News

Cooperative Agreement between NCN and USDA, Office of Tribal Relations will Empower Native CDFIs to Access Rural Development Programs
January 30, 2023

In September 2022, USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations and USDA Rural Development entered into a 2-year cooperative agreement with the Native CDFI Network to build an electronic resource toolkit (NCN e-toolkit) to promote awareness of and increase access to Rural Development programs that support economic development in Indian Country....

NCN Calls on All Native CDFIs to Submit Comments on the Proposed CDFI Certification Changes to the ACR and CTLR
January 25, 2023

The Native CDFI Network (NCN) strongly encourages all Native CDFIs and other key Indian Country stakeholder organizations to submit comments on the CDFI Fund’s proposed Annual Certification and Data Collection Report Form and the abbreviated Transaction Level Report (ACR/CTLR) as part of its proposed CDFI Certification overhaul....

NCN’s CEO, Pete Upton, Reports on Access to Capital in Indian Country: How much? What kind? What impact?
January 16, 2023

No one doubts the need for more affordable capital to deploy in Indian Country. Unfortunately, there is little data to answer the main questions — how much, what kind and what for — that go along with that need. ...

Native CDFIs: Please Complete 10-Minute Comprehensive Survey on Impacts of Proposed Changes to CDFI Certification
January 16, 2023

The Native CDFI Network (NCN) needs to hear more from you about how the CDFI Fund's proposed changes to CDFI Certification will impact your Native CDFI. ...

NCN’s 3rd Annual Policy & Capacity-Building Summit Summary
December 19, 2022

Tribal Business News summarizes Native CDFI Network's three day annual summit that took place in early December, 2022....

Senator Elizabeth Warren Unveils Sweeping Plan To Address ‘Broken Promises’ To Tribes
December 19, 2022

On December 5, 2022, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) unveiled the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, historic legislation to address chronic underfunding and barriers to sovereignty faced by Indian Country as a result of the federal government’s failures to meet its trust and treaty responsibilities....

Native CDFI Network uses Federal Reserve data to highlight the impact of investing in Indian Country
December 19, 2022

For years the Federal Reserve System has partnered with NCN to drive policy change by gathering reliable data to support the benefits of investing into Native CDFIs....

NCN Calls on Native CDFIs and Other Key Organizations to Submit Comments on the CDFI Certification Target Market Assessment Methodologies by December 19th Deadline
December 15, 2022

The Native CDFI Network (NCN) strongly encourages all Native CDFIs and other key Indian Country stakeholder organizations to submit comments on the CDFI Fund’s proposed pre-approved list of Target Market assessment methodologies (TMAMs) (which are a key feature of the Fund's proposed new CDFI Certification regulations) by the comment deadline...

NCN is Among 29 Nonprofits Awarded by Northwest Area Foundation
November 30, 2022

Northwest Area Foundation grantmaking supports organizations within the region of eight states and 76 Native nations that are advancing long-overdue change in deep connection with the land they inhabit and communities they serve—Native Americans, communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and people in rural areas. They’re on a journey to build...

Interior Department Announces New Partnerships and Offices to Leverage New Resources for Indian Country – New Partners Include Native CDFI Network & Oweesta Corporation
November 30, 2022

In opening remarks at the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a series of actions to support Tribally led conservation, education and economic development through a new Office of Strategic Partnerships. The Department also announced a new joint project between the Bureau of...

Important: Location Changed for Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit on Dec. 6-8
November 23, 2022

Due to the overwhelming response and expected attendance, the sold out Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit has been moved to the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Regency B – Ballroom Level  400 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20001. This will provide a much more comfortable and accommodating...

NCN Webinar – FTC Resources on Consumer Protection Topics
November 16, 2022

On Thursday November 10th, 2022, NCN hosted a webinar with the FTC covering various consumer protection topics. You can watch the session in its entirety below:...

Opportunity to Comment on the New CDFI Certification Application
November 7, 2022

In October, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) provided a preview of the revisions to the new CDFI Certification Application. The CDFI Fund published the preview in advance of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) releasing the updated application for a final round of public comment. ...

NCN Needs Your Help to Get the Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act Passed by Congress!
October 31, 2022

The Native CDFI Network (NCN) encourages all Native CDFI and tribal leaders to contact their U.S. Congressional representatives to gain their support as co-sponsors of the Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021 (S. 2092/H.R. 6331). This critical legislation is gaining momentum in both the House and Senate, and...

NCN Partners with BMO Harris to Launch U.S. Native-owned Business Program
October 11, 2022

NCN has partnered with BMO Harris Bank to launch BMO for Native-owned Businesses as part of its five-year, $5 billion BMO EMpower initiative aimed at supporting an inclusive economic recovery for minority businesses, communities and families through lending, investing, giving and engagement in local communities....

