What is the thriving wage on Cheyenne River?
June 11, 2024 Data Study Determines Thriving Wage for Cheyenne River Last year, through a collaboration with The Opportunity Project, Four Bands Community Fund commenced a thriving wage research project. The goal of the project was to gain a better understanding of the level of financial resources required for local residents – not only to
Announcing New Office Hours
May 21, 2024 Please take note of our new office hours! Beginning May 28, 2024, our staff will be available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to respond to client needs. We welcome walk-ins, appointments, phone calls, and emails during these new hours.
2024 Mortgage Lending Announcement
April 15, 2024 Four Bands Announces Mortgage Lending for 2024 Four Bands Community Fund is pleased to announce the opening of our 2024 mortgage application season. This year, through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we plan on deploying approximately 15-20 USDA Section 502 mortgage loans. The Section 502 loan product is
Let’s welcome Kelli Laurenz!
March 11, 2024 Let’s welcome Kelli Laurenz! She has joined our team as the Home Mortgage Navigator. Four Bands is pleased to announce that Kelli Laurenz (Cheyenne River) has filled a new position within our organization, the Home Mortgage Navigator. This position was created to fill the wide range of service needs among our homeownership
Four Bands Launches Project to Strengthen Local Food Systems
December 15, 2023 Four Bands Launches Project to Strengthen Local Food Systems With funding support from the Native American Agriculture Fund, Four Bands is launching a project, titled “Increasing Market Access for Cheyenne River Producers. “This project is all about leveraging our existing farmers market in Eagle Butte to increase connections between our local ag
Four Bands to Sunset Tax Preparation Program
October 16, 2023 Four Bands to Sunset Tax Preparation Program Almost 20 years ago, Four Bands became a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site and began helping our community members file their tax returns free of charge. In 2005, we helped 23 people claim their maximum refunds, which resulted in about $50,000 more dollars circulating
Brand Announcement
June 6, 2023 Fresh New Look, Still “The Place to Grow” Greetings! Four Bands is pleased to share our new brand with you. These newly developed components – logo, color palette, mission, vision, and guiding principles – represent the evolution of our organization and will lead us into the future as we continue to grow
Introducing Chaylyn Birkeland!
May 26, 2023 Introducing Chaylyn Birkeland! Four Bands is glad to welcome Chaylyn Birkeland (Cheyenne River Sioux) to our team. As Loan Administrator, Chaylyn is often times the first point of contact for our clients. She is responsible for assessing client needs and connecting them with the right program departments that will support their goals.
Welcoming Tommy Robinson!
April 24, 2023 Welcoming Tommy Robinson! Four Bands is pleased to announce that Tommy Robinson (Northern Cheyenne) has joined our team as the Regional Revolving Loan Fund Manager. This is a new position within our organization that has been born out of the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better award to the Mountain | Plains
Meet Our Newest Team Member
September 20, 2022 Welcome Shalyn! As Director of Operations, Shalyn Hawley plays a critical role in Four Bands’ systems, processes, and organizational culture. Shalyn brings over 14 years of experience working in the nonprofit and humanities field to Four Bands. Prior to joining our team, she served as the Deputy Finance Officer for the City
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Approximately $45 Million to Grow the Indigenous Finance Sector in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming Through American Rescue Plan Regional Challenge
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Approximately $45 Million to Grow the Indigenous Finance Sector in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming Through American Rescue Plan Regional Challenge September 02, 2022 President Biden announced the Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition as one of 21 winners of the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the
Making Money Matter During Tax Season
Our tax preparation service brought $2M to Cheyenne River households! June 30, 2022 Every year Four Bands operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site where we help people file their income tax returns free of charge. An important part of this work is making sure they claim all of the tax credits they can,
