AI Platform Empowers Tribal Nations in Quest for Funding
Introduction
Bazile Panek, a tribal liaison for Syncurrent, witnessed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in empowering tribal communities. Syncurrent’s software platform leverages AI to streamline the search for funding opportunities, addressing a pressing need for services and investment on reservations.
Syncurrent’s AI Solution
Syncurrent’s AI platform gathers data from numerous websites to identify suitable grant, loan, and other funding opportunities for tribal projects. This process, which previously required hours or days of manual work, can now be completed in minutes using Syncurrent.
Addressing a Critical Need
"I hear from so many people who spend more time trying to find grants than actually doing their jobs," Panek says, highlighting the platform’s significance.
Eugene Sommers, an official from the White Earth Ojibwe Nation in Minnesota, attested to Syncurrent’s effectiveness in identifying and securing funding to meet their community’s needs.
Overcoming Funding Challenges
Tribal governments often face overwhelming complexity in navigating the process of applying for federal funds. Despite the availability of billions of dollars in funding to tribes every year, bureaucracy and paperwork can hinder access to these resources.
Syncurrent aims to break down these barriers by simplifying the search and application process through its AI technology.
Partnership and Support
Syncurrent has partnered with the U.S. Department of Interior and the nonprofit Native CDFI Network to provide free premium access to its platform for all tribal nations for 10 years.
"Supporting Tribal Nations is and always will be a main priority for Syncurrent," said Dhruv Patel, a technology expert and co-founder of Syncurrent.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
Pete Upton, CEO of Native CDFI Network, emphasized the need to address systemic barriers faced by tribal nations in accessing funding. Syncurrent’s AI solution empowers tribes to secure the resources they need to thrive.
Congressional Funding and Access
In 2024, Congress approved $32.6 billion in funding for tribal communities, but the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates that much of this money may not reach its intended recipients due to challenges in finding and applying for funding.
Syncurrent’s AI platform aims to bridge this gap by providing tribes with the tools and resources they need to secure their fair share of funding.
Unlocking Potential
Syncurrent’s platform enables tribal governments to identify and secure critical funding more quickly and efficiently. This newfound access to resources empowers them to build stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities.
Conclusion
Bazile Panek’s sigh of relief mirrors the transformative potential of Syncurrent’s AI platform. By streamlining access to funding opportunities, Syncurrent is helping tribal nations overcome systemic barriers and empowering them to build a brighter future.
