The Native CDFI Network officially released its 2024 Q2 Policy and Advocacy Report which outlines NCN’s major policy and advocacy achievements and advancements from the second quarter of 2024.
During these busy spring months, Pete Upton, NCN CEO, and Kristen Wagner, NCN National Program Director, spent considerable time on the road sharing our story, gathering clean energy lending ideas and best practices from around the country, and developing partnerships to move the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program forward. This comes after NCN’s application was announced as one of five selected to receive grant funding under the CCIA program. NCN will receive $400 million that will be deployed throughout Indian Country in the form of clean energy loans for homeowners, small-business owners, and tribal community organizations. The grants will also allow NCN to issue subgrants to Native CDFIs for technical assistance and capacity building.
Additional advocacy efforts include submitting joint comment letters advocating for a Native set-aside on the New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) program and for Native housing programs due to the challenges Native communities face in accessing housing and homeownership opportunities.
NCN also launched the Difference Makers 2.0 story-and-podcast series, highlighting Native CDFIs and their role in the success of small-business clients, the 2024 NCN Leadership Institute Training series for NCN members, and a year-long initiative with Wells Fargo to enhance economic opportunities for Native American communities in California and Nevada.
Take a closer look at some of our key activities during this period by clicking here.
If you are interested in supporting NCN in their endeavors to be a national voice and advocate that strengthens and promotes Native CDFIs by creating access to capital and resources for Native peoples, and collectively advancing policy priorities that foster systemic and sustainable Native community and economic development, please click here to donate.