Four Bands Named as Bush Foundation Grant Making Partner
April 19, 2022 Announcing the Bush Foundation’s partnership with the Good Relatives Collaborative In a commitment to sharing power by providing grants through community-rooted partners, Bush Foundation announced the Good Relatives Collaborative that will design and operate a community-based grant program serving the Native nations and communities across their region. The Good Relatives Collaborative —
Mark Shupick Retires After Nearly 20 Years of Helping Entrepreneurs
Supporting Entrepreneurial Growth & Development on Cheyenne River for 20 Years March 31, 2022 In 2002, Mark Shupick was hired on as Four Bands Community Fund’s Enterprise Manager where he managed the gift shop in the old depot at the end of Main Street. Since then, he has served in several positions within the
Request for Proposal – Regional Competitiveness Officer
January 18, 2022 Seeking Proposals for Regional Competitiveness Officer Four Bands Community Fund, Inc. is requesting proposals for the role of Regional Competitiveness Officer from consulting firms that possess the ability to perform successfully under the conditions outlined in “Services to be performed” below. We invite your firm to submit a proposal for the fulfillment
Vogel Advocates for More Federal Support of Community Loan Funds
Our Executive Director, Lakota Vogel, testified on January 5, 2022 before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. Lakota was one of three witnesses to testify in the hearing titled, “Exploring How Community Development Financial Institutions Support Underserved Communities.” The hearing followed the introduction of a new bill to help expand
A Tribute to Cora Mae Haskell
Inspiring Entrepreneurs & Teaching the Ways of Responsible Financial Management December 10, 2021 Cora Mae Haskell started her career in the education field by teaching high school for 11 years and then spent another 12 years at the college level. After a successful teaching career, she changed professions, but always remained an
Collaboration with Tribe to Expand Capital Access
State Small Business Credit Initiative July 16, 2021 As part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) has been resurrected with some new guidelines that will benefit Native communities. In the past, this program channeled federal dollars through state-run loan programs to small businesses. But
Providing Economic Relief Through the Pandemic
Supporting Ag Producers, Small Business Owners, and Families July 15, 2021 As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Four Bands pivoted our operations to focus on recovery and resiliency. Many of the ag producers, small business owners, and families we work with struggled through the economic shutdown. But, they all made it through! We leveraged partnerships with
Introducing Our Three New Staff Members!
Join us in welcoming our new team members July 1, 2021 Tori Chasing Hawk In her position as Loan Administrator, Tori is often times the first point of contact for our clients, providing program information to those who make inquiries. Tori serves as the main interface for clients who are in the process of accessing
Making Money Matter During Tax Season
Our tax preparation service brought $3.5M to Cheyenne River households! June 30, 2021 Every year Four Bands operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site where we help people file their income tax returns free of charge. With a new touchless system to ensure everyone’s health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, several staff and
Four Bands Featured in USDA Resource Guide
USDA launches resource guide to help America’s rural workforce build back better. June 10, 2021 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson unveiled a resource guide to help rural community leaders start and expand employment opportunities and access resources to train, recruit, and create a sustainable rural workforce.
Four Bands Becomes Approved Lender for Farm Service Agency Guarantee Program
New FSA Guaranteed Lender Status will support increased capital needs of Native farmers and ranchers. March 5, 2021 Four Bands Community Fund is pleased to announce we have been approved as a lender in USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Guaranteed Farm Loan Program. With this new designation, we will have the ability to deploy agriculture
We’re Hiring!
