The Foundation is a result of the rich history and beliefs of the Potawatomi tribe. The cornerstone of those beliefs is the Circle of Life. Paralleling the seasons of nature, the Circle of Life is a demonstration of the Potawatomi reverence for all living things and nurtures the belief that they are a self-reliant and self-determined nation of people.

Difficult times have sometimes made that self-reliance seem impossible to achieve. The Potawatomi people have witnessed both young and old struggle against the oppression of poverty. They have learned much in their past struggles, and the Circle of Life guides them to use the fruits of these lessons to help others overcome their obstacles.

Therefore, a major effort of the Foundation and its funds is to assist charitable organizations that help those people who are faced with economic challenges. As a result, the Foundation targets its resources to those areas with a high percentage of individuals with low and very low incomes.