Lotus 88 Foundation's Tipi Project provides large Council Tipis on reservations to be used by women and children for gathering places, social services, education and tribal ceremonies. Through the Tipi Project, the Foundation tries to address the lack of gathering places on reservations. Each Tipi provides 615 sq. ft. of space, accommodating approximately 30 people. The number of Tipis built in each community depends on the individual community's needs. The Tipis will strengthen women and children's connections to tribal and traditional life and will be used for education, cultural activities, social services and socialization. The Tipi provides a focal point for the communities, empowering the women and children to create programs that meet their needs in their own space. The Tipi will be under the supervision of the tribal women's councils of non-profit organizations already active on the reservation. The Foundation made a strategic decision to support the construction of the Tipis instead of buildings because the Tipi is a symbol of American Indian culture and Tipis are considered sacred and safe places. The nomadic Plains Indians hunted buffalo for their livelihood and carried the Tipi for shelter. The Tipi represents the significance of women as the center of the community. The return of the Tipi symbolizes the return of the empowerment and strength of women. As part of Tipi Project grants, the Foundation also provides funds for site improvement, road construction, planting of medicine herbs and plants, improvement of water access, tables, chairs, benches and barbecue pits and other amenities to increase the usefulness of the Tipi. Participants in the Tipi Project are selected through a proposal process and site visits by the Indian Country Project Director. Each group is required to summit a written proposal describing their work and how the Tipis will be used, along with a budget. The board of directors reviews the applicants, and makes decisions about the grantees.