2. What is Four Directions Development Corporation?
Four Directions is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) community development corporation founded in March 2001 to improve the economic and social conditions of Native Americans in Maine. Based in Orono, Four Directions is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors representing the four Maine tribes, three banks, the Maine State Housing Authority, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, and Coastal Enterprises, Inc.

3. What is the Maine Council of Churches?
The Maine Council of Churches is a working partnership among Maine’s Catholic and Protestant communities. Through the lens of our prophetic biblical traditions, our mission is to offer a common moral voice that addresses and responds to contemporary public policy issues. This goal is
achieved primarily through programs focused on economic, environmental and restorative justice.

4. What will this campaign accomplish?
This campaign will significantly capitalize Four Directions and enable it to underwrite loans to 66 Native families. The money will be used to make mortgages, home equity and home improvement loans; also loans for working capital, equipment and commercial real estate. As a revolving loan pool, these funds will return to Four Directions to use in other ventures.

5. Why aren't banks making these loans?
Because tribal lands cannot be collateralized for borrowing. Land cannot leave tribal control so conventional banks can't be secured. As a Native institution, Four Directions has developed creative, enforceable ways to secure its loans.

6. How are loan decisions made?
An multi member loan committee screens loan applications. Just like bank, the committee reviews credit scores, tax returns, personal balance sheets and business plans to make decisions.

7. Who oversees Four Directions?
In addition to the Board, Four Directions has a 15 member Advisory Committee made up of representatives from the private, public and non-profit sectors. Foster, Carpenter and Black, PA, Bangor, conducts an annual financial audit. Its funders including the US Department of Treasury, USDA, HUD, and Maine Department of Community and Economic Development also routinely monitor four Directions.

8. What will success look like?
In the near term, Four Directions will put $2 million to work in tribal communities. In the midterm, Four Directions will build its balance sheet to leverage additional funds to expand its products and services. In the long term, Four Directions plans to be a thriving, self-sustaining tribal institution that helps foster an entrepreneurial culture.

9. How do you invest in Four Directions Development Corporation?
You have the option of making a low-interest loan or making a tax-deductible contribution.

10. How often will grant makers and lenders be updated?
An annual report will be mailed each year. Special reports will be available upon demand.

For more information about investing in Four Directions, contact Susan Hammond, Executive Director, at 866-6545 or shammond@fourdirectionsmaine.org.
Visit our website: www.fourdirectionsmaine.org.