Native Initiatives

Through the Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program), Financial Assistance awards are made to Native CDFIs. These competitive awards are made in the form of loans, grants, equity investments, deposits, and credit union shares. By multiplying the impact of federal investment, Native CDFIs are able to pursue a variety of goals, from small business creation to affordable housing development, as well as other community development pursuits. Healthy Food Financing Initiative - Financial Assistance awards are also offered for CDFIs that are interested in expanding their healthy food financing activities.

The Native Initiatives provides support in two ways: through Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance awards provided by the Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program), and through trainings, technical assistance, and other resources provided by the Capacity Building Initiative.

• Financial Assistance – Gain access to loans, grants, deposits, and equity investments that will not only directly support your work but also make your organization more attractive to outside investors. Financial Assistance awards can be used as lending capital, equity, loan loss reserves, etc.
• Technical Assistance – Help your organization grow through these flexible grants to: purchase equipment; hire consulting or contracting services; pay salaries and benefits; or train staff or board members. 
• Capacity Building Initiative – Attend a variety of trainings, view webinars, and apply for additional technical assistance on a variety of topics, such as small business and microenterprise lending, healthy food financing, and some trainings that are Native-specific.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)