Funding for Minorities...

First Nations Development Institute is a non-profit organization that aids in the improvement of economic conditions for Native Americans.  First Nations implements this improvement through technical assistance & training, advocacy & policy, and direct financial grants.  When browsing through the website, I found a grant seekers tab that provides general information as to what First Nation can do for you.  First Nations provides financial and technical resources for "asset-based" projects.  There are also numerous fund options that can be accessed for different revenue projects such as the Eagle Staff Fund.

I'm actually very intrigued by First Nations.  I'm not Native American  and therefore do not qualify for assistance or funding with their program, however, it’s nice to see other minority groups aiding their communities to get ahead in the business industry.  As for donor opportunities, anyone can be apart of this organization.  First Nations showcases those whom want to help with a highlight in their Philanthropic tab.  The most recent highlight was from an 11 year old whom raised $2000 for their cause.

Although there is a plethora of contact information if you want to proceed forward with the company and their services, it’s disappointing that it does not actually lay out the process or provide some of these resources that could be used and implemented for new companies.  Sites like http://www.sba.gov/ actually break it down for how to put the business plan together, what investors are looking for, and ways to get funding.  However, sites like First Nation give a different perspective for funding opportunities.  There are definitely pros and cons to this organization.

Being African-American I am unable to utilize their services but I appreciate what I read and am happy to pass along the information.  This research venture has inspired me to take a closer look at investment opportunities.  Looking for the obvious and not branching out could cause me to miss out on some very lucrative opportunities for my business.

http://www.firstnations.org/