Local non-profit gains two federal grants

The Northwest Native Development Fund, a non-profit organization located at the tribal Indian agency, received two grants this past week.

Ted Piccolo reported that the NNDF received a $300,000 grant from the United States Treasury for its revolving loan fund, and $44,540 from the Department of Agriculture to help develop a regional native business network with a “buy local” component.

The NNDF performs a variety of services to both tribal and non-tribal individuals.

The organization makes small business loans, conducts family budget workshops and even helps prepare tax returns.  Piccolo stated that his organization prepared over 160 returns for the last tax year.

The NNDF has four employees and plans to open a Coulee Dam office soon.

Under the USDA grant, the regional native business network will promote and support Native American businesses in the region,

“This assistance will provide much needed technical support and access to capital for rual small businesses in Washington State,” said Tuana Jones, USFAS Rural Development Business Program Director.

The forum at the White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building, is the second such regional development meeting held, and where the grant to NNDF was announced.

There were 186 projects selected during the Washington D,C, meeting.