2024 Bush Prize: Minnesota Winners

Mni Sota Fund

Mni Sota Fund is a Native-led Community Development Financial Institution committed to building Indigenous economic sovereignty. They provide financial tools and resources to empower Native communities, foster self-determination and create a sustainable future for all.

Mni Sota Fund has a strong track record of innovation. To address the barriers to homeownership faced by Native families in Minnesota, they launched the Mni Sota Mortgage Company — a groundbreaking initiative that provides culturally relevant and accessible mortgage solutions and contributes to an increase in the local Native homeownership rate. Mni Sota Fund also supports Native artists and entrepreneurs through the Ozhigin Fellowship, which focuses on arts-based cohorts, mentorship and loan readiness. This tailored approach has boosted business establishment, growth and collaboration within the Native arts community.