5 Things You Need to Know this Week

Pushing forward tribal economic development in the time of COVID-19.

1. CONFERENCE:

2020 FALL FINANCE & TRIBAL ECONOMIES CONFERENCE UPDATE

We know many of you appreciate the valuable networking and excellent education provided at NAFOA’s conferences.  With the many changes and restrictions in our world now due to COVID-19, we are in the process of figuring out the best and safest way ahead for our Fall Conference.  We hope to have registration open at the end of the month.  In the meantime, check our conference site for updates.

2. POLICY:
D.C. DISTRICT COURT DENIES TRIBAL BID, REMAINING CRF DISTRIBUTIONS TO BEGIN

Late last week, the D.C. district court rejected the case brought forth by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation seeking to delay the release of the remaining $3.2 billion (40%) in tribal allocations within the Coronavirus Relief Fund for states, local, and tribal governments found in the CARES Act passed last March.

The Court rejected the bid claiming a lack of jurisdiction to determine the appropriateness of Treasury’s formula or the manner in which Treasury underwent Consultation with tribal governments. The Court held that it was unfair to make tribal governments wait any longer for the relief funding that was supposed to be distributed within 30 days of enactment of the law (April 26). 

The opinion states that the Treasury anticipates making distributions to tribes from the remaining 40% of the Coronavirus Relief Fund as early as Friday (6/12) and no later than Monday (6/15). 

Read NAFOA’s broadcast about the DC District Court Opinion.

3.  OPPORTUNITIES:
INDIAN ENERGY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY (TEDC) GRANTS

Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Tara Mac Lean Sweeney announced today that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) is soliciting applications for the Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) grant program.

TEDC will fund approximately 15 grants, ranging in value from approximately $10,000 to $1,000,000 to federally recognized American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages and entities, and tribal energy resource development organizations to fund feasibility studies for the managerial, technical, and institutional capacity to develop energy resources and account for the resulting energy production and revenues.

IEED’s solicitation for TEDC funding and details on how to apply can be found in the Federal Register and at Grants.Gov.

TEDC is a competitive, discretionary program.  To qualify for funding, applicants must submit a proposal and a supporting tribal resolution to IEED no later than August 24, 2020, using the standard Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 and the Project Narrative Attachment Form, both of which can be found at www.grants.gov.

4.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
20% OFF NAFOA ORANGE BOOK

The Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (Orange Book) is on sale for 20% off during the month of June. 

The NAFOA Orange Book addresses the complex economic activity and related entity differences of tribal settings. It also presents an overview of the financial reporting framework in a tribal setting. The Orange Book includes ten chapters covering the unique operating environment of tribal governments from financial reporting with business activities to fiduciary activities to federal tax and information reporting. 

The cost of this book is an allowable charge to your federal grants and subgrants. Order online or download and fill out an order form.

5. JOBS:
NICWA SEEKS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The development director for the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) leads the overall fundraising and membership relations efforts including, but not limited to, personal gift solicitation, corporate and foundation programming, annual fund development, membership relations, tribal solicitations, fundraising event activities, and development communications. The development director works closely with key organizational partners including the management team, board of directors, and board of trustees in building a culture of philanthropy across the organization and NICWA’s stakeholders. Learn more and apply.