Lakota Funds
  • P.O. Box 340 Kyle, South Dakota 57752 USA
  • (605) 455-2500
  • M-F 8:30am-4:30pm

Financial Institutions Partner to Increase Financial Capability and Assets

Lakota Funds and the Lakota Federal Credit Union announced the second year of the Increased Customer Access Partnership Program, which is designed to promote cross marketing between the two organizations in order to expand access to programs and services that support increased financial capability and asset building for individuals and families on the Pine Ridge Reservation. With a $65,000 grant award from Citi Foundation, the organizations will collaboratively reach approximately 600 people through the Program.

“After the pilot phase two years ago and the official launch last year, we are excited to continue this program on a larger scale. We have been able to help more people who are on the path to self-sufficiency through a stronger partnership and increased collaboration,” says Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director for Lakota Funds and Chairperson for the Lakota Federal Credit Union.

The majority of the grant award will be dedicated to providing direct assistance to those who want to build self-reliance into their family unit through entrepreneurship, asset building, and increased knowledge. This year’s Program will focus on connect clients in all nine Reservation districts with financial literacy and business planning classes, lending products, matched savings programs, and free tax preparation services.

Last year, the two organizations developed and implemented several cross-marketing strategies to provide a broader suite of products and services to Reservation residents. Brunsch explains, “For example, if a person does not meet the qualifications for a vehicle loan at Lakota Federal. The staff at Lakota Funds can provide credit coaching services to help them become loan ready.”

“Because of this program, staff members from each organization are working towards the same goals. The beneficiaries of those efforts are our people and our community. There really is greater power in partnerships,” says Brunsch.

BruceLeroy

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