Seeking Qualified Applicants for Two Open Positions March 2, 2021 Four Bands is excited to announce that we’re hiring for two positions – a Business Loan Officer and a Loan Administrator. Both positions will play critical roles within our organization to create access to capital on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and for tribal members
Lakota Vogel to Share How Four Bands is Creating Economic Inclusion During Tax Season
Webinar: Increasing the Number of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites, Account Access, and Economic Inclusion in South Dakota On February 24, 2021 at 1:00pm Mountain Time, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will host a webinar to discuss economic inclusion, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, and the
Alissa Benoist to Present on Financial Sovereignty at Black Hills State University
Part of the American Indian Studies Speaker Series February 23, 2021 Alissa Benoist, Four Bands’ Program Coordinator, will be discussing the topic of financial sovereignty as part of Black Hills State University’s Center for American Indian Studies Speaker Series. The virtual presentation will take place on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 12:30pm Mountain Time. Those
Free Tax Preparation Services Offered
Same great service offered in a new way this year! January 25, 2021 Four Bands Community Fund will be offering our annual free tax preparation services from February 1st through April 15th. To keep staff and community members safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these services will be offered through a drop-off system this
Twenty Homebuyers to Receive Down Payment Assistance
New funds to make homeownership affordable for more families! December 17, 2020 Four Bands Community Fund received a $114,000 Housing Opportunity Fund award from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA). The award was part of $12 million awarded for affordable housing across the state. We will use the award to provide down payment assistance
Four Bands Community Fund Welcomes New Board Members
December 7, 2020 Four Bands Community Fund recently seated three new members to our Board of Directors, including: Noorie Brantmeier (Arapaho and Saponi), a partner at Seven Sisters Community Development Group and Associate Professor at James Madison University. Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, Managing Director, North America / Global Strategic Partnerships Lead, Global Resilient Cities Network and
Small Businesses Matter!
Small businesses create jobs, generate income, and support our community. Behind every small business is a family that is passionate about their line of work and cares about making our community a better place. Although many of our small business owners work well beyond 40 hours per week, most bring home only modest incomes.
Four Bands Among 30 Organizations to Receive Funding from Citi Foundation
Funds Directed to Organizations Serving Small Businesses Owned by People of Color and Households Most Impacted by COVID-19 November 20, 2020 The Citi Foundation today named 30 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that will collectively receive $15 million to support their efforts to provide small businesses with the vital resources needed to sustain their
Making Money Matter During Tax Season
This tax season, we helped our community members save $144,000 in commercial tax preparation fees! November 19, 2020 Every year Four Bands operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site where we help people file their income tax returns free of charge. An important part of this work is making sure they claim all of
Four Bands to Provide Assistance to SD CARES Housing Assistance Program Applicants
We’re here to help! October 23, 2020 If you have been financially impacted due to COVID-19, the SD CARES Housing Assistance Program (SDCHAP) may provide temporary rental, mortgage, or utility assistance for South Dakota residents who: Owe past-due rent or utilities because they have experienced a particular loss due to COVID-19; Have incomes at or
Assistance Offered to Help Claim Stimulus Payments
Many have experienced delays or difficulty in accessing financial relief. September 18, 2020 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that approximately nine million people have not yet received their stimulus payments, officially known as Economic Impact Payments. Implemented as part of the CARES Act to help offset the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Introducing the Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition
Spanning North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, The Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition is comprised of a group of Native-led community loan funds, also known as Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs), that create economic opportunities for tribal members. Organizations participating in the Coalition include Akiptan, Black Hills Community Loan Fund, Four
Ubetcha Wateca Celebrates First Anniversary
Shari Ducheneaux Commits to Success Despite Pandemic-Induced Downturn June 9, 2020 In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ubetcha Wateca celebrated one year at their new location in the Four Bands Business Incubator. Prior to moving into their first brick and mortar space, Ubetcha Wateca operated in a food truck for four years. “It has
First Interstate Bank donates $70,000 to Native Community Development Financial Institutions.