Economic Equity for Native Communities Begins with a Seat at the Table
October 6, 2022

On October 3-4, 2022, Native communities and Native CDFIs were represented at two high-profile federal events in Washington, D.C.: a Working Session of the Biden Administration’s Economic Opportunity Coalition and the U.S. Department of Treasury’s annual Freedman’s Bank Forum....

NCN Hosts a Webinar with the Federal Trade Commission
October 5, 2022

Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) attorneys Joannie Wei and Matt Schiltz will present on trending issues related to scams and other common consumer protection topics....

NCN Interim CEO/Chairman and National Policy Chair Attend the Clinton Global Initiative
September 27, 2022

On September 19-20, 2022, NCN Interim CEO and Board Chair Pete Upton and National Policy Chair Robin Danner joined other global and emerging leaders in New York City to take action and address the world's most pressing challenges....

Calendar Reminder: NCN Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit – December 6-8, 2022
September 19, 2022

Native CDFI leaders, staff, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to save December 6-8, 2022 on their calendars to attend the Native CDFI Network’s 2022 Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit in Washington, D.C. The Summit will be held at the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Conference Center near Capitol Hill —...

NCN Interim CEO Pete Upton to be Featured on “The State of Native Housing” Webinar
September 19, 2022

Join the National Housing Conference for a webinar on The State of Native Housing: Programs, Policy, and Practices on Tribal Lands on Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. ET. NCN's Interim CEO, Pete Upton, will be a panel speaker during the webinar!...

NCN “Difference Makers” Interview Series: Jeff Tickle and Mary Miner
August 22, 2022

Last week, the Native CDFI Network released its latest edition of “Native CDFIs: Difference Makers for Indian Country,” an interview with Jeff Tickle, who serves as General Manager of Cook Inlet Lending Center, Inc. (CILC) in Anchorage, Alaska. Formerly known as NaQenq’a, CILC is a federally certified Native CDFI that was created in 2001 as...

Webinar: CDFI Fund Issues Supplemental FAQs that Amend Equitable Recovery Program Guidelines
August 22, 2022

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) at the Department of Treasury issued a Supplemental FAQs that amends the geographic eligibility guidelines for the FY 2022 Equitable Recovery Program (ERP) to include federally designated tribal service counties and service areas as “eligible Native areas” for the purposes of ERP (for the full...

NCN News for the Week of August 15
August 15, 2022

TACTIX: Free Online Training Program for Native Entrepreneurs! Apply Today! Register by Wednesday, August 17 for the Next TACTIX Training Cohort The Sequoyah Fund is proud to announce that their fifth TACTIX cohort will begin in September. TACTIX is a virtual course which provides Native entrepreneurs with tools to enhance their digital...

NCN News for the Week of August 8
August 8, 2022

In early May, the three agencies tasked with regulating banking institutions' compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) jointly released their much-anticipated Interagency CRA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) designed to strengthen and modernized the regulations governing the Act....

Breaking News: Your input needed on the CDFI Equitable Recovery Program (ERP) eligibility requirements.
August 4, 2022

On June 23, 2022, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) announced the opening of the FY 2022 CDFI Equitable Recovery Program (ERP) round with the public release of a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). The NOFA set forth the deadline for submitting the FY 2022 CDFI ERP Application...

NCN News for the Week of August 1
August 1, 2022

U.S. Senate Announces Creation of Community Development Finance Caucus Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced the creation of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus (CDFC), a bipartisan caucus dedicated to supporting the missions of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) to...

Breaking News: Save the Date (August 10) for Conference Call for CDFIs in an ACR-Related Cure Period
July 29, 2022

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) is holding an informational conference call for those Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that are currently in a Certification cure period related to the submission of a 2021 or 2022 Annual Certification and Data Collection Report (ACR). The CDFI Fund recently announced that on...

NCN News for the Week of July 25
July 25, 2022

Native CDFI Leaders’ Discussion: The Community Reinvestment Act NPR TODAY, July 25, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT   Today, the Native CDFI Network (NCN) will convene Native CDFI leaders from across the country to discuss the Interagency CRA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) for the Community Reinvestment Act. This important...

NCN Hosts Webinar Showcasing the Success of the Section 502 Home Loan Demonstration Project
July 22, 2022

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, NCN hosted U.S. Representative Sharice Davids and USDA-Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, along with Native CDFI leaders from the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition that included Tawney Brunsch, Joanna Donohoe, Stephanie Provost, and Lakota Vogel, in a conversation about Section 502 and the home loan demonstration project. Roundtable guests shared...

