Opportunity Information: Apply for CDFI 2021 NACA
The Fiscal Year 2021 NACA Program is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. It is part of the Native American CDFI Assistance Program, which is designed to strengthen the ability of Native-focused community development lenders to serve Native communities by expanding access to responsible financial products and services. The funding is intended to help organizations increase their lending and financial service capacity within their designated service areas, described in the notice as Eligible Markets and/or Target Markets, with a clear emphasis on Native communities.
This opportunity provides two main types of support. The first is Base Financial Assistance (Base-FA), with awards of up to $1,000,000 available to Certified, Native CDFIs. These awards are meant to build and expand an existing Native CDFI's financial capacity, in practical terms helping the institution grow its balance sheet, strengthen its lending operations, and increase the volume or reach of loans and related services delivered to its communities. The second type of support is Technical Assistance (TA), with grants of up to $150,000. TA funding is geared toward organizations that are not yet certified but are working toward becoming a Native CDFI, as well as entities that plan to create a Native CDFI. This typically supports foundational capacity-building work that can make an organization ready to launch, professionalize, or meet certification and compliance expectations.
The program is cataloged under Assistance Listing/CFDA number 21.012 and falls under the Community Development funding activity category. The funding instrument is a grant. The CDFI Fund expected to make about 45 awards under this funding round, indicating a competitive national process with multiple recipients rather than a single large awardee. The opportunity was posted on February 18, 2021, and the original application deadline was March 22, 2021, meaning applicants had a relatively short window to prepare and submit materials.
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with details clarified in the official Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) on the CDFI Fund website. In general terms, the Base-FA track is specifically for Certified, Native CDFIs, while the TA track is open to entities that either are Native CDFIs, intend to become certified as Native CDFIs, or intend to establish a Native CDFI. Anyone considering the opportunity would need to rely on the NOFA for the precise definitions of "Native CDFI," certification requirements, any matching or use-of-funds rules, and the required application components.
At a high level, the program is structured to support both mature and emerging institutions in the Native finance ecosystem. Base-FA is aimed at scaling lending capacity and deepening impact in Native markets, while TA is aimed at helping organizations build the operational, managerial, and technical foundation needed to either form a Native CDFI or reach a point where they can operate effectively and qualify for certification.Apply for CDFI 2021 NACA
- The US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2021 NACA Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 21.012.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 18, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 22, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 45 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Fiscal Year 2021 NACA Program (CDFI Fund) - Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the Fiscal Year 2021 NACA Program?
The Fiscal Year 2021 NACA Program is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. It is part of the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program, which is designed to strengthen Native-focused community development lenders so they can better serve Native communities with responsible financial products and services.
2) What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The main goal is to expand the capacity of Native-focused lenders to provide lending and financial services in Native communities. The program emphasizes increasing access to responsible financial products and services and strengthening organizations that serve defined service areas referenced as Eligible Markets and/or Target Markets.
3) Which federal agency is offering the grant?
The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, administered through the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund.
4) What program is this grant associated with?
This opportunity is part of the Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program).
5) What types of awards are available under this opportunity?
There are two main types of support:
- Base Financial Assistance (Base-FA) - for expanding the financial capacity of existing Certified, Native CDFIs.
- Technical Assistance (TA) - for organizations working toward Native CDFI certification or planning to create a Native CDFI.
6) What is Base Financial Assistance (Base-FA)?
Base-FA is an award track intended to build and expand an existing Native CDFI's financial capacity. In practical terms, it is meant to support growth in the institution's balance sheet, strengthen lending operations, and increase the volume or reach of loans and related services delivered in the communities it serves.
7) How much funding is available under Base-FA?
Base-FA awards are available up to $1,000,000.
8) Who is eligible to apply for Base-FA?
The Base-FA track is specifically for Certified, Native CDFIs. Applicants should consult the official Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for precise eligibility definitions and certification requirements.
9) What is Technical Assistance (TA) under this program?
Technical Assistance (TA) is a grant track intended for foundational capacity-building. It is geared toward organizations that are not yet certified but are working toward becoming a Native CDFI, as well as entities that plan to establish a Native CDFI.
10) How much funding is available under Technical Assistance (TA)?
TA grants are available up to $150,000.
11) Who is eligible to apply for TA funding?
TA is open to entities that either are Native CDFIs, intend to become certified as Native CDFIs, or intend to create a Native CDFI. Exact definitions and requirements are provided in the NOFA.
12) What kinds of activities does this program generally support?
Based on the description provided, the program supports:
- Expanding lending and financial service capacity in designated service areas (Eligible Markets and/or Target Markets).
- Scaling the operations and lending impact of existing Certified, Native CDFIs (Base-FA).
- Building operational, managerial, and technical foundations to launch, professionalize, or meet certification and compliance expectations (TA).
Specific allowable uses of funds, restrictions, and any matching requirements are defined in the NOFA.
13) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
14) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The program is listed under Assistance Listing/CFDA number 21.012.
15) What funding activity category does this opportunity fall under?
The opportunity falls under the Community Development funding activity category.
16) How many awards were expected to be made?
The CDFI Fund expected to make approximately 45 awards under this funding round, indicating a competitive process with multiple recipients.
17) When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on February 18, 2021.
18) What was the application deadline?
The original application deadline was March 22, 2021.
19) How much time did applicants have to apply after posting?
From the posted date (February 18, 2021) to the deadline (March 22, 2021), applicants had a relatively short window to prepare and submit application materials.
20) What does the eligibility category "Others" mean here?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" in the summary, with details clarified in the official Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). In general terms, Base-FA is for Certified, Native CDFIs, while TA is for organizations pursuing certification or planning to form a Native CDFI. For exact eligibility definitions, applicants must rely on the NOFA.
