that we find The American Indian College Fund eligible from both Endowments.

Paul McClenon, 11^th of March 2011