I just recivded a restituion check from the US Gov Im native american what I do with it thats meaningful?

Question

I just recivded a 5,000 dollar check from the U.S. Goverment I want to do something meaningful and unselfish with it, I am pretty lucky myself I am studying to be a doctor and my family has moved out of the reservation to a big city we're not rich but we have jobs and have a nice home. What can I do with it thats speical and please don't relpy with igroant raceist answers because if you knew our history you know 5,000 is really nonthing.

Answer 1

I know $5000 doesn't seem like much, so you want to give it to a well-established organization that will take the money and combine it with other funding sources to really make a difference. Thank you for your unselfish generosity. Your ancestors would be proud! Here is my suggestion:

Contact AISES (the American Indian Science and Engineering Society). The AISES mission is to increase substantially the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, medicine and other related technology disciplines. AISES was founded in 1977 by American Indian scientists, doctors, nurses, engineers and educators. In view of the high dropout rates and low college enrollment and graduation rates of American Indians compared with all other ethnic groups in the United States, and the severe under-representation of American Indians in the science and engineering fields, these Native professionals resolved to create an organization that would identify and remove the barriers to academic success for Native students.

Through a variety of educational programs, AISES offers financial, academic and cultural support to American Indians and Alaska Natives from middle school through graduate school. AISES provides professional development activities to enable teachers to work effectively with Native students. AISES also develops culturally appropriate curricula and publications. AISES builds partnerships with tribes, schools, other non-profit organizations, corporations, foundations and government agencies to realize its goals.

Through a variety of mechanisms, AISES accepts contributions that directly support programs and overall organizational administration. Contributions are accepted in many forms, including donations to AISES or the AISES Foundation. The Development Department offers great opportunities for gift giving to AISES and the AISES Foundation. Throuh gifts, AISES can continue to fulfill its long-standing commitment to educational programs, leadership, career, and teacher training, curriculum development, scholarship, internships, fellowships, and reduce its heavy reliance on year-to-year funds.

AISES Foundation site: http://www.aises.org/giving/

AISES homepage: http://www.aises.org/index.cfm

Answer 2

Please put the money in an interest-bearing bank account and do nothing with it for at least five years. During that time, allow yourself to think through all of the possible causes you might want to support. Research them (are they legitimate? do I really like what they do?), and think about whether you truly believe those causes are important.

I speak from experience, having given money to causes that sounded very nice but, in the end, didn't do what I thought I was funding.

I bet at the end of five years "what is special" will make sense to you. If not, wait a few more years.

I am giving you wisdom derived from my Buddhist teachers, but I would guess your Native American teachers would mostly agree.

Answer 3

You could create a few scholarships for Native Americans in your (current or original) community to help them to have the opportunites that you have. You could have the scholarships be in your name or the name of someone that you admire or someone that made a difference in your life.

Answer 4

I think I would invest it in something first,as you said $5,ooo is really not that much . good luck with your profession.

Answer 5

pay your bills, put the rest in the bank, buy some one you close to a nice dinner

Answer 6

Keep your money, you deserve it and that is not being selfish. put it in something that will grow more for you, if you do not need it right now.