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Native Initiatives (Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance) is sponsored by U.S. Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). Through monetary awards (Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance) and training opportunities, the CDFI Fund's Native Initiatives program creates jobs, builds businesses, and fosters economic self-determination in Native Communities nationwide.
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The origin of the Native Initiatives can be traced back to 1994 when Congress mandated, through the CDFI Fund's authorizing statute, a study on the lending and investment practices in Native Communities. The findings revealed that Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian communities face unique challenges to economic growth.
These obstacles include heightened barriers to accessing capital and basic financial services, as well as increased difficultly interacting with private and public sector programs. With this in mind, the CDFI Fund created the Native Initiatives to further support the creation and expansion of Native CDFIs. Native CDFIs help Native Communities thrive and grow by increasing their access to credit, capital, and financial services.
The Native Initiatives program uses a combination of financial, technical assistance, and training to build the capacity of CDFIs serving Native Communities. Through the 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 NACA Program also provides**Technical Assistance**grants, offered to Native CDFIs,Emerging Native CDFIs, and Sponsoring Entities (see eligibility below). Recipients may use Technical Assistance awards to increase their capacity to serve their communities and/or to create, or become Certified CDFIs.
By building the capacities of Native CDFIs, these mission-driven organizations can more effectively help create jobs, housing, and community facilities for Native Communities in need. For more information, please see our **Native Initiatives Fact Sheet**(English/Español) and our**Healthy Food Financing Initiative Fact Sheet**(English/Español).
To be eligible for a Financial Assistance award through the NACA Program, your organization must be a Certified CDFI, and at least 50% of your activities must serve Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and/or Native Hawaiian communities. The CDFI Fund also offers supplemental awards through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
CDFIs that are selected to receive a Financial Assistance award may also receive a Healthy Food Financing Initiative award to expand their healthy food financing activities. Certified CDFIs, Emerging CDFIs, and Sponsoring Entities (organizations primarily serving Native Communities that propose to create a separate Certified CDFI) are eligible to apply for Technical Assistance awards.
Emerging CDFIs must demonstrate that they have the ability to become a Certified CDFI within three years of receiving a Technical Assistance grant. Sponsoring Entities must demonstrate the ability to create a new entity, which will become a certified CDFI within four years of receiving an award. For more detailed information, please refer to the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA).
**The Access to Capital and Credit in Native Communities Report** For a detailed analysis of the local economies of Native Communities, please see**The Access to Capital and Credit in Native Communities Report. **The report provides quantitative research and analysis that can lead to actionable recommendations for improving access to capital and credit in Native Communities. Learn more.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Eligible organizations serving Native Communities. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Varies Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
NRA School Shield Grant Program is a grant from The NRA Foundation that funds security improvements at K-12 schools across the United States. Administered by the NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, this program provides financial assistance to public and private K-12 schools seeking to upgrade safety infrastructure and implement security measures. Eligible applicants include schools that are government-owned, incorporated as nonprofits, or hold an IRS 501(c) determination letter. The annual application deadline is August 1. Grant amounts vary based on project scope and need. Schools must demonstrate how requested funds will directly improve the safety and security of their campus and student population.
Farm to School Implementation Grant is sponsored by USDA Food and Nutrition Service. This program aims to increase the availability of local foods in schools and connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Projects should incorporate both local sourcing and agricultural education efforts.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.