Lakota Funds provides tribal members with vital pathways to build their assets and achieve financial security. From financial literacy training to matched savings accounts, our team can provide you with the resources and knowledge to transform your financial life and contribute to a thriving reservation economy.

Personal & Business Finance Coaching

The Lakota Funds team offers individual coaching group training courses to help community members take steps toward financial health. Our financial literacy classes address key topics in personal finance, from understanding credit scores and basic budgeting to saving and investing. 

For community members interested in starting a business, we also provide courses that walk through the process of developing and launching a business plan. 

  • Financial Literacy

  • Business Planning

  • Homebuyers Education by Pathways Home

Homeownership Support

Investing in a home is a powerful way to build your family’s assets for generations to come. For over 10 years, Lakota Funds has helped tribal members prepare to take steps toward home ownership.

Working with our partners at the Lakota Federal Credit Union, our team creates one-stop opportunities for community members to tap into a full range of homeownership services, from financial education to home loans. 

  • Homebuyer education: Lakota Funds offers homebuyer classes twice each month in two different communities on the reservation. 

  • Down payment assistance: We connect community members with support through the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition. 

  • Mortgage support services: Working with the Lakota Federal Credit Union, we pair community members with resources to obtain a mortgage.

Matched Savings Accounts 

A savings mindset is a fundamental part of achieving financial security. At Lakota Funds, we support tribal members in increasing their savings, opening pathways toward buying a home, opening a business, advancing their education, and much more. 

How it works:

  • Eligible community members who create Match Saving Accounts with Lakota Funds make minimum monthly deposits of $25 at least six months and up to two years, and Lakota Funds deposits $2 for every $1 a participant deposits. Participants must attend monthly trainings on managing their savings and achieving financial goals

  • Interested in starting a Matched Savings Account?

Navigating our tax system can get complicated. Lakota Funds offers free tax preparation support–so that every community member can accurately file and get the maximum refund possible. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Top 10 reasons to access free tax support!

  • Save money. VITA is FREE. The average cost for commercial tax preparation is $250.

  • Peace of mind. Our VITA site is staffed with IRS-certified tax preparers who have years of experience.

  • Claim ALL your credits. We’ll make sure you get all of the tax credits you are eligible for.

  • File faster. Our VITA site offers e-file so your refund is processed quicker.

  • No refund fees. You’ll avoid rapid refund fees because we’ll help you e-file.

  • Zero interest. By e-filing, you won’t have to pay interest charges.

  • Maximum refund. Without any extra fees and with all of your credits, you’ll get the maximum refund you are entitled to.

  • Full access to your money. With e-file, your refund is deposited directly into your account, which means no hassle of dealing with check cashing.

  • Less travel. Our VITA site rotates locations throughout the Reservation to bring services to you.

  • Knowledge is power. We can offer suggestions on how you can make the most of your refund.