by Roger Fry
The ATADA Foundation was incorporated in late 2001 as a non-profit 501C3 corporation to which members of ATADA and others could make tax deductible contributions. It was felt at the time, by the officers and directors of ATADA, that a non-profit corporation, separate and distinct from ATADA itself, would provide a means by which the non-business goals of ATADA could best be achieved. The Foundation operates separately from ATADA although utilizing many of the same directors and officers. The Board of Directors is comprised of our President, Ramona Morris, Bob Gallegos, Chris Selser, Bob Bauver and Roger Fry. It was decided that it would be appropriate to always include the President of ATADA on the Foundation Board.
The purpose of this not for profit corporation, as set forth in article 4 of the articles of incorporation, is as follows:
... to support, organize and take part in scientific, literary, charitable, humanitarian, religious and educational activities, either directly or by contributions to organizations duly authorized to engage in such activities, that advance knowledge or enhance awareness of the cultural, historical and aesthetic importance of antique tribal art of North America and the world, and those who created it, including the support of public interest issues, including litigation, that impact or otherwise affect the right to acquire, enjoy, possess, donate and view antique tribal art.
The ATADA Foundation provided support, through ATADA members and others, to the Tim Kornwolf appeal involving the constitutionality of the Eagle Protection Act. That ended, with the Supreme Court of the United States declining to hear Kornwolf's appeal, and affirming the constitutionality of the Act, meaning that eagle feathered Indian objects may not be purchased or sold. With that case being over, other organizations and programs which meet the purpose clause of the Foundation, as set forth above, have been provided funds. Last year the Foundation made grants in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to the Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos, New Mexico, the Eicher Indian Museum, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, the Museum of Primitive Art and Culture, Peace Dale, Rhode Island, and the University of Washington College, College of Arts and Sciences, to promote awareness of Indian art.
At the present time we are looking for recommendations, from the members of ATADA, for recipients of donations to be made this calendar year. The Board of the Foundation would like to continue to support and enhance the awareness of the " cultural, historical and esthetic importance of antique tribal art of North America and the world, and those who created it..." Although the Foundation does not utilize a formal application form, a personal letter to the Board, sent to the attention of Ramona Morris or Bob Gallegos, setting forth the nature and purpose of the requested grant, will suffice, and will receive the full attention of the Board. Please write to Ramona or Bob with your thoughts and requests for funding, keeping in mind that the recipient must be an authorized charitable institution.
An ATADA Foundation board meeting will be held in Santa Fe this August. Accordingly, please write prior to this, or later in the year but before to the next board meeting, which will be held in Marin, during the annual show there.
The ATADA Foundation continues to be supported by friends and members of ATADA. We have held fund raising events in the past and have accepted both cash and tribal object donations (which have been successfully sold for us by Doug Allard). Of course, contributions are tax deductible and will support endeavors important to all of us. Please write to Ramona or Bob with any spare funds, with checks payable to the ATADA Foundation and, as stated, be sure to send your thoughts and recommendations regarding qualified recipients. This can only increase the awareness and importance of tribal art and those who created it.
