From adrianne at Oweesta.org Tue Sep 1 11:18:04 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 09:18:04 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] AmeriCorps Planning Grants for Tribes Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE8EC5C1@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: AmeriCorps Grants Information August 27, 2009 202-606-7508; americorpsnational at cns.gov National Service Agency Announces Availability of AmeriCorps Planning Grants (Washington D.C.) -- The Corporation for National and Community Service announced the availability of $500,000 for planning grants to assist national organizations and Indian tribes in developing new AmeriCorps programs. The purpose of planning grants is to support the development of AmeriCorps programs so applicants are better prepared to compete for a multi-state AmeriCorps grant in the following grant cycle. Two competitions are being held. National Planning Grants are available for organizations that are interested in applying for AmeriCorps funding for a program that will operate in two or more states. Indian Tribes Planning Grants are available to federally recognized Indian Tribes. Funding is contingent upon appropriations, and is estimated to be $250,000 for each competition. "As AmeriCorps enters a period of expansion, we want to encourage more organizations to explore how AmeriCorps can help them improve lives and strengthen communities," said Lois Nembhard, Acting Director of AmeriCorps State and National. "These planning grants will help organizations develop strong AmeriCorps program models that can compete in future grant cycles." The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed by President Obama in April, authorized a significant expansion of AmeriCorps, setting a goal of increasing AmeriCorps from its current level of 75,000 positions a year to 250,000 positions by 2017. The first phase of this expansion will occur in fiscal year 2010, which begins on October 1. The national planning grants will be available to public or private nonprofit organizations, including labor organizations; faith-based and other community organizations; institutions of higher education; government entities within states or territories, Indian Tribes; or partnerships or consortia operating in more than one state are eligible. Community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and intermediary organizations operating in more than one state are encouraged to apply for planning grants. These grants are awarded for 12 months. They may not be used to support AmeriCorps members, and applicants must not have previously received a multi-state or Indian Tribes AmeriCorps grant. Contingent upon appropriations, the grants will be awarded in late January 2010 so that successful applicants will have a full year to prepare for their competitive application which will be due in January of 2011, again contingent upon appropriations. Applications are due 5:00 ET Monday, October 19, 2009. For further information, applications instructions and FAQs, please visit the New Funding Opportunities page on the Corporation's website at http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa.asp. For a printed copy of the notice, or to ask questions about the program, call 202-606-7508, or e-mail americorpsnational at cns.gov. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit NationalService.gov . ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090901/64a1fe5b/attachment-0001.html From info at ournativecircle.org Wed Sep 2 11:59:32 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 09:59:32 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] Small business contest through iVillage, American Express and NBC Universal - let's get some Native-owned businesses in there! Message-ID: <001601ca2be6$5c747950$155d6bf0$@org> Please forward widely. American Express has teamed up with NBC Universal to nominate a small business that makes a difference through innovation, customer service and by giving back to the community and there is an opportunity for a nominated business to win a $100,000 grant and marketing support. Also if the business that you have is one of the finalists the nominating person could win an American Express Gift Card in the amount of $3,000. September 13, 2009 is the deadline. Visit the Shine a Light site at iVillage.com for all the details: http://shinealight.ivillage.com/?vty=http://www.ivillage.com/shinealight/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090902/3250a528/attachment.html From info at ournativecircle.org Wed Sep 2 12:17:21 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:17:21 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] CDFI Fund News: CDFI Fund Completes Disbursement of Recovery Act Grants in Record Time Message-ID: <001b01ca2be8$d991f9b0$8cb5ed10$@org> Native grantees included. please forward. CDFI Fund Completes Disbursement of Recovery Act Grants in Record Time September 1, 2009 CDFI-2009-44 CDFI Fund Announces Complete Disbursement of Recovery Act Grants for Community Development 100 Percent of Program Funds Deployed in Record Time WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI Fund) announced today that in record time, and exactly two months after awards were announced for community development grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), it completely disbursed all $98 million to 59 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and 10 Native CDFIs. These Recovery Act awards were made through the CDFI Program and Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program, and will support new lending that will assist in the economic recovery of some of our nation's most vulnerable communities at a time when they are facing many financial challenges. These funds will help generate capital for small businesses, mortgage loans for homebuyers, and funding for affordable housing projects and other facilities in communities across the country. "Moving quickly to support communities made particularly vulnerable by the economic downturn has been the top priority for the CDFI Fund," said Director Donna J. Gambrell. "This is a significant accomplishment for the CDFI Fund that was achieved by utilizing new internal business practices that enabled the disbursement of the Recovery Act resources faster than ever before. These financial assistance awards are critical to getting these community-based lenders the capital they need to provide distressed communities they serve with the resources to stimulate local economic recovery." Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Director Donna Gambrell announced the financial assistance awards to 59 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) on June 29th, 2009, and the financial assistance awards to 10 Native CDFIs were announced on July 1st, 2009. In order to expedite the flow of Recovery Act resources, for the first time the legal agreements between the CDFI Fund and the award recipients were ready the same day as the announcement, which served to greatly accelerate the delivery of funds. Today, 100 percent of the $98 million in awards to CDFIs through the Recovery Act have been disbursed. The awards are a part of the Obama Administration's efforts to invest directly in communities and support community institutions across the country that address a wide variety of economic development issues. These investments are generating capital for first-time homebuyer loans, providing investments in small businesses and microenterprises, and supporting the development of affordable housing and community facilities across the country. Additionally, many of the CDFIs that have received support are engaged in innovative lending to support foreclosure prevention efforts, encouraging entrepreneurs to launch small businesses, expanding bilingual credit unions, and offering alternatives to payday and predatory lenders. Click here to view list of organizations that received awards. _____ You can update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time through your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support at govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by CDFI Fund , US Department of the Treasury. GovDelivery, Inc. is sending you this communication on behalf of the CDFI Fund, US Department of the Treasury . 601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 200 South . Washington DC 20005 . (800) 439-1420 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090902/3b55aabd/attachment.html From stewart at oweesta.org Wed Sep 2 12:28:01 2009 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:28:01 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] VITA sites: offer savings bonds in TS10 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE8EC6FF@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> List note: Very interesting project, open to Native VITA sites! Please forward Dear Colleagues, D2D Fund is pleased to announce the fourth year of its tax season U.S. Savings Bond pilot test (for tax season 2010). A Request for Proposal (RFP) to participate in Refunds to Assets 7 (or "R2A7") is available by clicking here . The RFP, which is for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA programs) has two components: 1) a narrative which describes the project's objectives, VITA site participation requirements and D2D's responsibilities during the pilot. It also includes key lessons that we have learned offering bonds to VITA clients in the past. 2) An application form to be completed by all respondents. The link below will take you to an online application; please read the instructions carefully before completing the application. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=BHawSczXqev8KsuPy9SCxg_3d_3d The application due date is September 21st, 2009 and the review process will be completed on or before October 8th, 2009. Thank you for your interest in this valuable asset building tool. Preeti Mehta D2D Fund Inc www.d2dfund.org (617)-541-9066 pmehta at d2dfund.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090902/e78d7e88/attachment-0001.html From info at ournativecircle.org Thu Sep 3 11:38:05 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 09:38:05 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] **RELEASE: Johnson Announces $1.76 Million in Funding for Four Native American Economic Development Corporations Message-ID: <000001ca2cac$87f66770$97e33650$@org> press_logo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julianne Fisher, 202-224-1638 Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Jeff Gohringer, 202-224-1770 Johnson Announces $1.76 Million in Funding for Four Native American Economic Development Corporations Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) announced today that four Native American economic development corporations will receive a total of $1.76 million in federal funding. The grants come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) Program. The First Nations Oweesta Corporation will receive $1 million, the Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial Inc. will receive $160,000, the Sicangu Wicoti Awayankapi Corporation will receive $300,000, and the Lakota Fund will receive 300,000 in federal funding. "This funding will help stimulate housing and economic development in Indian County," Johnson said. "As a member of the Indian Affairs and Appropriations Committees, I am proud to support measures that help our tribes and tribal communities prosper." These economic development organizations are dedicated to the local success of native communities and will use their funding to build infrastructure in tribal communities a variety of ways. Senator Johnson has continually supported the Rural Housing and Economic Development Program in South Dakota as a member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. ### For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov . To contact Senator Johnson's communications office via e-mail, write his Communications Director at Julianne_Fisher at Johnson.Senate.