Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative: A Final Evaluation Report of 2012-2014 Program Activities

Since 2012, First Nations Development Institute, with generous support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has been implementing a multi-faceted national strategy that seeks to build a sustainable movement in Native communities to address food systems, food insecurity and food deserts. The signature component of this effort is the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI). This evaluation report describes the activities and outcomes of the effort from 2012 through 2014, and provides additional social networking and cluster analyses

Building Native Communities: A Guide to Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

A Native community is more than the sum of its parts. It embodies the mystique of community, the circle of inclusion. Within each member it generates powerful feelings of cultural solidarity. That precious spirit cannot survive without the underpinnings of economic development. But the development must be for everyone – not for just a few. That is the Native understanding.This EITC curriculum is for Native communities. It supplements Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for Families which was published by First Nations Development Institute and the Fannie Mae Foundation in 2000.The purpose of this curriculum is to:Enable Native community members to realize their traditional values and expand their financial skills to access the Earned Income Tax Credit in a cost effective way to help improve the financial standing of themselves, their family, and their community

Investing in Native Youth: Grantmaking Trends from the Native Youth and Culture Fund

In this report, First Nations highlights a snapshot of grant requests under our Native Youth and Culture Fund from 2010 through 2014

American Indian Leadership: Strengthening Native Communities and Organizations (Winter 2013)

Despite attempts to diminish, belittle and totally transform Native concepts, belief systems and values of leadership, strong leadership remains one of the most important assets in Native communities. American Indian leaders have held steadfast to tribal belief systems and values and fought for the preservation and perpetuation of Native identity, land and sovereignty. Leaders of Native nations today are still committed to these values. Native leaders still recognize that strong, ethical and innovative leadership from various sectors has the ability to transform American Indian communities.The primary goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview of American Indian leadership within an historical perspective, including what led to the development of tribal governments and Indian-led organizations today. Drawing on data from more than 93 leadership programs, organizations and initiatives, this paper provides a summary of findings on the current state of leadership programs in Native communities. Based on these findings, this paper offers recommendations for proceeding with the development of Native leadership programs in American Indian communities

Borrowing Trouble: Predatory Lending in Native American Communities

Based on surveys and financial data, examines the prevalence of predatory practices in Native American communities. Includes maps of predatory lenders, case studies of financial education and alternative services and products, and recommendations

Diversity in Action: Strategies With Impact

Compiles essays by foundation executives and trustees on the impact of diversity and inclusiveness efforts, strategies, and lessons learned. Offers perspectives on community outreach and leadership training, board development, staffing, and grantmaking

Exercising Sovereignty and Expanding Economic Opportunity Through Tribal Land Management

While the United States faces one of the most significant housing crises in the nation's history, many forget that Indian housing has been in crisis for generations. This report seeks to take some important steps toward a future where safe, affordable, and decent housing is available to Native people in numbers sufficient to meet the housing needs that exist in Indian country today. This study provides first-of-its-kind analysis of a critical barrier to homeownership on Indian lands. It analyzes the success of tribes that have taken responsibility (in whole or in part) for administering the land title process on tribal lands. It also addresses the challenges those tribes have faced. Section 1 outlines the significant obstacles to homeownership strategies for Native communities. In Section 2, the report delves into the experiences of five tribes that are managing aspects of the land title process in their communities. In Section 3, the report details findings from a site visit and in-depth interview at the Bureau of Indian Affairs regional offices in Portland, Oregon and Aberdeen, South Dakota. Finally, Section 4 of the report draws conclusions and makes specific recommendations about the future of land title processing on Indian lands. This report is the culmination of two years of research funded by NeighborWorks America and Stewart Title Company

A How-To Guide for Incorporating a Nonprofit Organization

Forming a nonprofit can be a daunting task and is a detailed operation. It involves a great deal of paperwork, time, effort and devotion by its founders, founding board and initial stakeholders. However, the satisfaction of contributing to an organization and being part of a change movement can be extremely rewarding. Hopefully this booklet has provided you with information to consider in the beginning phases in the life of a nonprofit organization and has helped to familiarize you with the process and requirements involved in both the incorporation and obtaining tax-exempt status. While this booklet does not address every detail, it is designed to guide you through the legal and procedural hoops and over the hurdles of incorporating as a nonprofit

Native community development financial institutions : building a foundation for strong native economies

Rural development

Identifying Opportunities To Inform And Inspire: Tribal Casino Employee Perceptions Of Tribal Self Sufficiency And Philanthropy

While the business case for employee engagement and satisfaction is well documented in the service profit chain and the cost savings of employee retention are easily quantified, the means to achieving these related goals in the casino industry is not well known. The pathway to employee engagement and satisfaction is even less well known in the tribal government gaming industry. This paper finds that employees in casinos that are owned by tribal governments in the United States find particular pride in sharing the tribal government’s self-sufficiency, community engagement, and philanthropic activities with casino guests, who often wonder “where the money goes.” The paper supports our case with data collected from tribal casino employees in four Southern California casinos that demonstrate that employees are a good source to share crafted messages with casino guests. We put these philanthropic and charitable contributions in the larger context of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies that commercial casino companies have implemented through their trade association, the American Gaming Association, in order to manage perceptions of the gambling industry in the United States