Expanding Native Opportunity: Native IDA Initiative is a series of seven regional training institutes in 2006 and 2007, including trainings in Hawaii and Alaska, presented by the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), First Nations Development Institute (FNDI), and the Oweesta Corporation (Oweesta). The Native IDA Initiative combines a three-day training institute with customized technical assistance to help Native organizations start-up, implement, and sustain Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) in their community.IDAs are matched savings accounts used for investing in personal asset building such as homeownership, postsecondary education, or business development. IDAs are an innovative strategy that can help Native people access financial education and capital, save, and build assets.

In 2007, the Native IDA Initiative will offer three regional training institutes to help Native organizations start-up, implement, and sustain IDAs in their communities. Participants in the institute receive three days of expert training and also will have access to free, customized follow-up technical assistance to help implement IDAs in their communities.

The cost for the trainings is only $25.00 per participant. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging costs. Preference will be given to CDFIs, tribes, or groups in the region where the training is being held, to promote networking and collaboration.

Please contact Emily Appel at CFED, 202.408.9788 ext 155 or eappel@cfed.org if your CDFI, tribe, or group is interested in being on the mailing list for the Native IDA Initiative or with questions about the application. For further information about the Native IDA Initiative and training institutes, please contact Kim Pate at CFED, 202.208.9788 ext 134.Click here to visit the Native IDA Training Initiative homepage:Native IDA Training Initiative.