NATCHEZ, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Natchez Business and Civic League Foundation (the Foundation), an organization that promotes entrepreneurship and civic involvement in Natchez, Mississippi, was awarded $16,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds from Home Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) at a check presentation yesterday. They were joined by local dignitaries and bank representatives, including Natchez Mayor Darryl V. Grennell.
The Foundation will use the PGP grant to cover operational costs such as business equipment and hiring a grant writing consultant. This is the organization’s first PGP grant.
“The PGP funds help us a lot because it opens the doors for us to expand our membership,” said Carl Clark, president of the Foundation.
Mr. Clark learned about the PGP through Home Bank. As a self-described “new kid on the block,” having joined the 5-year-old organization in 2018, Mr. Clark said he looks forward to learning from his banking partner.
“The funds are important for small organizations like ours because it promotes partnership, long after the funds have been used,” he said.
With the PGP, FHLB Dallas member institutions like Home Bank contribute $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3:1 ratio. This year, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 25 member institutions to assist 27 CBOs. Combined with FHLB Dallas member contributions, a total of $442,500 has been awarded to the organizations.
Brandon Kelly, vice president, community reinvestment act officer at Home Bank, said the PGP is vital to a community such as Natchez.
“Home Bank’s commitment to the community is not just about giving,” said Mr. Kelly. “We pride ourselves on our partnerships with community-based organizations and the ability to increase awareness of our community partners’ missions through programs like the PGP.”
Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the PGP facilitates community partnerships.
“Making a difference in communities encourages us to continue partnering with members to help achieve local missions,” said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “I commend Home Bank for supporting and stimulating the community in which they serve.”
To learn more about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp.
About Home Bank
With 39 locations across South Louisiana and Western Mississippi, Home Bank is committed to serving the needs of its communities. Personal banking has always been Home Bank’s trademark, and that tradition continues as the company grows, invests and serves its clients and community. For more information about Home Bank, visit home24bank.com.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $74.5 billion as of June 30, 2019, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 810 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.
