This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the Native veterans who have served and died fighting for the United States of America. Photo courtesy NAFOA

5 Things You Need to Know this Week

Expanding opportunities for Indian Country and individuals.

1.  POLICY:
INDIAN COUNTRY INCLUDED IN OCC COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT MODERNIZATION FINAL RULE

On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) announced the release of their Final Rule to modernize the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) with an increased focus on promoting capital and investment in Indian Country.

These updated regulations are historic for Indian Country in a few key ways. They provide tribal governments parity with other governments to determine the financial needs of their respective communities. They also encourage innovative partnerships between Indian Country and financial institutions to support community revitalization and development.

2.  COVID-19 UPDATES:
DEADLINE TODAY: GUIDANCE TO TRIBES FOR COMPLETING SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUNDS

Last week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury hosted a forum with NAFOA and NCAI to discuss the recently published Guidance to Tribes for Completing Supplemental Request for Information. The guidance provided a framework for the additional data collection for the distribution of the remainder of the CRF.

Access to the electronic form has been provided to tribal entities that need to submit supplemental information.  Electronic submissions will be accepted through 11:59 pm Alaska Daylight Time Today, Tuesday, May 26 2020. For more information, visit the Treasury CARES website.

3. OPPORTUNITIES:

USDA TO PROVIDE $1 BILLION IN LOAN GUARANTEES FOR RURAL BUSINESSES AND AG PRODUCERS

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the Department is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

USDA is developing application guides for lenders and borrowers on the B&I CARES Act Program. The Agency also will host two webinars to provide an overview of program requirements. The first will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by another webinar on Wednesday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

4. FOR STUDENTS:
AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND FULL CIRCLE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 31

The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools. The College Fund will be hosting a Q&A Webinar about the scholarships on Thursday, May 28 at 5 pm MDT. The deadline to apply for a Full Circle scholarship is May 31.

5. JOBS:
AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE CENTER SEEKS CONTROLLER

The Controller protects the assets of the AIGC, by establishing financial policies, procedures, controls and reporting systems. Master’s Degree and CPA certification preferred. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, plus ten years of progressive work experience in controlling centralized accounting activities, for multiple fund programs and/or accounts; or equivalent combination of education and experience required. MIP experience preferred. Learn more and apply.