Established in 2011 as Bii Gii Wiin Community Development Loan Fund, Mni Sota Fund has continually worked to support the economic self-determination of Indigenous peoples in Mni Sota Makoce – the Land Where the Water Reflects the Clouds – and known today as Minnesota. Based in the Twin Cities, we support programs focused on small business development, commercial and consumer lending, and financial wellness. Our focus is on the development of holistic wealth-building that encompasses physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. 

OUR MISSION

We build Indigenous wealth throughout Mni Sota Makoce

OUR VISION

We envision flourishing and sustainable Indigenous economies that emerge from a foundation of self-determination and justice.

OUR VALUES

  • Integrity

    We believe that transparency and integrity are essential for fostering community trust and collaboration.

  • Creativity

    We believe that creativity is the pathway to systems change and a catalyst for hope.

  • Leadership

    We believe that nurturing leadership in all of its forms is integral to community self-determination.

  • Growth

    We believe that growth and learning are fundamental to passing down intergenerational knowledge, practices, and ways of life.

Our History

We were founded in 2012, as a spin off from the American Indian Community Development Corporation. We were created in response to community conversations that identified homeownership education, credit improvement resources, and entrepreneurial training as key tools that had been missing from the Native community development ecosystem in the Twin Cities.

Over the years we have served hundreds of tribal members and descendants from dozens of tribes. Among our many tremendous partners, we work closely with organizations including Oweesta, Northwest Area Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, Neighborhood Development Center, Nexus Community Partners, Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency, Minnesota Home Ownership Center, and the CDFI Fund.

Mni Sota Fund’s name was Bii Gii Wiin Community Development Loan Fund from 2012–2020.

A Native CDFI

Mni Sota Fund is a Certified Native CDFI.

A Native Community Development Financial Institution, or a Native CDFI, is a designation from the US Treasury Department for lending institution that focus their work on building vibrant Native communities. More specifically, Native CDFIs exist to ensure capital and financial education reach our communities. Our loans are paired with coaching, education, and other support services in order to ensure that our borrowers are set up for success.