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090903/9ecf8cc1/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 11508 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090903/9ecf8cc1/attachment.jpe From adrianne at Oweesta.org Thu Sep 3 15:30:15 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:30:15 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] Oweesta Webinar: "Does Your Community Need a Financial Education Program?" - September 30, 2009 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE8EC938@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> "DOES YOUR COMMUNITY NEED A FINANCIAL EDUCTION PROGRAM?" September 30, 2009 l Webinar First Nations Oweesta Corporation is pleased to offer the Expanding Native Opportunities: Native Financial Skills Initiative, a comprehensive training and technical assistance program to help Native communities design and implement a financial education program. This initiative is fully funded by the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Submission deadline for applications is September 18, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrainne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. Curriculum #1, "Does your Community Need a Financial Education Program?" This introductory webinar session is designed to help Native organizations determine if starting a financial education program is appropriate for their organization and community. This session will provide an overview of the benefits, and resource and time requirements of starting a program. Upon completion of this introductory training, participants will be eligible to apply for Curriculum #2, "Native Financial Skills Initiative: Certified Instructor Training," the comprehensive three-day certification training, with follow up technical assistance, to be held in November 2009. For more information, contact Vickie Oldman-John with Oweesta at Vickie at oweesta.org or 505-896-6786. The webinar training will be held on September 30, 2009, 1-5:00 pm EDT via GotoWebinar. Dial-up information will be sent to all registered participants prior to the start of the webinar. Submission deadline for applications is September 18, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrianne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. There is no fee to join the webinar. We encourage all groups to have at least two participants attend this introductory training. We are only extending this training to 25 organizations due to limited space. Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 18, 2009. Note: Due to limited space and high demand, organizations will not be accepted into the long-term program unless they have completed the introductory course and are committed to attend all the trainings and progress through the programmatic milestones as applied to their particular organization and community. 910 5th Street, Suite 101 * Rapid City, SD 57701 tel (605) 342-3770 * www.oweesta.org Adrianne Brave Heart Financial Education & Asset Building Specialist Oweesta Corporation 910 5th St. Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 adrianne at oweesta.org Phone: 605-342-3770 Fax: 605-342-3771 "Developing Native Assets ~ Building Native Communities" SAVE THE DATE! - 6th Annual NATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVENING in Charlotte, NC - October 27-30, 2009 - at the 2009 OFN Conference - DON'T MISS IT! Come enjoy all the learning, sharing and celebrating at the Native Gathering pre-conference, Native training track, and the Native Awards presentation - all part of the 2009 Native Convening. This year's Native sessions include: Native CDFI Financial Management, Business Underwriting, Funders Roundtable, Establishing Your Native CDFI, Native Housing Capitalization, Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development, Native CDFI Development Services and a special Native CDFI Policy focus during the Native Gathering pre-conference - something for everyone! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090903/2173a423/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090903/ac647d04/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NLC Ad-Amended.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 56191 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090903/ac647d04/attachment-0001.obj From adrianne at Oweesta.org Tue Sep 8 16:51:15 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2009 14:51:15 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] CORRECTION -- Webinar: "Does Your Community Need a Financial Education Program?" - September 30, 2009 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE8ECB99@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> "DOES YOUR COMMUNITY NEED A FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM?" September 30, 2009 l Webinar First Nations Oweesta Corporation is pleased to offer the Expanding Native Opportunities: Native Financial Skills Initiative, a comprehensive training and technical assistance program to help Native communities design and implement a financial education program. This initiative is fully funded by