Increasing access to capital for native ranchers - tanka fund seeks to advance sustainable buffalo ranching by equipping native ranchers with the tools, training, and capital they need to lead…

Grant Award Summary

Tanka Fund received a $899,275 Project Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Native Americans (CFDA 93.612) awarded on September 30, 2025, to advance sustainable buffalo ranching among Native ranchers across the Great Plains. Over the three-year performance period (through September 29, 2028), Tanka Fund will deliver comprehensive technical assistance, financial support through its Return Fund, and capacity-building services to approximately 20 Native ranchers, building on its existing network of 24 ranchers. Core services include business plan development, comprehensive operational planning, infrastructure and herd management support, and access to value-added production resources. Technical assistance will be provided both virtually and in-person across four key focus areas: business planning, financial resources, land management, and marketing.

To enhance long-term sustainability and reach, the project incorporates capacity-building initiatives including digitization of support tools, creation of recorded webinars, and partnership development with agricultural education institutions and land management organizations. Expected outcomes include a 9% increase in net profitability among participating ranchers, improved operational planning and sustainability, and strengthened networks of support and mentorship within the Native ranching community. Tanka Fund is leveraging complementary federal support through a related $748,611 USDA Project Grant (CFDA 10.443) awarded in September 2024, which focuses on market access and value-added product development for Native buffalo producers.

Increasing access to capital for native ranchers - tanka fund seeks to advance sustainable buffalo ranching by equipping native ranchers with the tools, training, and capital they need to lead self-sustaining, profitable operations. Through this three-year project, tanka fund will provide individualized technical assistance, financial support through the return fund, and capacity-building opportunities for ranchers across the great plains. The project includes business plan development, comprehensive planning, access to value-added production resources, and tailored support for infrastructure and herd management. Technical assistance will be delivered both virtually and in person across four key areas: business planning, financial resources, land management, and marketing. The project builds upon tanka fund's existing network of 24 native buffalo ranchers and aims to support an additional 20 ranchers. Expected outcomes include a 9% increase in net profitability among participating ranchers, improved operational planning and sustainability, and stronger networks of support and mentorship. The project will also build long-term capacity through digitization of support tools, creation of recorded webinars, and ongoing partnership development with agricultural education institutions and land management organizations.