21) What are "Eligible Markets" and "Target Markets" in this context?
The notice describes designated service areas using the terms Eligible Markets and/or Target Markets, with a clear emphasis on Native communities. The detailed definitions and how applicants must describe or document them are provided in the NOFA.
22) Is this funding intended only for organizations already certified as Native CDFIs?
No. While Base-FA is specifically for Certified, Native CDFIs, the TA track is aimed at organizations that are not yet certified but are working toward certification or that plan to create a Native CDFI.
23) How does Base-FA differ from TA in terms of purpose?
Base-FA is aimed at scaling and deepening lending capacity for an existing, certified Native CDFI. TA is aimed at building the underlying operational and technical capacity needed to launch, professionalize, or reach certification readiness for a Native CDFI.
24) Where can applicants find the precise rules, definitions, and required application components?
Applicants should consult the official Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) published on the CDFI Fund website. The NOFA provides the precise definitions (including "Native CDFI"), certification requirements, and application requirements.
25) What key details are specifically noted as being defined in the NOFA?
The summary indicates that applicants should use the NOFA for precise information including:
- Definitions of "Native CDFI" and related terms
- Certification requirements
- Any matching requirements (if applicable)
- Use-of-funds rules
- Required application components
26) Is this a competitive national funding opportunity?
Yes. The CDFI Fund expected to make about 45 awards, which suggests a competitive process with multiple awardees across the country rather than a single recipient.
27) What kinds of organizations is the program structured to support?
At a high level, the program is structured to support both:
- Mature institutions (existing Certified, Native CDFIs) through Base-FA.
- Emerging institutions (entities working toward certification or planning to establish a Native CDFI) through TA.
28) What is meant by "responsible financial products and services" in the program description?
The program description emphasizes expanding access to responsible financial products and services in Native communities. The specific products, services, and compliance expectations tied to this concept are not detailed in the summary and should be confirmed through the NOFA.
29) Does the summary indicate whether matching funds are required?
The summary does not confirm whether matching funds are required. It notes that applicants should rely on the NOFA for any matching requirements and use-of-funds rules.
30) Does the summary provide a definitive list of allowable uses of funds?
No. The summary describes general intent (capacity building, scaling lending, and strengthening operational readiness), but it states that applicants should refer to the NOFA for the specific allowable uses of funds and requirements.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development
Next opportunity: Enhancing the National Government's Coordination of the National HIV Program to Ensure Sustainability of Quality and Comprehensive HIV Services in Kenya under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Funding Allotments and Operating Guidance for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) Grants
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for CDFI 2021 NACA
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (CDFI 2021 NACA) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Fiscal Year 2021 CDFI Program Apply for CDFI 2021 FATA Funding Number: CDFI 2021 FATA Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity for Alumni Outreach Program Apply for SMK80021PAS003 Funding Number: SMK80021PAS003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to North Macedonia Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| USAID/Kosovo Local Works Activity Apply for 72016721RFA00003 Funding Number: 72016721RFA00003 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kosovo USAID-Pristina Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2021 Rapid Response Program Apply for CDFI 2021 RRP Funding Number: CDFI 2021 RRP Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| USAID/Colombia Stregthening Together Activity Apply for 72051421RFA00002 Funding Number: 72051421RFA00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Colombia USAID-Bogota Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $23,000,000 |
| Section 4 Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Apply for FR 6400 N 07 Funding Number: FR 6400 N 07 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $36,000,000 |
| USAID Local Governance Strengthening Activity in the Kyrgyz Republic Apply for 72011521RFA00001 Funding Number: 72011521RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Philanthropy Awareness Activity Apply for 72016821RFA00001 Funding Number: 72016821RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Bosnia USAID-Herzegovina Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund, U.S. Embassy Lilongwe Apply for DOS MWI ASSHF FY20 Funding Number: DOS MWI ASSHF FY20 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Malawi Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $8,000 |
| Angola - Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund Apply for DOS ANGOLA SSH FY21 01 Funding Number: DOS ANGOLA SSH FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Angola Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Gaborone Ambaassador's Special Self-Help Fund Program Apply for DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF FY21 Funding Number: DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF FY21 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Botswana Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2021 Small Dollar Loan Program Apply for CDFI 2021 SDL Funding Number: CDFI 2021 SDL Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| U. S. AMBASSADOR'S SPECIAL SELF-HELP FUND Apply for SMZ 500 FY21 01 Funding Number: SMZ 500 FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mozambique Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Refugee and Asylee Integration Services (RAIS) Apply for CI CET 21 002 Funding Number: CI CET 21 002 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program; Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services Apply for CI CET 21 001 Funding Number: CI CET 21 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $8,500,000 |
| FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Refugee and Asylee Integration Services (RAIS) Apply for DHS 21 CIS 010 003 Funding Number: DHS 21 CIS 010 003 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program; Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services Apply for DHS 21 CIS 010 002 Funding Number: DHS 21 CIS 010 002 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $8,200,000 |
| Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Apply for FR 6400 N 35 Funding Number: FR 6400 N 35 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| USAID/Colombia Indigenous Peoples and Afro-Colombian Activity Apply for 72051421RFA00003 Funding Number: 72051421RFA00003 Agency: Agency for International Development, Colombia USAID-Bogota Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $60,000,000 |
| KEM (Maya-K’iche’ word that means “weaving”) STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUTH AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE Apply for 72052021RFA00008 Funding Number: 72052021RFA00008 Agency: Agency for International Development, Guatemala USAID-Guatemala City Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "CDFI 2021 NACA", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.