the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Submission deadline for applications is September 18, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrainne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. Curriculum #1, "Does your Community Need a Financial Education Program?" This introductory webinar session is designed to help Native organizations determine if starting a financial education program is appropriate for their organization and community. This session will provide an overview of the benefits, and resource and time requirements of starting a program. Upon completion of this introductory training, participants will be eligible to apply for Curriculum #2, "Native Financial Skills Initiative: Certified Instructor Training," the comprehensive three-day certification training, with follow up technical assistance, to be held in November 2009. For more information, contact Vickie Oldman-John with Oweesta at Vickie at oweesta.org or 505-896-6786. The webinar training will be held on September 30, 2009, 1-5:00 pm EDT via GotoWebinar. Dial-up information will be sent to all registered participants prior to the start of the webinar. Submission deadline for applications is September 18, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrianne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. There is no fee to join the webinar. We encourage all groups to have at least two participants attend this introductory training. We are only extending this training to 25 organizations due to limited space. Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 18, 2009. Note: Due to limited space and high demand, organizations will not be accepted into the long-term program unless they have completed the introductory course and are committed to attend all the trainings and progress through the programmatic milestones as applied to their particular organization and community. 910 5th Street, Suite 101 * Rapid City, SD 57701 tel (605) 342-3770 * www.oweesta.org Adrianne Brave Heart Financial Education & Asset Building Specialist Oweesta Corporation 910 5th St. Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 adrianne at oweesta.org Phone: 605-342-3770 Fax: 605-342-3771 "Developing Native Assets ~ Building Native Communities" SAVE THE DATE! - 6th Annual NATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVENING in Charlotte, NC - October 27-30, 2009 - at the 2009 OFN Conference - DON'T MISS IT! Come enjoy all the learning, sharing and celebrating at the Native Gathering pre-conference, Native training track, and the Native Awards presentation - all part of the 2009 Native Convening. This year's Native sessions include: Native CDFI Financial Management, Business Underwriting, Funders Roundtable, Establishing Your Native CDFI, Native Housing Capitalization, Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development, Native CDFI Development Services and a special Native CDFI Policy focus during the Native Gathering pre-conference - something for everyone! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090908/e28f0196/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2631 bytes Desc: image007.jpg Url : /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090908/e28f0196/attachment-0003.jpe From adrianne at Oweesta.org Thu Sep 10 13:01:50 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:01:50 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] Day of Action request Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE8ECD64@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> We are hoping to have Native VITA programs involved in the Day of Action - whether they join us in DC or participate in their districts. We have begun posting additional information on our Day of Action webpage . But I have also provided a breakdown of the Day of Action below. Also, our first pre-Day of Action training, Advocacy Rules for Non-profits, is next Wednesday. The training is free and any VITA programs are welcome to register . Registration closes on Monday, September 14th, at 5EST. If you want to begin receiving our Day of Action communications, completed this sign-up form . Day of Action Goals The Day of Action, serving as an organizing tool, will build the power of the Coalition, increase the visibility of community VITA, and strengthen our ability to affect federal policy change. We are expecting big changes to the tax code next year when the Bush tax breaks expire. We hope that by reaching out to legislators now, VITA programs will have a stronger voice and be in a better position to advocate for change. 1. Increase the number of NCTC affiliates participating in advocacy efforts 2. Push NCTC policy priorities 3. Build Relationships with Legislators - inviting Legislators to the tax sites in 2010 Policy Priorities: 1. EITC: ? Thanking Legislators for expansions in ARRA and discussing the need to make these expansions permanent. ? Expand the EITC for childless workers (Climate Change Bill) 2. Increase funding for the VITA Grant Program 3. Consumer Financial Protection Agency 4. Regulation of Paid Preparers 5. Savings Policy ***Given the huge presence of predatory lending, the interest rate cap bill is something we might want to add to the Policy Priorities document presented during these meetings (we will be providing this and other documents for participants)*** Events for those joining us in DC: 1. Kickoff Breakfast with Congressional staffers - including a panel discussion with experts speaking about VITA and our key policy issues 2. Hill Visit Prep - if need we will help advocates and state coalitions prep for their meetings with Congressional offices 3. Meetings with Congressional Offices 4. Regulation of Paid-Preparer Forum Meeting with Congressional Offices at the District Level: ? Meetings with Congressional Offices: participants will meet with their District office - communicating the impact of VITA in their community, pushing policy priorities, and inviting Members out to the Tax Site in 2010 ? Connecting with DC Events: we are hoping to stream the kickoff breakfast and Paid-preparer forum online ? Media: NCTC will provide sample press releases about the Day of Action, in addition to other media outreach tools Resources Provided By NCTC: ? Tip Sheets (scheduling meetings, meeting with Legislators, following-up) ? Materials/"Leave-behinds" for the Day of Action ? Assistance in scheduling meetings ? State-wide planning calls with participants to partner-up on certain Congressional meetings ? Trainings (see below) ? Ideas & Resources for engaging your VITA volunteers in the Day of Action (i.e. making a phone call, sending a letter, etc.) Trainings for all participants to prepare them for the Day of Action: 1. Yes, You Can Advocate! - Advocacy Rules for Non-Profits Training Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Time: 2:00pm (Eastern), 1:00pm (Central), 12:00pm (Mountain), 11:00am (Pacific) Length: 60 minutes Format: Web seminar/Audio Conference Cost: Free Description What is advocacy? What is lobbying? How can non-profits play a role in the policy decision making process? Direct service organizations understand the unique financial challenges facing low-wage workers. They are often the first to witness both the positive and the negative impacts of public policy on working families and they understand what policy changes must happen in order to ensure that all families have access to a financially stable future. However, despite these valuable perspectives, community tax preparation organizations are too often a missing player in the policy making process. Their critical voice often remains silent because organizations are unaware of their rights to advocate for policy change. This workshop will break down the rules governing 501(c)(3) organizations as they apply to lobbying and advocacy activities. Presenters: Alliance for Justice Register for Advocacy Rules for Non-Profits 2. Effective Conversations with Your Congressperson and their Staff Date: Friday, September 25th Time: 11 am (Eastern), 10:00 am (Central), 9:00am (Mountain), 8:00am (Pacific) Length: 60 Minutes Format: Audio conference Cost: Free Description Almost every policy advocacy campaign requires an advocate to connect with their elected official. However, while these Senators and Representatives are elected to represent the needs of their constituents, many would-be advocates are intimidated by the thought of calling or meeting with their elected official or Congressional staffer. Contributing to the anxiety one feels about contacting their elected official is a lack of information about how to best communicate with Congressional staffers. Derek Dorn, Congressional staffer with Senator Bingaman (D-NM), will demystify the day-to-day activities of a Congressional office and their relationships with non-profit organizations. Mr. Dorn will provide an overview of his role in the Congressional office and his relationship with Committee staffers; discuss why it is important to hear from free tax-prep organizations, and provide best strategies for communicating with your Congressional offices. Guest Speaker: Congressional Staffer, Derek Dorn, from the office of Senator Bingaman (D-NM) Register for Effective Conversations with Your Congressperson and their Staff 3. 2009 NCTC Day of Action: What's the Goal and the Plan Date: Tuesday, October 13th Time: 2:00pm (Eastern), 1:00pm (Central), 12:00pm (Mountain), 11:00am (Pacific) Length: 60 Minutes Format: Web seminar/Audio Conference Cost: Free Description: As you prepare to meeting with your Congressional offices, it is important to understand the issues and how they directly affect your clients. For those working in the VITA field, the financial challenges facing low-income families are clear. However, understanding how to address these challenges at the federal level can be confusing. This web seminar will break down NCTC's policy agenda. Particular focus will be paid to increasing funding for the VITA Grant Program, expanding the EITC for childless workers, and regulating paid tax preparers. During the seminar participants will also learn who the key players are in pushing this policy and how we, as NCTC, can begin to influence these policy priorities. Guest Speakers * Robin McKinney - Maryland CASH * Elizabeth Kneebone - Brookings Institution * Laura Hayes & Amy Battjer - The Hatcher Group Jaci Ree Manager, Financial Education and Asset Building Oweesta Corporation 910 5th Street, Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 430-4606 cell (605) 342 -3770 office (605) 342-3771 fax jaci at oweesta.org www.oweesta.org www.nfec.info www.ournativecircle.org SAVE THE DATE! - 6th Annual NATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVENING in Charlotte, NC - October 27-30, 2009 - at the 2009 OFN Conference - DON'T MISS IT! Come enjoy all the learning, sharing and celebrating at the Native Gathering pre-conference, Native training track, and the Native Awards presentation - all part of the 2009 Native Convening Don't forget to send in your nominations for the 2009 Native CDFI Awards: Click here to access the nomination form or go to http://www.oweesta.org/node/331 - nominations DUE JULY 10TH! