Investing in Indigenous Futures: Nimiipuu Fund Helps Power Major Regional Food Sovereignty Project

2025-08-Cairnspring-Umatilla-Big check outside

This fall, Nimiipuu Fund joined Native CDFI partners from across Indian Country to support a landmark investment that is redefining what’s possible in Native finance. As part of a collaborative “capital weaving” effort led by Mission Driven Finance’s Indigenous Futures team, Nimiipuu Fund participated in a $9 million investment to help Cairnspring Mills develop a new regenerative flour mill on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

By working together, Native CDFIs were able to pool resources, share underwriting expertise, and build a stronger capital stack than any one organization could have achieved alone. This $9 million collaborative investment helped unlock more than $60 million in total project financing—including equity, multi-layered debt, and New Markets Tax Credits—while equipping participating CDFIs with hands-on experience in complex transactions.

For Nimiipuu Fund, this project reflects our commitment to advancing Native-led economic development and strengthening long-term food sovereignty across the region. The new milling facility will bring meaningful benefits to the Umatilla community and beyond:

  • Food sovereignty: Grain will be processed close to where it’s grown, supporting regenerative agriculture and Tribal food systems.
  • Economic resilience: The project is expected to create more than 20 jobs and generate over $50 million in annual revenue.
  • Tribal ownership: The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation hold equity in the mill and serve as the long-term landlord, ensuring local control and lasting community impact.

As one partner noted, this collaboration shows how Native CDFIs can strengthen one another through shared learning and shared investment. By weaving our capital and our expertise, we are helping create transformative opportunities for Tribal nations today and for generations to come.

Nimiipuu Fund is honored to stand alongside our fellow Native CDFIs in this milestone investment—and we look forward to continuing this powerful work together.