NCN News for the Week of July 18
July 20, 2022

NCN Webinar: Growing the Success of the Section 502 Home Loan Demonstration Project Thursday, July 21, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. EDT In this Thursday’s NCN webinar, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids and USDA-Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small will share with attendees about the highly successful demonstration project for the USDA Section 502 Home Loan Program,...

NCN Hosts Webinar Highlighting Details of the CDFI Equitable Recovery Program (ERP)
July 15, 2022

On Thursday, July 14, 2022, NCN hosted CDFI Fund Senior Advisor Daniel Aiello who provided an overview of the CDFI Equitable Recovery Program (CDFI ERP). The FY 2022 funding round recently opened for this program, which will provide approximately $1.73 billion in awards to Treasury-certified CDFIs to (1) expand lending, grant making and investment activities...

NCN Hosts Webinar on the SBA Community Advantage Program
June 28, 2022

NCN hosted an information session on Monday, June 27th for Native CDFIs to help answer any questions about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) updated Community Advantage program, Jackson Brossy, SBA Assistant Administrator for Native American Affairs, and Veronica Pugin, SBA Senior Advisor Office of Capital Access shared information about the...

National Coalition of Native Organizations to Host Sessions on Community Reinvestment Act
June 27, 2022

Throughout the month of July, a national coalition of Native organizations including Native CDFI Network) in conjunction with the Center for Indian Country Development (CICD), will host a series of virtual sessions on how the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) could more effectively address the investment...

NCN Hosts Webinar on the Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021 (S. 2092)
June 24, 2022

On Thursday, June 23, 2022, NCN hosted an action-focused webinar regarding the Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021 (S. 2092) with examples of how it could strengthen the USDA Section 502 Home Loan Program. Panelists included Lakota Vogel, ED of Four Bands Community Fund in South Dakota who...

Native CDFI Network Congratulates Chief Lynn Malerba for Her Historic Appointment as Treasurer of the United States
June 23, 2022

The Native CDFI Network (NCN) applauds this week’s historic appointment of Chief Lynn Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe by President Biden as Treasurer of the United States. Malerba is the first Native person to be selected for this top federal post. Among her many important functions, Treasurer Malerba will oversee the newly...

NCN News for the Week of June 23
June 20, 2022

Thursday, June 23 NCN Webinar: The Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act: Enhancing the USDA Section 502 Home Loan Program  Native CDFI leaders, staff, and key stakeholders are invited to participate in this important webinar this Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 p.m. EDT to learn more about the Native American Rural Homeownership...

NCN News for the Week of June 13
June 13, 2022

NCN WEBINAR with Federal Agencies This Thursday, June 16: “Modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act: The NPR’s Implications for Indian Country and Native CDFIs” This Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, NCN will host a special two-hour webinar featuring representatives from the federal agencies tasked with regulating lending institutions’ compliance with the Community...

NCN News for the Week of June 6
June 7, 2022

Register for the June 16 NCN Webinar … “Modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act: The NPR’s Implications for Indian Country and Native CDFIs” On Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, NCN will host a special two-hour webinar featuring representatives from the federal agencies tasked with regulating lending institutions’ compliance with...

NCN Hosts Webinar Featuring Initiate: A Blended Learning Approach to Small Business Technical Assistance by Northern Initiatives
May 19, 2022

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, NCN hosted Chris Wendel, Program Manager of Initiate, Northern Initiatives’ online portal of small business resources, and Jessa Armstrong, Customer Success Manager of Northern Initiatives. Initiate is an online collection of best practice business resources. With its vetted videos, resources, tools, and templates, Initiate helps...

Breaking News: CDFI Fund Opens Application Period for Small Dollar Loan Program Funding
May 16, 2022

CDFI Fund Opens Application Period for Small Dollar Loan Program Funding – Native CDFIs Encouraged to Apply! Up to $11.1 Million Available for Loan Loss Reserves and Technical Assistance WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) opened the fiscal year (FY)...

NCN This Week: May 16, 2022
May 16, 2022

On Wednesday, May 11, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland released Volume 1 of the investigative report called for as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, a comprehensive effort to address the troubled legacy of...

NCN Hosts Webinar to Discuss CDFI Fund’s Small Dollar Loan Program
May 13, 2022

On Friday, May 13, 2022, NCN hosted Small Dollar Loan (SDL) Program Manager, Tanya McInnis, and SDL Senior Manager and Program Analyst, Julie Sandler, along with Sequoyah Fund Executive Director Russ Seagle (SDL Program participant). The Program, which provides grants for Loan Loss Reserves and Technical Assistance to enable Certified CDFIs to...

NCN This Week: May 9, 2022
May 9, 2022

Join SDL Program Manager Tanya McInnis and Sequoyah Fund Executive Director Russ Seagle as they share about the SDL Program. The Program, which was created to encourage federally certified CDFIs to establish and maintain small-dollar loan programs and provide alternatives to...

