Indigenous Endeavors
Indigenous Endeavors empowers Indigenous communities through grant research and management, training, business services, and knowledge sharing. We support Indigenous initiatives and sustainable development with our experienced team, offering tailored solutions to build capacity for long-term success.
meet our founder
Kim Leming is an Elder, a Citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Founder of Indigenous Endeavors, LLC, and a lifetime member of the National Congress of American Indians. She received a Bachelor’s in Business/ Marketing and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Master’s of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law at the University of Oklahoma.
For over 25 years, Kim had the incredible chance to live in Alaska and provide solutions to numerous needs for Alaska Native communities. A commuter plane would fly her into a village (there are few roads to over 200 federally recognized villages/tribes) where she began working with Elders, Tribal Administrators, Councils, Board members, and individual Peoples on matters of their choices, requests, and needs. Business was not conducted when the residents were unavailable during the hunting, fishing, and gathering seasons, since it would interfere with their subsistence lifestyle. Her opportunity to continually visit and work with new communities or return to previous ones was unquestionably an experience of a lifetime.
kim leming
Her background entails all aspects of grant management, compliance, writing, and research for special projects for Alaskan communities. The largest award granted was for $3.5 million for health programs and a $2.4 million Congressional line-item appropriation for a historical site in the Pribilof Islands, for the Aleut People. She also has a background in fundraising events such as Galas, auctions, city-wide one and two-week festivals, and smaller one-day programs; public relations working with the media; specific subject research; community and economic development; business training; and cultural marketing. This is a culmination of over 50 years of business activities.
Expertise
Grant/Contract Administration and Management:
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Over 25 years of experience researching, developing, and preparing grants for Alaska Native organizations.
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Managed and administered 49 federal, state, and private foundation grant programs totaling approximately $22 million.
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Reviewed federal government grants on Native issues for six years, providing a thorough understanding of budgets and fiscal oversight.
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Proven ability to research, compile, and analyze data, and maintain timely correspondence with grantors and management.
Program and Fiscal Management:
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Extensive experience in various administrative structures and levels of governmental jurisdictions.
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Prepared, reviewed, and analyzed budgets, and provided on-site technical assistance for economic development issues.
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Secured a $2.4 million congressional line item appropriation for a historical site rehabilitation project.
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Expertise in handling diverse Alaska Native issues, including bulk fuel tank farms, ivory carvings, tourism, reindeer herding, historic preservation, language preservation, HUD, and subsistence.
Public Relations, Marketing, and Fundraising:
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Experience with television, radio, newspapers, and various publications to inform the public about activities.
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Developed and oversaw city-wide festivals and numerous special events, including fundraisers and marketing events.
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Provided marketing assistance to Alaska Native communities, promoting traditional art sales and cultural marketing.
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Organized and managed public relations for extensive land areas containing parks, museums, cultural centers, and senior activity centers.
Professional Writing and Research:
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Authored multiple research reports on topics ranging from home health care in rural Alaska to economic development perspectives and Native American art.
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Skilled in copywriting, editing, and proofreading.
Business Development and Strategic Planning:
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Proven success in new business development, strategy, and researching, with a focus on economic development services.
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Developed and executed marketing plans and budgets, enhancing visibility and community awareness.
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Implemented strategic plans for organizational growth, evaluated long-range planning impacts, and advised on new program introductions.
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Established strong relationships with key decision-makers and project facilitators.
Leadership and Organizational Skills:
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Strong communication skills for effective engagement, inspiration, and persuasion.
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Capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing, and managing time efficiently under pressure.
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Decisive, well-organized, and self-directed team player with a big-picture perspective.
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Energetic, forward-thinking, and creative with high ethical standards and a professional image.