During a health crisis, the underserved and those facing financial obstacles are often hit the hardest. For this reason, First Interstate and its Foundation have worked to proactively provide support in the form of donation dollars to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across our footprint. CDFIs provide affordable financing to underserved areas, primarily in minority
COVID-19 Response Plan
Office Access Restrictions March 19, 2020 With our community and relatives being the focus of our concerns, we are modifying our operations to offer as much continuity, security, and safety as possible. Effective at 5 pm Friday, March 20, 2020, and until further notice, Four Bands will be closed to the public. All of our
Alissa Benoist Selected for Leadership Group for MIT’s 2019 Indigenous Communities Fellowship
Alissa Benoist Selected for Leadership Group for MIT’s 2019 Indigenous Communities Fellowship April 2, 2019 Four Bands Community Fund is pleased to announce that our Program Coordinator, Alissa Benoist, has been chosen to be a part of the Leadership Group for Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Solve’s 2019 Indigenous Communities Fellowship. The Leadership Group was
We’re Joining 53 Counties on South Dakota Day of Giving!
Giving Tuesday (also known as #GivingTuesday on social media) has become a well-known global day of giving that is celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Following the widely recognized shopping events, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is meant to inspire generosity during the holiday season. And, many nonprofits leverage the day to boost donations.
Lakota Vogel Receives 2018 Native American 40 Under 40 Award
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center) announced its 2018 class of “Native American 40 Under 40” award recipients today. Nominated by members of their communities, this prestigious award is bestowed to individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication and have made significant contributions in
USDA Rural Development Meets with Four Bands about Mortgage Lending Pilot
The US Department of Agriculture’s Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Anne Hazlett visited the Pine Ridge Reservation to meet with Four Bands Community Fund, Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial, and other regional partners to discuss the launch of a pilot program to increase homeownership opportunities on tribal lands. Through the 502 Relending Pilot, USDA
Four Bands to Participate in USDA Pilot Program to Increase Homeownership Opportunities
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the launch of a new pilot program that will increase access to their home loan products on tribal lands. As a participant in the pilot, we will receive an $800,000 loan and contribute another $200,000 to expand our homeownership program. “This is great news! We are looking forward
Cora Mae Haskell Named Financial Literacy All-Star
Congratulations Cora Mae! April 10, 0218 We’d like to congratulate our Asset Development Coordinator, Cora Mae Haskell, for being named a Financial Literacy All-Star by First Nations Development Institute! During April as National Financial Literacy Month, First Nations is taking the time to highlight the great work of financial literacy heroes. We are honored that
Four Bands Featured by Northwest Area Foundation
Take a look at our profile published by Northwest Area Foundation! December 20, 2017 Four Bands is pleased to be featured by the Northwest Area Foundation as part of their initiative to lift up the great work of Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Our profile explains our theory of change, how entrepreneurs are paving
Four Bands to Launch Home Renovation Lending Program
$941,333 Grant Award Will Support Homeowners and Entrepreneurs October 2, 2017 Four Bands has received a $941,333 grant award from the US Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. In addition to supporting our micro, small business, and consumer loan programs, we will use the award to launch a new home renovation loan product. “This
Alissa Benoist Named Native Nations Rebuilder
Congratulations Alissa! September 27, 2017 We’d like to congratulate our Program Coordinator, Alissa Benoist, for being one of the 25 individuals chosen for the 9th Cohort of Native Nation Rebuilders! Over the next year Alissa will convene with other Rebuilders for four structured sessions during which she will develop an action plan to share knowledge
Foundation Annual Report Highlights Native CDFIs
Native Community Loan Funds Are Engines of Change! August 18, 2017 The Northwest Area Foundation, our dedicated partner and funder, just released their 2017 Annual Report. This year, they are shining a light on Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) – organizations like Four Bands. We encourage you to take a moment to look at
2017 Cheyenne River Visitors Guide
Download your copy today! July 25, 2017 We are pleased to announce the 2017 Cheyenne River Visitors Guide is out and ready for your viewing pleasure. Four Bands publishes the visitors guide each year to support tourism as an economic driver on Cheyenne River. The guide provides an overview of attractions, and is complete with
Four Bands Hosts Visitors from Washington DC
US Treasury and National Organization Experience Cheyenne River Entrepreneurship July 19, 2017 Four Bands was excited to host guests, Annie Donovan, CDFI Fund Director, Clint Hastings, CDFI Fund Program Manager, and Tanya Fiddler, Executive Director of the Native CDFI Network, during a site visit. This was a unique opportunity to demonstrate to our industry’s national
New Funding Moves Incubator Project Forward
Four Bands Receives Grant Funding for Business Incubator June 15, 2017 We are pleased to announce that we have received two funding awards totaling $670,000 that will move the development and construction of a business incubator in Eagle Butte forward. Four Bands was one of 55 organizations across the nation that received a $500,000 award
Bush Foundation Case Study
Bush Prize for Community Innovation: Case Study on Four Bands March 1, 2017 As an awardee of the Bush Prize for Community Innovation, the Bush Foundation wrote a case study on our organization highlighting our successful and innovative strategies.
