Lotus 88 Foundation acts as a catalyst to stimulate and support community building in Indian Country to improve basic living conditions and build a more positive future. We accomplish this through providing support for tribal leaders, identifying donors and involving communities in building collaborations. Lotus 88 Foundation's underlying philosophy is to trust in the community's ability to craft its own vision for the future. We then work to help bring them the resources they need to succeed. The Foundation's staff visits the potential community building project sites to begin a dialogue with community leaders about their work, needs and goals. An important part of the Foundation's strategy is to create dialogue with the members of the community that leads to the creation of a plan to achieve the community's goals. Then Lotus 88 Foundation actively seeks solutions for identified needs by attracting support for cutting edge initiatives to build the capacity of each community to provide for its needs and ensure that the community has the tools and facilities they need to lead healthy and safe lives. Lotus 88 Foundation assists communities to articulate their needs through a community planning process that respects and encompasses their indigenous culture and wisdom. The Foundation then will work with the communities to improve their basic living conditions by providing funds and technical assistance. The goals may be as simple as clothes lines, tools, paint, and planting trees and vegetables, to more complex structural needs such as enhancing water systems, building play grounds and sports facilities, and building libraries. The community building process seeks to engage the community in-depth and to make a significant difference in the community. The process builds leadership and planning skills, fosters long-term collaborations and initiates new programs to ensure the community has the tools and facilities it needs. Lotus 88 Foundation works to attract and engage other donors to participate with it in achieving the goals of the community.