FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIVE AMERICAN AGRICULTURE FUND SELECTS
NEUBERGER BERMAN AS INVESTMENT MANAGER
New York, NY, August 13, 2020 — Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community, has selected Neuberger Berman to serve as Investment Manager.
The NAAF Investment Program conducted a rigorous, multi-step, nation-wide Request for Proposal process. NAAF’s selection criteria focused on responsiveness, socially responsible investment opportunities and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, including a commitment to Native American employee and client relationships.
Neuberger Berman met these criteria and effectively demonstrated an investment approach directly in alignment with the values of the NAAF’s Investment Program. Neuberger Berman has a long-standing belief that material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are an important driver of long-term investment returns from both an opportunity and a risk-mitigation perspective. Together, the Native American Agriculture Fund and Neuberger Berman will execute the largest and most ambitious philanthropic investment program supporting Native American agriculture in the history of the United States.
Press release | March 18, 2020The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader
United States Senate
U.S. Capitol Building, Room: S-230
Washington, DC 20510The Honorable Charles Schumer
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Hart Senate Office Building, Room: 419
Washington, DC 20515The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
United States House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol Building, Room: H-232
Washington, DC 20515The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
Minority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol Building, Room: H-204
Washington, DC 20515Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy:
On behalf of the Native CDFI Network (NCN), we write to urge you to consider and include emergency funds for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in legislation promoting economic stimulus in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. CDFIs play a crucial role in providing access to capital for working-class individuals and small businesses across the US.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 13, 2020
The Native American Agriculture Fund finds it important to communicate with our stakeholders in the midst of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. First and foremost, we hold the wellbeing of our communities as the highest priority and urge all to take public health precautions.
Press release | December 26, 2019
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Dec. 26, 2019 – President Donald Trump signed the 2020 Agriculture
Appropriations Bill, Friday, with a historic provision that will provide full funding to support
American Indian students seeking the benefits of higher education. The bill passed both the
House and the Senate prior to Trump signing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 1, 2019
CONTACT:
Karli Moore
media@NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org
479-332-4467
Request for applications opens August 1st, closes September 30th
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), a newly formed private charitable trust devoted to serving the interest of Native farmers and ranchers, announced its inaugural Request for Applications (RFA) today. Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis to 501(c)(3) organizations, educational organizations, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Native CDFIs, and state and federally recognized tribes for the provision of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to existing and aspiring Native farmers and ranchers.
Press release | July 1, 2019
On Thursday, June 27th, 2019, in Bismarck, ND, the primary plaintiffs of the Keepseagle lawsuit were bestowed eagle feathers in honor and respect due to their modern day warrior activity in fighting for equal opportunity and rights in the famous and decades-long discrimination lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
News alert | May 29, 2019
A series of severe weather systems has devastated the Midwest and Great Plains with historic flooding and heavy tornado activity in recent days. The disaster has displaced families, destroyed homes, and greatly impacted Native farmers and ranchers in the region. Tribal nations are working to address the needs of their citizens and repair damages while remaining under the threat of continued severe weather.
Press release | April 10, 2019
Institutional investment advisor and corporate lawyer Vince Logan has joined the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Logan, a member of the Osage Nation, is responsible for NAAF’s $266 million portfolio and charged with overseeing the finance department, implementing financial systems, and managing the investment program. As CFO/CIO, he is to ensure that NAAF operates at the highest levels of transparency, ethics and good governance.
News alert | March 25, 2019
The Great Plains have been devastated by flooding in recent weeks. All weather reports indicate that flooding in the region and beyond may continue, with impacts spreading elsewhere. The disaster has displaced many families and greatly impacted Native farmers and ranchers in the region. Tribal nations are working to address the needs of their citizens, restore water, power and other critical resources, and repair infrastructure damage. The effects of this flooding will linger, and tribes and Native people need all the help they can get. If you know of anyone affected, please direct them to the links below.
Press release | December 11, 2018
Newest and largest Native philanthropic organization launched website today, seeks public input on priorities
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) launched its website today and is soliciting public feedback to inform NAAF’s priorities and future funding activities. NAAF plans to begin its first round of grantmaking in 2019. To view the survey and find additional information about NAAF, please visit NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org.