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090910/dc8d325d/attachment-0001.html From Heidi at Oweesta.org Wed Sep 23 11:31:23 2009 From: Heidi at Oweesta.org (Heidi Davis) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:31:23 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] South Dakota Receives "B" for Financial Stability Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE93E676@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> South Dakota Receives ?B? for Financial Stability State Does Well in Assets and Income, Must Improve in All Areas Related to Race and Policy Arena WASHINGTON, DC - South Dakota leads the nation in key assets and income measures, but must address gender and race disparities that are holding residents back in housing and homeownership, small business development and higher education according to a report released today by the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), a national economic nonprofit. The state earned a ?B? on the 2009?2010 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard, with South Dakota also performing well in education generally, but falling behind in important health care measures. CFED?s Assets & Opportunity Scorecard-online at scorecard.cfed.org-measures the financial security of families in the United States by looking beyond just income to the whole picture of building ownership and protecting against financial setbacks. The Scorecard ranks the 50 states and the District of Columbia on 58 performance measures in the areas of Financial Assets & Income, Businesses & Jobs, Housing & Homeownership, Health Care and Education. South Dakota ranks 1st in unemployment, 6th in bankruptcy and 10th in both asset poverty and extreme asset poverty, earning an ?A? in Financial Assets & Income. The state?s education performance is also strong, ranking 2nd in Head Start coverage, 6th in four?year college degree attainment by income and also ranking in the top 10 in 8th?grade math and reading proficiency. However, with the state?s considerable Native population, South Dakota has significant room for improvement in key measures in order to help all its residents achieve surer financial footing. At a time when the nation?s housing market is unstable, South Dakota ranks 51st in homeownership by gender and 50th in homeownership by race. Similar disparities are evident in the Businesses & Jobs area: the state ranks 51st in minority business ownership and 48th in women?owned business value. And while health insurance is a key safeguard against asset depletion, the state ranks 48th in health insurance coverage by race and 49th in employers offering health insurance. ?The Scorecard provides a broad picture of how families stand, and what it tells us is that many American households were already very vulnerable economically going into this recession,? said CFED President Andrea Levere. ?It also shows state by state what is being done to address these vulnerabilities, and while many states are taking some action, in most cases they haven?t been putting a very strong commitment into their efforts.? The Scorecard also assesses states on the strength of its policies to help families build financial security. The Scorecard includes a detailed look of state?by?state information on 12 policy priorities, as well as information on 23 additional policies. Together, these policies provide a comprehensive picture of what states can do to help residents build and protect assets. The Scorecard notes that South Dakota?s policymakers have significant opportunities to support the financial well?being of their constituents. To address South Dakota?s last?place rank for minority business ownership, the state should fund organizations like community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, that provide technical assistance and loans to microenterprises. In order to reduce disparities in health care coverage by race, the state should expand coverage for parents and childless adults, simplify Children?s Health Insurance Program procedures and defray health insurance costs for small businesses or their employees. Finally, South Dakota should match the deposits of those who save in a 529 college savings account to increase college attainment for minorities and to reduce college education debt. Of the 12 policy priorities, South Dakota currently has taken action on three of them, with only one state policy rated strong or very strong by the Scorecard. ?South Dakota?s overall score is quite encouraging at a ?B?. However, a visit to any one of the state?s eight reservations tells an entirely different story?, stated Stewart Sarkozy?Banoczy, Vice?President and COO of Oweesta, a national Native CDFI intermediary located in Rapid City, and a Scorecard State Partner. ?Digging deeper into the data, we find that in every area, across all measures, the state?s B rating does not reflect how the minority population of South Dakota, which is predominately Native American, was ranked. In fact South Dakota was ranked at the bottom in virtually every measure when applied to race. We encourage South Dakota to adopt policies and support programs such as financial education that will strengthen and protect the ability of all its residents, Native and non?Native, to build assets and create wealth.? Nationally, the Scorecard notes that even before the current recession, economic vulnerability was growing, especially among low? and middle?income families. Among the findings: ? While U.S. households overall registered a 27% increase in net worth between 2004 and 2006, median net worth fell over that period for the 40% of U.S. households earning less than $37,000 a year. ? The number of individuals with employer?provided health?insurance fell sharply, to 60.9% from 63.2%, leaving more families vulnerable and financially unprepared for health emergencies. ? The median amount of revolving debt, including credit card debt, rose from $1,805 to $2,960 between 2006 and 2008, an increase of 64%. ? Slightly more than 12% of households live below the federal income poverty line, but