NCN Hosts Webinar featuring Russ Seagle
April 29, 2022

On Friday, April 29, 2022, NCN hosted Russ Seagle, Executive Director of The Sequoyah Fund, Inc., located in Cherokee, NC. Seagle shared information about Tactix, a new mobile app and online learning community that offers a space for small business owners to access real-world business education and expand their network...

NCN to Host Webinar Featuring Russ Seagle
April 21, 2022

Russ Seagle is the Executive Director of The Sequoyah Fund, Inc., located in Cherokee, NC. The Sequoyah Fund offers commercial loans, training, consulting, and coaching to small businesses located on the Qualla Boundary and the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina....

U.S. Treasury Department Extends SSBCI Application Deadlines
April 21, 2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury is extending the deadline for Tribal governments to initiate and submit their complete SSBCI Capital Program application to September 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and the deadline to submit an application for the SSBCI Technical Assistance (TA) Grant Program to...

NCN Hosts Webinar to Discuss SSBCI Programs
April 14, 2022

On Wednesday April 13, 2022, Native CDFI Network (NCN) hosted Pilar Thomas, Jeff Bowman, and Sanford Livingston to discuss the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The webinar was co-sponsored by Oweesta, the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations and Clearinghouse CDFI. Jeff Bowman, President and CEO of Bay Bank...

NCN Hosts Webinar featuring the U.S. Department of the Treasury
April 8, 2022

On Friday, April 8, 2022, NCN hosted James Colombe, Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Colombe discussed the implementation of the State Small Business Credit Initiative program in Indian Country. He shared updates about the program and fielded questions from attendees regarding its implementation and impact on...

NCN This Week: April 5, 2022
April 5, 2022

In Case You Missed It: NCN’s 2022 Policy Priorities The Native CDFI Network recently released its Policy Priorities for 2022. The NCN Board of Directors and Policy Committee developed this comprehensive set of priorities at NCN’s Mid-Winter Policy Round Table event in Washington, D.C. in February. Designed to strengthen the policies and expand the resources supporting Native CDFIs across the country, these priorities include calling on...

NCN Hosts Webinar featuring Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
April 1, 2022

On Friday, April 1, 2022, NCN hosted Kathryn Isom-Clause, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Isom-Clause discussed Indian Affairs’ overarching priorities to support tribal economy building and provided updates on key DOI/BIA programmatic initiatives and grant opportunities. She also outlined the Indian Business...

NCN Hosts Webinar featuring CDFI Fund Representatives
March 25, 2022

On Friday, March 25, 2022, NCN hosted CDFI Fund representatives Jodie Harris and Michelle Dickens provide key updates about the CDFI Fund’s Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program, the increased NACA funding for Fiscal Year 2022, the recently authorized Minority Lending Program, proposed changes to the federal certification process for...

Breaking News: Administration Announces Plan to Address Home Valuation Bias
March 24, 2022

Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Release of Plan During White House Event with Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, White House Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, and Americans Impacted by Bias in the Appraisal Process On June 1, 2021—the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre—President Biden announced the creation of the Interagency...

NCN Hosts Webinar featuring Center for Indian Country Development
March 9, 2022

On Friday, March 4, 2022, NCN hosted Casey Lozar from the Center for Indian Country Development. CICD is currently working to deepen – through data – our understanding of the state and progress of tribal economies across Indian Country and how that should inform policy solutions at the tribal, federal,...

NCN Hosts USDA Webinar Feb 24th: Building A Community Starts At Home
March 1, 2022

On Thursday, February 24th, 2022, Native CDFI Network hosted David J. Corwin, Deputy Director of Lender and Partner Activities for the USDA Rural Development Single Family Guaranteed Program, for an informational meeting. During this presentation, David discussed using the Section 502 USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to help...

NCN hosts National Community Reinvestment Coalition Webinar on January 27th
January 27, 2022

Native CDFI hosted a webinar with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) on January 27th. NCRC guest speakers included Juan Leyton, Director of Organizing, Greg Wilson, Senior Organizer, and Catherine Petrusz, CRA Coordinator. NCRC and its member organizations work to create opportunities for people to build wealth. They are advocates...

Webinar Series focused on NACA FA Program hosted by NCN
January 7, 2022

On Thursday, January 6th, Native CDFI Network hosted a webinar series focused on The CDFI Fund’s Native American CDFI Technical Assistance (NACA FA) Program. With the NACA FA having numerous moving parts, this session focused on making all of the features cohesive to form a robust application as well as...

SSBCI Programs Webinar Session 2
January 7, 2022

Native CDFI Network hosted part 2 of its CDFI Participation Models presentation. Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, and Clearinghouse CDFI partnered to co-host the second webinar for Tribal Nations and Native CDFIs on accessing the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Program. Legal expert, Pilar Thomas presented SSBCI key...

