The Wells Fargo Foundation has announced that it will be granting nearly $11 million to 28 organizations across six states through its Invest Native program. This initiative is part of a $20 million philanthropic effort aimed at enhancing housing access, small business growth, and sustainability in Native communities. The program is designed to benefit Native communities in Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

The Invest Native program is an extension of Wells Fargo's previous commitment to addressing the unique economic, social, and environmental needs of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The company had previously pledged $50 million over five years, which was completed in 2022.

Among the grants awarded, Arizona received grants for five recipients, Montana for six, New Mexico for eight, North Dakota for two, South Dakota for six, and Wyoming for one. Four Native-led coalitions also received a total of $4.8 million to support their programs. These initiatives focus on addressing housing challenges and supporting small business growth. Organizations such as the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition, Tribal Homeownership Coalition of the Southwest, and Montana Native Homeownership Coalition were among the recipients. The Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition will use its grant to support small business growth.

Otis Rolley, the president of the Wells Fargo Foundation, expressed the company's commitment to empowering Native-led organizations and building resilient communities for future generations. Rolley stated, "We are excited to announce this latest round of grant-making as part of our long-term commitment to helping Native communities build economic stability and independence."

To enhance the effectiveness of the Invest Native program, Wells Fargo is collaborating with Enterprise Community Partners and their Tribal Nations team. This collaboration will provide strategic guidance, training, technical assistance, program evaluation, and peer engagement.

Tonya Plummer, the director of Native American housing programs at Enterprise, expressed pride in continuing their work with Native communities and supporting Wells Fargo's efforts. Plummer said, "We're thrilled and encouraged to support Wells Fargo as they forge ahead in supporting collaborative, creative, resilient Native-led work."

The Invest Native program is intended to be a two-year effort, running through the end of 2024. It aims to address the economic, social, and environmental needs of Native communities and promote long-term sustainability.