nearly double that amount (22.5%) are asset poor, meaning they have insufficient assets to keep them out of poverty for three months in the event of job loss. Over 14% of American households are in extreme asset poverty, meaning they have zero or negative net worth. Top performers on the 2009?2010 Scorecard-those states that earned an overall ?A? in performance measures-include Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. For more information and to access the Assets & Opportunity Scorecard, visit scorecard.cfed.org. ### CFED expands economic opportunity by helping Americans and their children build assets, save for the future, start and grow businesses, pursue education and become homeowners. We identify, refine and help realize good ideas and develop partnerships to promote lasting change. We bring together community practice, public policy and private markets in new and effective ways to achieve greater economic impact. Established in 1979 as the Corporation for Enterprise Development, CFED works nationally and internationally through its offices in Washington, DC; Durham, North Carolina; and San Francisco, California. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090923/bde6dc43/attachment-0001.html From adrianne at Oweesta.org Wed Sep 23 13:51:00 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:51:00 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] Potlatch Fund: Fall 2009 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE93E708@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Potlatch Fund: Fall 2009 Upcoming Trainings September 29 Seattle WA Media Management - Registration - Agenda > ... October 6-7 Usk , WA Introduction to Financial Management - Registration - Agenda > ... October 14-15 Duck Valley ID Journey To Successful Fundraising ... October 21-22 Seattle WA Journey To Successful Fundraising Financial Management ... November 12-13 Portland OR (NAYA) Journey To Successful Fundraising Nonprofit Startup ... Kindly email Heather Miller for more information on the trainings listed above or to request a training in your community. Heather Miller (Wyandotte), above, recently joined Potlatch Fund as Program Coordinator. You can learn all about Heather on page 3 of the latest issue of Seattle Native Circle . 2009 Potlatch Fund Native Arts Grants Native American art in the Northwest has always played a central role in all facets of Tribal life. Artists are important educators and opinion leaders in Tribal communities. Through art, people learn to imagine other ways of seeing, doing, and interacting with each other and the environment. Twenty-seven grantees in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana are receiving a total of $40,000 with funding from * The Boeing Company * The WK Kellogg Foundation (challenge grant) * Supporters, like you, of our 2008 Gala Please visit our website for a complete list of grantees . Save the Date: The Potlatch Fund 7th Annual Gala The Northwest's signature event to expand philanthropy throughout Indian Country. The Potlatch Fund Gala builds upon the giving tradition of the potlatch by bringing together Tribal and grassroots Native leaders, foundation and corporate representatives and our generous donors. In 2008, over 400 people joined us, including representation from over twenty-five Northwest Tribes, and a surplus of over $85,000 was raised. The 2009 Gala promises to be our most successful yet, and we have set a fundraising goal of a $100,000 for the event. The Gala is a unique opportunity to enjoy and learn about Native Culture, have fun and support our important work. Please join Potlatch Fund as a special guest at the 2009 Annual Gala. Image courtesy of Victor Pascual +PASCUALDESIGN This year's event will include: * Master of Ceremonies, Gene Tagaban (shown left). * Cultural performance by Tulalip Drum Group. * Presentation of the Philanthropists of the Year Awards. * Presentation of Leadership Awards to Northwest Native Leaders. Saturday, November 21, 2009 Reception: 5:30PM to 7PM Dinner and Program: 7PM to 9:30PM Grand Hyatt Hotel, Seattle Washington More Information Leadership & Entrepreneurial Fellowship Development (LEAD) Program Matching Future Indian Leaders with Reservation-based Nonprofit Organizations Application Form (Due October 2, 2009) for the 2009 / 2010 program Funded by First Nations Development Institute Volunteer of the Year Award Potlatch Fund Executive Director Ken Gordon was honored to receive the Mary Helen Moore 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award at the recent Philanthropy Northwest Annual Conference. This Award was given to Ken in recognition of his leadership in building relationships between Philanthropy Northwest, its members and its Native American and Alaskan Native partners. In presenting the Award to Ken the incoming President of Philanthropy Northwest (PNW), Jeff Clarke from the Rasmuson Foundation, made special note of Ken's involvement in the planning of the PNWs last two conferences, his role in leading breakout sessions on how foundations can work more effectively with Native communities, and his role in facilitating direct connections between funders and Native organizations through Reservation tours and through funder's briefings. Mr Clarke also noted Ken's role in helping to track giving to Native communities through the use of giving trend data. In receiving the Award Ken Gordon said that it came as a complete surprise. He also felt that he personally was undeserving of the Award as he was carrying out Potlatch Fund's role of helping to both inspire the Native tradition of giving and expanding philanthropy to Northwest Indian Country. Ken did however note that non-profits and Tribes provide essential social and other services, without