NCN works to strengthen the Native CDFI industry by increasing the voice of Native CDFIs in national policy dialogues and sharing resources that grow the knowledge and skills of our members. One of the ways we do this is by offering skill-building workshops and in-depth trainings on leadership and practice topics of importance to Native CDFIs.

The NCN Institute Training Series is an interactive collection of workshops for Native CDFI leaders and team members who wish to sharpen their skills and strategies. The 2024 series of skill-building workshops was developed based on feedback from our Annual Members Survey that let us know what skill sets Native CDFI Leaders need and want.

Registrations are now open for the 2024 NCN Institute Training Series! See the training calendar below for a list of workshop topics that will be offered. Each workshop will be held via Zoom from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Participation in these trainings requires an NCN Membership. All memberships are now based on the calendar year beginning on January 1. If you have not renewed your membership for 2024, please log into your membership portal to renew your account. If you need assistance with your username or renewing your membership, please email Shauntel Hogan, NCN’s Communications Director, at [email protected].

February 27, 2024

Lisa Wagner
Bluestem Consulting

Understanding the new Native CDFI Certification Requirements

This workshop is designed for aspiring and emerging (not-yet certified) Native CDFIs. Learn about the new Native CDFI Certification requirements, what they are, and related reporting requirements.

February 28, 2024

Lisa Wagner
Bluestem Consulting

Understanding and Complying with the new Native CDFI Re-Certification Requirements

This training is designed for Native CDFIs that are already certified. Learn about the new Native CDFI Re-Certification requirements, what they are, when existing CDFIs must be in compliance and how the changes impact reporting requirements.

April 3, 2024

Jack Northrup
New England Market Research

Building a Balance Sheet: Capitalization and Cash Flow

Native CDFIs generally build their balance sheets in order to show that they have the capacity, capabilities, and equity base to perform their mission. Yet, mission-directed assets can often be levered at the expense of the balance sheet but to the benefit of our communities.

This webinar will look at common strategies that CDFIs use to build their balance sheets, their impacts, and possible drawbacks of a too-focused approach. Capitalization is the starting block but accurate cash flow analyses, particularly with loan repayments is key to improving efficiency and accelerating scale. The webinar will prepare you for the second class on secondary markets.

May 1, 2024

Jack Northrup
New England Market Research

Portfolio Analysis for Loan Sales and the Secondary Market

Native CDFIs are often approached by investors and foundations looking to invest in a CDFI by purchasing all or part of their performing portfolio. How does management assess the value of their loan portfolio? What are the benefits and drawbacks of selling loans on the secondary market? There will always be a tradeoff between a relatively predictable cash flow (loan repayments) and a lump sum received when a loan is sold on the market.  

This webinar will examine what your Native CDFI needs to do in order to accurately evaluate your loan portfolio. We will look at discounted cash flows, opportunity costs and capitalization, all with the intent of building strong balance sheets.

Meet Our Trainers

Lisa Wagner
Bluestem Consulting

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Jack Northrup
New England Market Research

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Kristen Wagner
Native CDFI Network

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Examples of Previous NCN Institute Programs include:

Increasing Your Visibility through Storytelling. In 2021, NCN worked with Harvard Professor, Marshall Ganz, an expert in labor organizing and leadership, to offer 23 hours of training to 15 NCN members. In this training series, Native CDFI leaders gathered each weekend for one month to learn how they could create meaningful change by telling their stories.

NCN Summer Institute 2022. This Summer Series included three training sessions from June – August 2022 covering the topics of small business underwriting, advanced cash flow analysis, loan product pricing and market choice. Jack Northrup, of New England Market Research, a long-time partner with NCN, provide energizing, skill-building sessions for 22 NCN members followed by one-on-one technical assistance to support their implementation of these new skills and knowledge.

NCN Summer Institute 2023. This series included six training sessions covering capitalization planning, loan pipeline development, financial systems useful for CDFIs, and preparing for the audit.

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