OUR COMMUNITY
Built Alongside, Not Apart
Native Finance Development Corporation (NFDC) exists because of relationships with tribal nations, with institutions willing to do this work differently, and with the people who have trusted us with their stories. This page reflects that community. It will grow as the organization grows.
PARTNERSHIPS
These organizations have formalized their commitment to this work. Each relationship represents a shared belief that sovereign community outcomes require more than good intentions — they require structure, accountability, and genuine alignment.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Jamul Casino Resort
A tribally owned enterprise of the Jamul Indian Village of California. Jamul Casino Resort partnered with NFDC to deliver financial literacy education to casino employees, covering tax obligations, banking, budgeting, responsible borrowing, and estate planning. Their investment in their team members' financial well-being reflects a commitment to community that extends well beyond the casino floor.
Formalized: March 2025
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Xceed Preparatory Academy
A nationally accredited private school whose curriculum already integrates Personal Finance and Native American Studies. Xceed and NFDC entered a Memorandum of Understanding to develop, promote, and deliver TPF+7G™, the only accredited and transcriptable personal finance course designed specifically for Native high school students.
MOU formalized: June 2025
COMMUNITY PARTNER
Bank On San Diego
Bank On San Diego is a local coalition promoting safe, affordable banking products and services for underserved communities. NFDC was recognized as a Bank On San Diego Partner Spotlight for its work bridging the underbanked gap in San Diego's tribal nations, bringing culturally grounded financial education and banking access to communities that mainstream financial institutions have historically underserved.
Formalized: June 2026
More partnerships in development.
AFFILIATIONS
Formal associations, memberships, and designations that reflect the standards NFDC holds itself to. This section will grow as the organization expands its reach and institutional relationships.
ALLY MEMBER
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)
The leading national network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). As an Ally, NFDC supports the CDFI field and OFN's mission of expanding economic opportunity in underserved communities, including the tribal communities at the center of our work.
More to come.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
These are the voices of colleagues, partners, and community members who have experienced this work firsthand.
Addiction disorders plague our communities... addiction frequently disrupts employment, depletes savings, damages credit, and impairs financial dision-making. Equally important, financial stress is a known relapse trigger, creating a cycle that purely clinical interventions may not fully address. Incorporating financial literacy and stability support into recovery frameworks feels both evidence-aligned and practically valuable.
Teresa — Board Member & Director of Compliance
When I started working at my tribe's Education Department, I was driving 35 miles from our reservation into town just to cash my paychecks, because that's what my dad and grandpa did. Then my coworkers told me that I could open a bank account and save all those fees. Later on, Cynthia [from Native Catalyst] taught a class to help us file our own tax returns. Wow! I didn't know it could be that easy and convenient. Now, we just need to teach our kids.
Tribal Education Department Employee
The last part of recovery is to make restitution. I had to face up to my debt and taxes. Having Cynthia [of Native Catalyst] explain things to me really helped... We need more professionals like her who understand our culture and our rights.
Sabrina — Community Member
Growing up, money was never something we talked about, and back home on the reservation, so many people my age are caught in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. It wasn't until I joined the Marines that I had even a single session on budgeting — but that brief introduction changed everything for me. Young people need this knowledge, and they need it as early as possible. However, I still had to figure out the specific part of mainstream financial concepts that applies to me as a Native American.
Rigo — Board Member & Combat Veteran
More voices to come.