Lakota Funds, Inc.

The Lakota Funds is a Community Development Financial Institution that has provided five AFI grants since 2001, with the objective to promote economic growth and sustainability on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota.

The Lakota Funds emphasizes homeownership, postsecondary education, and business capitalization, with the goal of providing the opportunity for families on the Pine Ridge Reservation to obtain long-term assets leading to greater self-sufficiency, enabling youth to develop a habit of savings, building financial knowledge, and working toward long-term assets; and providing education, support, and mentorship. The Lakota Fund has been successful in disseminating information about its program, opening IDAs, and graduating participants.

The Lakota Funds partners with Mazaska Owecaso Otiipi Financial; Oglala Sioux Tribe Partnership for Housing; Oglala Sioux Lakota Housing Authority; and Eagle Next Housing to provide homebuyer assistance and homebuyer client referrals. The Lakota Funds also partners with Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation which provides client referrals; USDA Rural Development which provides loans for low-income homebuyers, Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce which provides VITA services, Eagle Nest Community College which provide use of their facilities; Tribal Services of South Dakota Department of Social Services which provides referrals; and Lakota Federal Credit Union which provides financial literacy education. The Lakota Funds also schools which provide youth presentations and referrals.