Four Bands Expands Team
Four Bands Expands Team for Renewed Focus on Youth September 20, 2016 Four Bands recently added two new staff members to support our renewed focus on delivering programs designed to increase financial capability and entrepreneurial skills of the youth population on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Alissa Benoist (Cheyenne River Sioux), selected as Four Bands’
[VIDEO] Unlocking Investment in Rural America
Unlocking Investment in Rural America August 18, 2016 Four Bands was featured in a video produced by USDA and the Corporation for Enterprise Development that highlights the need for a collaboration like Uplift America and the unique role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs – like us) in improving rural communities.
$1.5 Million Invested
Four Bands Invests in South Dakota’s Native-Owned Businesses May 2, 2016 Four Bands is celebrating a milestone as we reach a total of $1.5 million in loans deployed to support over 60 Native American-owned small business start-ups and expansions throughout the state. We expanded our target market two years ago to serve all tribal members residing
Four Bands Accepts Award
Four Bands Receives Small Business Empowerment Award at RES Las Vegas March 22, 2016 Four Bands and a Navajo woman entrepreneur whose company just celebrated 20 years of serving Indian country, received much-deserved awards at the Business to Business Collaboration Luncheon on day one of the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Las Vegas, March 21-24. The
New Initiative Designed to Attract $2M
Four Bands Launches “Opportunity Finance for Native Markets” February 9, 2016 Four Bands has announced the launch of an initiative called Opportunity Finance for Native Markets. The initiative, funded by a $51,000 grant from the Citi Foundation, is designed to attract $2 million in new sources of capital and support private sector growth on the
[VIDEO] 3rd Annual Art in the Park
Successfully Promoting Art & Tourism on Cheyenne River July 28, 2015 Art in the Park is an annual event that offers a full day of all-ages fun and entertainment for the Cheyenne River Reservation community as well as visitors. Our 3rd Annual Art in the Park featured over 75 vendors who showcased a variety of
$1.3 Million in Tax Refunds
Four Bands Finishes a Strong Financial Capability Month by Helping Local Residents Receive $1.3 Million in Tax Refunds April 30, 2015 Residents of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation kept an estimated $130,000 more cash in their pockets through a free tax service provided by our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. We have promoted financial
Financial Institutions Collaborate
Four Bands Participates in Collaboration to Maximize Financial Capability During Land Consolidation Phase of Cobell Settlement April 8, 2015 On the morning of April 3, 2015 a group of seven financial institutions and the Department of Interior gathered in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to strategize on the anticipated influx of cash onto the Cheyenne River
[VIDEO] Four Bands Featured in Bush Foundation Film
Four Bands Featured in Video as Bush Prize for Community Innovation Awardee April 7, 2014 We were featured in a short film showcasing our innovative strategies in financial education, including our Making Waves program. Four Bands is humbled and grateful to have been selected for this award. We believe it speaks to the innovation and
[VIDEO] Building a Sustainable Future
Building a Sustainable Future on Cheyenne River December 19, 2013 In late 2013, Four Bands had the opportunity to showcase five of our local business owners and how they are making a difference in our reservation community. Watch this short video to find out what these entrepreneurs are doing today to change tomorrow’s economy. This