Building Capacity Webinar NACA TA Session held on Jan 5
January 6, 2022

On Wednesday, January 5th, Native CDFI Network hosted a webinar series focused on The CDFI Fund’s Native American CDFI Technical Assistance (NACA TA) Program. This session included preparing for the NACA TA, its components, strategies to write a successful NACA TA, common pitfalls, and post-award compliance. Caleb Selby, the owner...

NCN hosts SSBCI CDFI Participation Model discussion Jan. 4th
January 5, 2022

On Tuesday, January 4th, Native CDFI Network (NCN), Oweesta, Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, and Clearinghouse CDFI partnered to co-host two webinars for Tribal Nations and Native CDFIs on accessing the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Program. Legal expert, Pilar Thomas, presented SSBCI key program updates, the summary...

NCN Hosts 2nd SSBCI Round Table Session on December 13th
December 15, 2021

On Monday, December 13th, 2021, the second SSBCI roundtable discussion took place between tribal leaders, Native CDFIs, and the U.S. Treasury. This event was held virtually with the purpose of continuing the conversation that initially started at the first SSBCI roundtable session on Monday, December 6th, 2021. The Native CDFI...

NCN Hosts Virtual SSBCI Round Table Discussion with U.S. Treasury
December 7, 2021

Washington, DC – On Monday, December 6, 2021, the first of hopefully many roundtable discussions took place between tribal leaders, Native CDFIs, and the U.S. Treasury. This event was held virtually to answer questions and clarify potential investment models, including Native CDFI partners, to support Native entrepreneurs by leveraging SSBCI...

NCN Joins Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Roundtable
November 14, 2021

Washington, DC – On October 20, 2021, NCN Board Chair Pete Upton joined the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Roundtable titled, “Investing in Economic Sovereignty: Leveraging Federal Financing for New and Sustained Development in Native Communities.” Upton highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities facing Native CDFIs across the country...

Native CDFI Network Annual Policy & Capacity Summit Kicks Off Next Week

WASHINGTON — The Native CDFI Network (NCN) will kick off its annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit next week with an array of high-profile speakers including members of Congress, Biden administration officials, and former President Bill Clinton.  The annual summit, which will be held virtually this year, runs from 3 p.m....

11
Nov
Native CDFI New Markets Tax Credits NMTCs
Native CDFI Network Statement on New Market Tax Credit Allocations

For Immediate Release September 3, 2021 WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund yesterday announced $5 billion in New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to 100 community development entities (CDEs) in 34 states. The allocations include $30 million in NMTCs awarded to Alaska Growth Capital...

03
Sep
Native CDFI Network Celebrates Natalie Charley’s Service to the Board and Welcomes Dave Tovey

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Native CDFI Network (NCN) celebrated and acknowledged Natalie Charley’s service to the NCN as a Board Director and accepted her resignation as her career progresses. NCN also welcomed Dave Tovey, the Executive Director of the Nixyaawii Community Financial Services, and a member of the Confederated...

03
Sep
NCN testifies before House Financial Services Committee

Last week, NCN Executive Director, Jackson Brossy testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on the importance of Native CDFIs as part of the response to increase homeownership in Native communities. Brossy called on Congress to fully fund the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) program at Treasury, work with Native...

05
Aug
Native Community Development Financial Institutions Unveil Report Detailing Economic Steps Toward Pandemic Recovery
July 21, 2021

Contact: Jackson Brossy Executive Director, Native CDFI Network jbrossy@nativecdfi.net For Immediate Release July 21, 2021 LAS VEGAS—Today, the Native CDFI Network (NCN) released its impact report, “Native CDFI’s: Stepping up to Serve Indian Country through the Pandemic and Beyond.” In the early days of the pandemic last year, the organization...

NCN Welcomes Russ Seagle and Congratulates Natalie Charley on Board Service!
April 21, 2021

Washington, DC (April 20, 2021) – Today, the Native CDFI Network announced the reappointment of one existing and the addition of one new proven Native CDFI executive to its Board of Directors: Natalie Charley, Executive Director of Taala Fund who will continue to represent the NCN Northwest Region; and Russ...

Annual Summit Sept. 14-15, 2021
March 12, 2021

Save the date! NCN Annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit will be held September 14-15, 2021. The event will take place in Washington, D.C. (but could go virtual, depending upon Covid-19 guidelines). Stay tuned for registration information. For information about this event, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact jbrossy@nativecdfi.net....

