The inception of the Community Development Financial Institute (CDFI) of the Tohono O’odham Nation began when members of the Tohono O’odham Nation voted to approve and support a grass roots initiative entitled:
“Invest in the People –Invest in the Future”. Economic self-sufficiency was the primary objective. Through this plan an organization was developed and chartered under the Nation: The Tohono O’odham Economic Development Authority (EDA). Who’s mission was to create a business base on behalf of the Nation as well as promote economic activity.

One of EDA’s goals was to develop and invest in a financial services’ organization that could provide arms-length financial transactions between tribal members, businesses and entities and the tribal government.  Through a planning process and an initial investment of 1 million dollars the EDA was successful in its goal. The CFDI of Tohono O’odham Nation was thus formed and charted as an independent, non-profit organization in March of 2004 by the Tohono O’odham Legislative Council.

In February, 2008 the CDFI was certified under the U.S Treasury, it has now become the 46th Native CDFI in the Nation to be certified. This will allow for access to more resources offered through government agencies. Today with continued financial support and investment of the Nation’s government, the CDFI has grown and is successful in meeting its program objectives in serving and providing support to enhance the economic diversity of the Nation. Over the last few years CDFI has provided over 5 million dollars in loan funding, in addition to financial literacy training and technical assistance to individuals in all 11 districts of the Nation. Through research and surveys, it is actively responding to the needs of tribal and community members and anticipates a success in realizing its vision for the Tohono O’odham Nation of “A healthy economy with numerous small and medium-sized businesses”