This joint project of the Center for Social Development and the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies investigated the potential of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to serve as part of a poverty alleviation strategy in Indian Country. Researchers collected data from over 9,000 tax returns that were filed at 14 Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites serving Indian Country. The data was used to determine the number of Native community members who are eligible for EITC, the amount of money flowing to Native community members through EITC, potential uses of EITC income, and opportunities to build community infrastructure and programs that could help EITC and other tax dollars remain in Native communities and serve as leverage for further asset building.

 

Funding provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, First Nations Development Institute, and Native Financial Education Coalition.

This joint project of the Center for Social Development and the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies sought to gain a better understanding of the definition and vision of asset building in Native communities, including a better understanding of the role financial assets play in community development. Specifically, the project investigated the current asset holdings of one Native community by allowing Native community members to define "assets" for themselves and for their community.

CSD's research on Native assets examines the effectiveness of asset-building policies in Native communities and seeks to inform policy design at the state and federal levels to make asset-building policies inclusive of Native communities. In addition, this work increases opportunities for tribes and Native peoples to examine the importance of asset building to their communities, and to establish and express informed positions on asset-building policy.

 

In its research and policy work, CSD collaborates with the Kathryn M. Buder Center for Indian American Studies, individual Native American tribes, and with several native-focused organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians, First Nations Development Institute, First Nations Oweesta Corporation, and Native Nations Institute.

 

Funding provided by Ford Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and Annie E. Casey Foundations.