Akiptan Inc., located on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that serves agriculture producers nationwide by expanding access to capital, technical assistance, and financial resources that support sustainable agriculture operations. Akiptan’s project, Pathways to Financial Sustainability, expands financial opportunities for producers through outreach, technical assistance, equity grants, succession planning grants, and ongoing post-closing support. Equity grants strengthen producers’ balance sheets and provide greater flexibility to invest in livestock, equipment, infrastructure, and other operational needs. Recognizing the inherent volatility within agriculture, Akiptan also provides education and resources focused on risk mitigation, including farm and ranch insurance, price protection, estate and succession planning, conservation practices, operational diversification, and savings. A key component of Akiptan’s approach is its continued technical assistance after financing is complete, providing producers with long-term support to strengthen their operations. Founded as a solution to improving Native producers’ access to capital, Akiptan continues its commitment through offering agriculture and financial education, individualized technical assistance, and tailored loans.
© Native American Agriculture Fund 2018 
About Company
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) provides grants to eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers.
The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community.