Mni Sota Fund Receives Transformative $1.5 Million Donation from MacKenzie Scott

Oct 9

Kellie Basswood and William Lussier, their children, William Jr., 2, and Jade, 12, outside their home in Champlin. (Zoe Prinds-Flash)

“Homeownership and entrepreneurship are crucial to replacing cycles of intergenerational poverty with cycles of intergenerational prosperity. This funding will enable us to expand our reach and further empower Native communities at a time when so many individuals and families are struggling.”

— Kit Fordham, Executive Director of Mni Sota Fund

Daanis and their family outside their home in North Minneapolis. (Zoe Prinds-Flash)

At Mni Sota Fund, our mission to empower Native communities and close the Indigenous wealth gap in Minnesota. We’ve just received an incredible boost to do just that and we’re thrilled to announce the transformative $1.5 million donation from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

This contribution comes at a pivotal moment, allowing Mni Sota Fund to expand its impact across the state. For years, we’ve worked to address the long-standing economic inequities faced by Native individuals and families, providing pathways to homeownership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. With this new funding, we’ll be able to scale up our initiatives and bring more resources to those who need them most.

Empowering Native Communities with Opportunities

Currently, Native workers in Minnesota earn an average of $38,000 per year, a figure $15,000 below the state average, which leaves many struggling to break free from cycles of poverty. The homeownership rate for Native people is about 50%, compared to 75% for White households. These stark disparities are further reflected in poor health and social outcomes, with Native communities experiencing significantly higher premature death rates.

Yet with this donation, we’re ready to turn the tide.

A New Chapter for Mni Sota Fund

As a certified Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Mni Sota Fund has long been dedicated to providing ethical capital, low-interest loans, and financial education to help community members achieve their economic goals. Now, with MacKenzie Scott’s generous donation, we’ll be able to deepen our work and ensure that more Native individuals and families have the tools to build intergenerational wealth.

This is a transformative step toward bridging the wealth gap and fostering a future where Native communities in Minnesota can thrive. We’re excited for what lies ahead, and we’re committed to continuing our work in service of a stronger, more equitable future.

For more information on how Mni Sota Fund is making an impact or to get involved, please visit mnisotafund.org/ozhi.