Growing Our Team – Programs Director
February 8, 2021

Join the NCN Team & Help Grow Native Economies. We have an opening for a Programs Director to be based remotely for at least the first quarter of 2021, then based in our Washington, D.C. office (dependent upon pandemic safety restrictions). Responsibilities include SBA program management and reporting as well...

Nominate Yourself & Peers for NCN Committees
September 24, 2020

Nominate yourself of a peer for the NCN Committees The Native CDFI Network seeks interested and committed members for our Data & Impact, Policy and Organizational Development Committees. Please use the link below to nominate you or a peer for the Committees. We look forward to hearing from you! Data...

Native CDFI Network Hosts First Virtual Annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit
August 25, 2020

Photo: Native CDFI Network Annual Policy Summit Attendees 2019; Credit Sam Levitan  PRESS RELEASE: Native CDFI Network Hosts First Virtual Annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit  Register Here! Washington, D.C., August 25, 2020 – The Native CDFI Network (NCN) is hosting their Annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit virtually for...

NCN Partners with Catholic Campaign for Human Development
July 22, 2020

For Immediate Release July 22, 2020 U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on The Catholic Campaign for Human Development Approves Strategic National Grant to provide vital support to Native CDFI Network Photo: Anti-Poverty Summit attendees, including several Native CDFI Network members including: Christopher Coburn of Mvskoke Loan Fund, Sean Winters of Chi Ishobak,...

Weekly Friday Native CDFI Network Covid Webinars
June 30, 2020

Join the Native CDFI Network every Friday at 1pm ET for a web call. All Native CDFIs, federal partners, allies, and interested individuals are invited to join! More information and past web calls are here: COVID-19 Webinar Updates...

NCN is Hiring!
June 19, 2020

The Native CDFI Network seeks a motivated and qualified operations associate to join the Washington, DC office. Interviews will be conducted online and the associate will work from home, following Covid protocol. Here is a job description:Operations Associate Announcement...

Survey Finds CDFIs Will Be harmed by COVID-19
March 30, 2020

Native CDFI Network survey finds vast majority of Native CDFIs will be harmed by Coronavirus-related economic downturn Washington, D.C. – The Native CDFI Network (NCN) announced the results of a survey of Native-serving community development financial institutions (CDFIs) today. The NCN survey found that the vast majority of Native CDFIs...

Native CDFIs Hold Successful Summit in Washington

Washington, D.C. – This past week, the Native CDFI Network (NCN) hosted their 2019 Policy Summit at the National Indian Gaming Association building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event was well attended by NCN members from the 65 Treasury certified CDFIs and 15 emerging CDFIs across the country....

26
Nov
Native financial institutions to hold policy summit in Washington D.C. November 19-21

Native American-serving community development financial institutions to set policy priorities and then meet directly with Congress News Release Native CDFI Network The Native CDFI Network (NCN) will hold the first annual Policy Summit this week in Washington, D.C., on November 19-21. At the Summit, Native American-serving community development financial institutions...

19
Nov
Native CDFI Network | NCN Policy Summit – November 19-21

The Native CDFI Network Board of Directors would like to invite you to the NCN Policy Summit in Washington, DC November 19-21. This summit is organized by the NCN Board of Directors to identify the annual policy priorities that advance the Native CDFI industry and promotes growth, prosperity, and economic...

12
Aug
NCN UPDATED RFI for Accounting Services
May 7, 2019

Update Request for Information for Nonprofit Bookkeeping/Accounting Services The Native CDFI Network (NCN) is requesting information from firms to provide qualifications for providing bookkeeping and accounting services.  Interested parties are invited to submit a proposal to the point of contact indicated below by Thursday, June 27, 2019. Background on Native CDFI...

Meet Our New Executive Director!

March 20, 2019 We are excited to announce the selection of a new Executive Director, Jackson S. Brossy, a member of the Navajo Nation. “Jackson comes to us with strong organizational leadership and advocacy experience working in the non-profit, private, and tribal government sectors in Indian Country. We are glad...

22
Mar
Policy Committee Formed to Increase Access to Capital in Indian Country

February 25, 2019 The Native CDFI Network has announced our 2019 Policy Committee, which will formalize our advocacy efforts and serve as a vehicle to empower our members in policy dialogues. The committee will be led by Robin Danner (Hawaiian), a member of the Network’s Board of Directors and also...

25
Feb
Native CDFI Network Welcomes New Board Members

January 30, 2019 We are excited to announce two new board members, growing our governing body to nine seats. Our newly-elected members are Christopher Coburn (Muscogee Creek), the Chief Executive Officer of Mvskoke Loan Fund in Oklahoma, and Robin Danner (Hawaiian), the Chief Executive Officer of Homestead Community Development Corporation...

