$100,000 Awarded to Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial, Inc.

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently presented Mazaska Oweso Otipi Financial, Inc., $100,000 from the Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) program. Offered in partnership with the Bush Foundation, the BIG program supports community-based problem-solving efforts in South Dakota.

Colleen Steele, Executive Director at Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial, Inc., says, “We are excited to see what impact the Community Support Network brings and extend our thanks to the South Dakota Community Foundation for their investment in our aspiring homeowners and community.”

With funding from the BIG program, they will continue to support homebuyers through community coaching, homebuyer readiness classes, and talking circles, all in continuation of the “relationship lending” model. Mazaska will test their idea with the use of a Community Support Network (CSN) to help connect aspiring homeowners on the Pine Ridge Reservation with individuals and entities that can assist them towards their homeownership goals. The CSN will be composed of Community Coaches who have already made the homeownership journey and can share their experience. These coaches will have expertise across the various homeownership options available on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

“There are many steps in gaining the necessary knowledge in all areas of homeownership,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “We’re glad to support their idea to address homeownership on the Pine Ridge Reservation."

SDCF has awarded nearly $1.2 million dollars from the Beyond Idea Grant program in 2023. SDCF will award $1.2 million from the BIG program in 2024 as well. Interested organizations can visit SDCommunityFoundation.org/BIG to review the grant guidelines, deadlines and application instructions. In order to qualify, a nonprofit must be IRS Publication 78 verified or have a fiscal sponsor.