Traditionally Native communities have been marginalized and mistreated by government institutions, creating a lack of trust in colonial financial systems. By launching an in-house mortgage company, Mni Sota Fund has built trust and continuity with their clients, specifically in their home-buying process. It has also helped the institution generate revenue, which can be poured back into their services.

“Before when our clients were looking for a mortgage lender outside of us, we were no longer in control of helping them to understand the process,” said Executive Director Kit Fordham. “Now that we can do that in house, we can build that trust and see that through to the very end.”

Mni Sota Fund is a Community Development Financial Institutions fund (CDFI). It is one of three accredited Native CDFIs in the state and the only one serving Minnesota’s urban Native community in the Twin Cities.

“For us, home ownership solves both a housing issue and a prosperity issue,” Rory said. “We see ourselves as a bridge getting people from the current context to one where they can build power through asset ownership.”

In addition to homeownership education, Mni Sota Fund also supports Native artists and entrepreneurs through the Ozhigin Fellowship, which focuses on arts-based cohorts, mentorship and loan readiness. This tailored approach has boosted business establishment, growth and collaboration within the Native arts community.