30
Jan
Leadership Transition

January 4, 2019 Our Board of Directors has announced a leadership transition underway at the Native CDFI Network. Our founding Executive Director, Tanya Fiddler, will be pursuing new opportunities. We wish Tanya the best of luck in her new ventures and would like to thank her for her many contributions...

18
Jan
Tanya Fiddler Discusses Economic Parity in Native Communities on Power Station
December 6, 2018

November 25, 2018 While in Washington DC for our Annual Conference and Advocacy Day, Native CDFI Network’s Executive Director, Tanya Fiddler, was interviewed by Power Station. During the interview Tanya expertly explained what Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are, how they are transforming Native communities, and why they are...

Annual Conference & Advocacy Day

November 28-29, 2018 | Holiday Inn Capitol | Washington, D.C. Our annual conference serves as a platform to unite our Native voice as we advocate for access to capital and economic opportunity in our communities. This premier event brings together community development financial institutions, traditional lenders, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies,...

21
Aug
Bad Debt is History, Thanks to Financial Coaching

As part of our campaign for National Financial Literacy Month, we have an inspirational story to share with your about a Pokagon Band citizen that was able to build an emergency savings fund, open a savings account, and pay down $7,000 in credit card debt – all in five months...

27
May
Children’s savings accounts help kids start life right!

Denise Red Owl is making the investment in future generations. Denise Red Owl enrolled her son and grandson in Lakota Funds’ Child Development Account Program. Presley and Shaun, even at ages 6 and 7, are in a position to learn more, save more, and earn more than their parents and...

27
May
Mother of 4 Makes Positive Financial Changes
May 27, 2016

A desperate mother of four applied for a loan from Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation to fix her washing machine and lawn mower. She didn’t know it was a step that would change her financial future. She says, “They helped me put a plan together to get above water and...

Taylor Lawrence Increases Credit Score by 81 Points

Here’s how she did it: 2 financial education courses, 2 small dollar consumer loans, and 2 debt consolidation loans. Taylor has been working with Four Bands Community Fund since 2012 in order to build her personal financial management knowledge and gain experience with the responsible use of credit. She is...

27
May
Savings Program Makes Homeownership Dream a Reality

As part of our campaign for National Financial Literacy Month, we have an amazing story to share with your about a Crow Creek tribal member that made her homeownership dream a reality by working with one of our Network members, Hunkpati Investments.   Airryn Big Eagle says that before working...

27
May
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Accesses EITC
May 27, 2016

In 2015, the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing & Community Development Corporation trained 174 community members through their Financial Assets & Training Program. As a result, community members improved their skills in the topic areas of budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, home buying, home ownership, and accounting. In addition, KBOHCDC provided tax...

Kindergarten Student Begins Saving for College

Abigail Haas, a student at Red Cloud School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, opened a savings account through Lakota Funds’ Child Development Account Program, a unique matched savings program that focuses on building the family core. She and the rest of her family attend quarterly meetings where they participate in...

27
May
Aaron Runs After Utilizes Credit Builder Loan as Stepping Stone to Homeownership

Does your credit score really matter? Yes! Take it from Aaron Runs After, a client of Four Bands Community Fund on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.  He used his Credit Builder Loan as a stepping stone to homeownership. As a father of five, Aaron wished to make a permanent home...

27
May
Creative Financing Plants Seeds for Community Revitalization

The small town of Whiteclay, Nebraska lies just outside of the boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota. It is infamous for its liquor stores and some of the highest rates of alcohol sales per capita in the nation. With a population of 14 and average sales...

27
May
Young Native Intern Prepares 431 Tax Returns on Cheyenne River

During the 2014 tax season Jesse Carlson, a young entrepreneur and 2013 graduate from Dupree High School, staffed the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site hosted by Four Bands Community Fund in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. She and another Four Bands staff member prepared 431 tax returns, resulting in $1.1...

27
May
Bringing $ Back to Native Communities During Tax Time

Last tax season, members of the Great Plains Native Asset Building Coalition, a group of organizations and institutions that work to expand asset development strategies in low-income Native American communities, announced the collective impact of their free tax preparation sites, also known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. The...

27
May
Credit Creates Opportunity
May 27, 2016

White Earth Investment Initiative’s Opportunity Auto low-income vehicle ownership program helped tribal member Rachael. Rachael had bad credit due to the expenses related to the illness and death of her small child, for which she was not financially prepared. Rachael needed a reliable vehicle to maintain her two jobs and...

How Access to Financial Tools is Impacting the Pine Ridge Reservation

The Lakota Federal Credit Union conducted a survey of its members last summer and found that there has been an increased uptake in use of financial tools by the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation. 31% of people surveyed say they now have a savings account for the first time...

