Mission
We connect capital and capacity to empower rural communities.
Our mission is the one reason Dakota Resources exists. It informs everyone in the organization what to do.
Vision
We believe in a thriving rural.
We recognize rural communities and the people who are a part of them have often had difficulty accessing resources, including capital and leadership development. A thriving rural means everyone in a rural community has an equitable opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the resources, systems, and structures available. Thriving also means everyone’s voice in a rural community matters in shaping their community’s future.
Who we serve
The work of Dakota Resources is shaped by people who are passionate about their rural communities. From economic development organizations to volunteers, and from boards of directors to engaged residents, the work to build a thriving rural requires many voices and many hands. And while a thriving rural may look different across rural places, as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Dakota Resources believes that access to capital and leadership capacity are key to a thriving rural future — and that future is here.
Unlocking Community Potential: The Catalyst Approach for Change
The big framing question, “Who do we envision ourselves becoming?” was written in wide black marker on a large flip chart and placed at the front of the room for easy viewing. I introduced the question and gave some context. The ten local leaders stared blankly at it. The organization these leaders represented had been in existence since 2006. That’s not a long time in community and economic development years. Yet long enough to experience considerable success, then slump into a slow decline. This group of local leaders had come to a fork in the road around their purpose as an organization. Now they were faced with uncovering who they would need to become. They needed to regain success for the future of their organization and the community.
Learning cohorts in Thriverr network boost confidence, build kinship among communities
As you know, rural living affords modest charm, quietness, boundless sky and a small population you know by heart. But rural is never less than. For over 25 years, Dakota Resources has empowered small towns to feel large, able and thriving as they themselves continue to innovate until the loneliness is less. “Dakota Resources is such a tremendous asset across our state,” says Jared Hybertson, economic development coordinator in Centerville. “Their learning network connects us all, and they have the answers I need.”
Dacotah Bank and Dakota Resources Connect Capital and Shared Values to Impact Rural Communities
When it comes to investing in rural communities, Dakota Resources is only as strong as our partner organizations, including our major investors. Our ability to support rural communities in their work to thrive is directly related to the financial investment of organizations who not only desire to make an impact in cultivating a thriving rural, but who also make it possible for us, as a certified CDFI, to then offer capital assistance to communities and organizations in need.
