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Welcome
to the yellowbird fellowship
WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT
Yellowbird Fellowship is a transformative professional development experience aimed at empowering Native leaders and advancing the future of the Native Community Development Financial Institution (Native CDFI) sector. This one-year fellowship program focuses on strengthening Native communities by supporting economic well-being and providing the skills, resources, and networks needed to create meaningful change. This one-year cohort equips participants with the skills, connections, and resources needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Developing Next Generation Leaders Developing Next Generation Leaders
Developing Next Generation Leaders 
Developing Next Generation Leaders
2026-27 Cohort
The Yellowbird Fellowship provides a unique leadership development experience for individuals committed to community impact. Fellows engage in hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative projects that strengthen their ability to create sustainable change. The fellowship is designed to be accessible, offering place-based opportunities for tribal members of all backgrounds, with a special emphasis on empowering Native women. The learning structure delivers a mix of in-person and virtual sessions designed to foster relationship-building and knowledge-sharing.
If you are passionate about making positive changes within your own Native community and across Indian Country, the Yellowbird Fellowship could be a great opportunity! We encourage tribal members who are interested in becoming a Native CDFI lending officer to apply.
Business Majors
Social Work Majors
Those Seeking Community-Centered Careers
Upon completion of the fellowship, participants will have a deeper understanding of community development lending and will be able to explore, pursue, or continue current employment opportunities within the Native CDFI sector. Fellows will receive smart badges after the completion of each course to recognize their skills and achievements.
Applications Open: May 1, 2026
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026
Cohort Start: August 2026
Cohort End: June 2027
The Yellowbird Fellowship is an engaging leadership development experience where participants learn from experienced professionals in the Native CDFI sector about community development and economic empowerment. Fellows interact in a collaborative environment to create sustainable, community-led solutions, foster culturally-grounded leadership, and build skills around community-centered lending.
PARTNERS
The Yellowbird Fellowship was developed by NACDC Financial Services, a Native CDFI located on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. The program was developed as part of the Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition's five-year Build Back Better award.
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LATEST NEWS
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Newsletter: First In-Person Convening
Newsletter: First Cohort Announcement
Newsletter: Mentors Announcement