27
May
NCN Announces RFP for Leadership Program Mini Grants
May 19, 2016

NCN Leadership Program 2017 – 2018 Mini Grant Request for Proposals The Native CDFI Network (NCN) invites NCN Native CDFI Members to apply for a limited number of mini grants to support the development of core Native CDFI skills that include, but are not limited to, the following: Financial Management...

Native CDFI Network Launches Campaign for National Financial Literacy Month
April 5, 2016

April 1, 2016 Native CDFIs have seen first-hand the positive impact increased financial literacy is creating for Native American individuals and families. Since April was officially proclaimed National Financial Literacy Month, it has been a time to share those stories and renew our commitment to empowering our Native American individuals,...

Is Debt Always Bad?
February 26, 2016

November 4, 2015 From the highest offices of government to your personal bank account, debt is a big part of your daily life. Congress deals with the country’s debt by raising the government’s limit just before the deadline. But most people have no such power over how they pay off...

Native CDFI Network Joins National Week of Action, Advocates for Economic Opportunity for Native Americans
January 25, 2016

January 25, 2016 The Native CDFI Network launched an intensive public awareness and advocacy campaign in conjunction with the Corporation for Enterprise Development’s (CFED’s) Assets & Opportunity National Week of Action. The goal of the campaign is to call attention to the issues of financial insecurity and inequality that Native...

Native CDFI Network Announces First-Ever Executive Director
October 6, 2015

October 5, 2015 The Native CDFI Network, a national association of Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that work to increase access to capital in Native communities, is excited to announce a major developmental milestone in the organization’s continued growth. Tanya Fiddler (Cheyenne River Sioux) has been hired to lead...

Peer Learning & Events Committee Meeting
June 15, 2015

December 3, 2015; 2:00pm – 3:00pm Mountain Time The Peer Learning & Events Committee meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 2pm Mountain Time via conference call. This committee is responsible for planning and delivering the Network’s bimonthly webinars and annual member gathering, and facilitates peer...

Webinar: Making the Most of Your Network Membership
May 27, 2015

December 17, 2015; 2:00pm – 3:30pm Mountain Time Becoming a member of the Native CDFI Network comes with several benefits. Are you taking advantage of all of them? Attend this webinar to find out how to leverage your Native CDFI Network membership to learn from other members, access resources, and...

Webinar: Successful Native CDFI Policy Strategies
May 27, 2015

October 29, 2015; 2:00pm-3:30pm Mountain Time This webinar will open with an introduction of the Native CDFI Network’s new Executive Director, Tanya Fiddler. This will be an opportunity for our members and partners to get to know Tanya, and hear about her vision and goals for the Network. Following that,...

Strengthening the Role of Native CDFIs
March 4, 2015

January 30, 2015 The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’ Community Dividend asks Gerald Sherman, interim CEO of the Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Network, for his insights on the past, present, and future of the Native CDFI sector. Read the article....

Native CDFI Network Spends Week in Washington DC to Advocate for Native Community and Economic Development
March 12, 2013

March 6, 2013 For the second year in a row, the Native CDFI Network, a network created to unify and strengthen Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs), traveled to Washington DC to advance policy priorities that foster systemic and sustainable Native community and economic development. This year’s Native CDFI Network...

Tanya Fiddler Takes a Seat on Treasury’s Community Development Advisory Board
January 4, 2013

December 27, 2012 Following an appointment by President Obama earlier this month, Tanya Fiddler (Cheyenne River Lakota Nation), was officially welcomed onto the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Advisory Board on December 17, 2012. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to advise the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)...

Native CDFI Network Seats First Board of Directors
October 19, 2012

October 16, 2012 On October 15, 2012, the Native CDFI Network, a national coalition dedicated to uniting Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and advancing policy priorities that support economic development in Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, seated its first Board of Directors during its 4th Annual...

Native American Financial Institutions Meet with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Express Concerns About Payday Lending Products
July 11, 2012

May 15, 2012 On May 2, 2012 a group of Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofits met with staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to advocate for responsible and fair lending products in Native American communities. The Native organizations provided examples to demonstrate the negative impact of...

Native CDFI Network Gains Momentum, Joins National Rural Assembly Steering Committee
July 11, 2012

June 27, 2011 On June 17, 2011, the Native CDFI Network was welcomed onto the National Rural Assembly Steering Committee, a collaboration of organizations that works to bring tribal and non-tribal constituencies into a conversation about the future of rural America. In this position, the Native CDFI Network will provide...

Native CDFI Network Takes Shape, Unites Native CDFIs to Strengthen Economic Development in Indian Country
July 10, 2012

December 6, 2010 The Native CDFI Network, founded in 2009 to unite Native CDFIs and advance policy priorities important in Native communities, has formed an official steering committee comprised of 13 experienced professionals in the Native community and economic development field to lead the organization through its next phase of...