The San Francisco Foundation’s Bay Area Community Impact Fund (BACIF) is proud to announce a $1 million deposit in Native American Bank, the nation’s only multi-tribally owned bank. This FDIC-insured deposit provides capital for Native American Bank to continue its “primary mission . . . to assist Native American and Alaskan Native individuals, enterprises and governments to reach their goals by providing affordable and flexible banking and financial services.”
Native American Bank’s activities are squarely aligned with SFF’s work to center indigenous communities and help disinvested communities build wealth.
Founded in 2001, Native American Bank is a full-service bank, whose products meet the unique needs of indigenous individuals and tribes, such as commercial loans and checking accounts geared towards elders. It can be especially difficult for native enterprises to obtain commercial loans on tribal lands because the land ownership structure does not allow banks to take collateral. Native American Bank helps ensure these vital projects get the capital they need.
“We could not be more excited to see San Francisco Foundation make a conscious decision to establish a relationship with Native American Bank as their deposit expands our capability to finance the economic development of Indian Country,” says Brent Truttmann, Deposit Relationship Manager for Native American Bank. “It is uplifting to see a non-native organization make a significant commitment to indigenous communities, and we look forward to a long-lasting partnership.”
95 percent of Native American Bank’s loans are made to indigenous communities and help ensure the development and economic independence of tribal communities and businesses. For example, a recent loan to the Tule River Indian Housing Authority in California’s San Joaquin Valley provided crucial gap financing—$2.7 million—to help build the Nupchi Xo’ Oy complex.
The housing complex features 40 affordable residences and a 2,000-square-foot community building with study, computer and laundry space. Residents also have access to job training, health and wellness services, financial training, homebuyer education and a variety of youth afterschool activities. A covered playground and open space are available for children living in the complex.
SFF, together with our donors, is thrilled to put our capital to work to support indigenous communities’ economic strength and independence.
Background
SFF uses a variety of tools to advance racial equity and economic inclusion in the Bay Area. One of these tools, the Bay Area Community Impact Fund (BACIF), uses foundation and donor advised funds to provide nonprofits with long-term loans, helping them grow their impact in the community and create a racially equitable, inclusive Bay Area.
Please consider an investment in the Bay Area Community Impact Fund. For more information about investing in the Bay Area Community Impact Fund, contact the Philanthropy and Gift Planning team at (415) 733-8590 or email donorservices[at]sff.org.
