Bader Philanthropies has announced a five-year, $3 million grant to the UWM Foundation in support of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Electa Quinney Institute for American Indian Education (EQI). 

The funding will help EQI continue to advance the research, culture, and languages of Wisconsin’s Indigenous people. To that end, the institute will use the grant to hire Indigenous faculty researchers and instructors, as well as provide programming that includes visiting elders, fire circle events, community and international convocations for Indigenous peoples and allies, and scholarships.

“The Electa Quinney Institute offers UWM’s Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and friends a special space to learn about their heritage and create bonds with others in the Native American community,” said UWM chancellor Mark Mone. “Bader Philanthropies’ gift to the institute comes at a crucial time. With this gift, we can expand the institute’s impact in preserving and advancing Native languages, cultures, and traditions while advancing a greater understanding among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people at UWM and beyond.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/smolaw11)