Native CDFI workforce and professional development study
NACDC Financial Services
NACDC Financial Services is a Native community financial development financial institution (CDFI) on the Blackfeet Reservation serving all tribal members in the state of Montana. Its mission is to remove the barriers that exist in Indian Country that prohibit the flow of capital and credit. Through education and lending services, NACDC addresses critical needs in Native communities and promotes sustainable economic development.
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In collaboration with NACDC Financial Services and the Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition, we conducted a comprehensive resource inventory and workforce needs assessment across North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The purpose of this study was to examine ways to bolster the Indigenous finance industry workforce. The final report outlined creative strategies to address gaps and shared ways to provide support to all Native CDFIs in their efforts to recruit skilled and qualified personnel.
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Conduct a workforce needs assessment through a Native CDFI industry survey of 23 rural and urban organization that included both staff and leadership feedback.
Produce a comprehensive resource inventory list.
Identify assets, strengths, access, and limitations of potential candidates.
Create an interactive, searchable workforce resource map for Native CDFIs looking to build their staff capacity.
Develop recommendations to address neeps and gaps.
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The results of the assessment directly informed the development of the Yellowbird Fellowship, a professional training experience created by and for the Native CDFI workforce. This nine-month fellowship equips participants with the skills, connections, and resources needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
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Jul 2023–Mar 2024
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Andrea Mader — Project supervisor, tool design, client communication, data collection and analysis, and report writing
Mary Sienko — Data harvest and review, and database administration
Julianna Smith — Graphic and layout design, creative direction, and data visualization
“Sweet Grass is responsive and actively willing to assist regardless of the project. The information we've received from their services has helped us build organizational capacity and leverage resources.” —Angie Main, NACDC Financial Services