which society would crumble - and therefore and on their behalf he was humbled to accept the Award. Philanthropy Northwest has honored one of its members with the Volunteer of the Year Award since the early 1980s. In 2004 the Award was named after Mary Helen Moore after her sudden death. Ms Moore was a beloved community leader, had had a career in corporate giving, had been a pastor, and was also a prominent leader in the African American community. Potlatch Fund Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Potlatch Fund Board was held on September 8, 2009. At that meeting Shelley Hanson and Heather Johnson-Jock were reappointed to serve three year terms. The existing Board leaders were also reappointed to their respective roles. These roles are: * Jim Thomas - President * Antone Minthorn - Vice President * Meredith Parker - Secretary * Chandra Hampson - Treasurer * Kirby Jock - Officer at Large Board President Jim Thomas noted the significant progress that Potlatch Fund had made over the last year and noted also that the recent decision to re-appoint Executive Director, Ken Gordon, for a further two year term will give the organization needed stability over what is likely to be a difficult time. The Board also has three current vacancies due to the resignation of members who have moved out of the area or have had to concentrate on their own organizations. The Board is publicly calling for nominations for these positions: Announcement . Keep up to date with all the action- 1. Follow us on Facebook 2. Sign up for the Potlatch Fund Quarterly Newsletter eMail issues (always provide your complete name and organizational name if appropriate): 1. Please use this link to request eMails be sent to a different account . 2. Please use this link if you are receiving multiple eMails . 3. Please use this link if you would like to be removed from future mailings . Adrianne Brave Heart Financial Education & Asset Building Specialist Oweesta Corporation 910 5th St. Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 adrianne at oweesta.org Phone: 605-342-3770 Fax: 605-342-3771 "Developing Native Assets ~ Building Native Communities" SAVE THE DATE! - 6th Annual NATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVENING in Charlotte, NC - October 27-30, 2009 - at the 2009 OFN Conference - DON'T MISS IT! Come enjoy all the learning, sharing and celebrating at the Native Gathering pre-conference, Native training track, and the Native Awards presentation - all part of the 2009 Native Convening. This year's Native sessions include: Native CDFI Financial Management, Business Underwriting, Funders Roundtable, Establishing Your Native CDFI, Native Housing Capitalization, Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development, Native CDFI Development Services and a special Native CDFI Policy focus during the Native Gathering pre-conference - something for everyone! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090923/e391e613/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 8483 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090923/e391e613/attachment-0004.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3548 bytes Desc: image005.gif Url : /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090923/e391e613/attachment-0001.gif From turbochang at hotmail.com Tue Sep 29 14:02:31 2009 From: turbochang at hotmail.com (Miriam Chang ) Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:02:31 +0000 Subject: [NFEC Update] Potlatch Fund: Fall 2009 Message-ID: -----Original Message----- From: Adrianne Brave Heart Sent: September 23, 2009 7:56 AM To: nfec at lists.nfec.info; circleup at lists.ournativecircle.org Cc: staci at oweesta.org Subject: [NFEC Update] Potlatch Fund: Fall 2009 [The entire original message is not included] From adrianne at Oweesta.org Wed Sep 30 11:09:56 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:09:56 -0600 Subject: [NFEC Update] Washington State Asset Building Conference Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE93ED7A@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> The Washington Asset Building Coalition Presents Survive and Thrive: Building Assets, Strengthening Communities Sponsored by Washington State Department of Commerce, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco November 5-6, 2009 Greater Tacoma Convention Center Hear from community leaders and national experts about starting and expanding asset building initiatives in your community. Learn about asset building innovations and best practices to strengthen your community's asset building pieces including: * Savings and banking campaigns * Individual development accounts * Microenterprise * Financial education and counseling * Alternative financial services and products Learn more and register at: http://www.frbsf.org/community/resources/2009/1105/index.html Questions? Anee Brar , Washington State Dept of Commerce (360) 725.4150 Paul Knox , Washington Asset Building Coalition (360) 977-0476 Craig Nolte , Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco: (206) 396-2192 ************************************************************************ ****** Craig Nolte, Regional Manager Community Development Seattle Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco 2700 Naches Ave. SW Renton, WA 98057 PH: (206) 396-2192 or (800) 227-4133 Ext. 50797 FX: (415) 977-4009 Website: http://www.frbsf.org/community/index.html Email: craig.nolte at sf.frb.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090930/c88a189b/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ATT00001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 14209 bytes Desc: ATT00001.gif Url : /pipermail/nfec_lists.nfec.info/attachments/20090930/c88a189b/attachment-0001.gif