1. COMMUNITY: #NAFOA2024 CONFERENCE SESSION CALL FOR PROPOSALS
NAFOA invites community members to submit proposals for sessions at our upcoming 42nd Annual Conference, taking place April 29-30 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. We value the expertise and insights of our diverse community in shaping the conference agenda. Proposals will undergo a thorough evaluation by the NAFOA team to ensure that the selected sessions address the varied needs and interests within our community. We encourage individuals with knowledge and experience in tribal finance, economic development, and related areas to actively participate in this process.
Proposal Deadline: January 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Note: NAFOA does not provide monetary assistance for travel expenses or speaking fees, but all selected speakers will receive complimentary conference registration.
2. EXECUTIVE EDUCATION: DEADLINE APPROACHING—LEADING PEOPLE AND INVESTING TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities program provides you with the opportunity to view community investments in a broader context. While it is important to understand investment tools, strategies, and products, it is equally important to understand how governance practices can shape the management of investments. By examining different institutions and covering topics such as entrepreneurial finance, negotiations, and change management, this program provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of investment management. You will build the skills and confidence to immediately apply financial analysis techniques, set realistic performance goals, and play a bigger role in helping your community optimize its financial resources and strengthen its sustainability.
PROGRAM DATES: May 6-10, 2024
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
January 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Alaska Standard Time
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Finance professionals, including, Chief Financial Officers, Executive Officers, Senior Financial Managers, and Senior Accounting Staff, with experience working in or with a tribal nation or Native organization.
3. FROM THE NAFOA NAVIGATOR: HOW TRIBES AND TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS CAN UTILIZE THE NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT
By Anita Shah, CPA, Moss Adams and Ben Alderton, JD, Moss Adams
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) can be a powerful financing tool for Tribes and Tribal organizations to fill financing needs and provide more impact in the communities they serve.
NMTCs provide flexible financing based on various qualifying factors. There are opportunities for Tribes and Tribal organizations to use the proceeds of NMTC financing to help finance activities that will directly benefit various Tribal enterprises or endeavors.
Projects located in a qualifying low-income community or that provide a direct benefit to low-income persons can qualify, and NMTC financing can be utilized in a variety of ways, including business or service expansion or relocation, equipment financing, or even working capital. Explore how Tribal organizations can use the NMTC, as well as key considerations.
4. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ONLINE INTRODUCTORY TRIBAL FINANCE & ACCOUNTING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Program Dates: January 8 to March 1, 2024 | Cost: $2,000 per participant
This eight-week cohort program provides the opportunity to connect with other tribal peers while gaining knowledge and experience to help become a more effective tribal finance/accounting professional and leader. Because all sessions are available virtually, you’ll be able to learn on your own time and set hours convenient to your schedule. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other tribal finance/accounting professionals throughout the state and across the country. The Zoom chat room with instructors is available for discussion and questions about course material at the end of each week.
Registration includes: digital instruction, materials, certificates and one copy of “Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (Orange Book)” as published by the Native American Financial Officers Association.
5. JOBS: NAFOA EXTENDS SEARCH FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The incoming Executive Director will lead NAFOA’s initiatives, working collaboratively with tribal leadership, financial professionals, and federal partners to meet the challenges of economic growth and change in Indian Country. They will serve as chief executive officer of the organization and will be responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of NAFOA, as summarized below:
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