Our Guiding Principle:
We believe that when armed with the appropriate resources, Native Peoples hold the capacity and ingenuity to ensure the sustainable, economic, spiritual and cultural well-being of their communities.

Our Mission:
Our mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We invest in and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.

With the support of individuals, foundations, corporate and tribal donors, First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance & training, advocacy & policy, and direct financial grants in five key areas:

• Financial & Investor Education
• Combating Predatory Lending
• Native American Business & Asset Development
• Strengthening Native American Nonprofits
• Native Foods & Health

From 1994 through 2012, First Nations Development Institute has provided more than $18.9 million in financial grant support to 814 Native American programs, projects and initiatives in 36 states.