MARKSVILLE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled (ASDD) received a $10,000 grant today from The Cottonport Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).
Several dignitaries attended the presentation of the Partnership Grant Program (PGP) ceremonial check including: Wyatt Lobrano, district director for the Office of Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D. (District 5); Maria R. Trichell, legislative aide to Louisiana State Representative Robert Johnson (District 28); Avoyelles Parish Sheriff Doug Anderson; and representatives from ASDD, The Cottonport Bank, and FHLB Dallas.
ASDD, a 45-year-old nonprofit that serves developmentally disabled residents of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, will use the funds to pay for CPA services including financial reporting and tax filing.
“I’m pleased to see that the Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled will be the beneficiary of this grant. The Society does a tremendous job working to improve the lives of its clients, and I know that this grant money will help it further its mission of strengthening our families and local communities,” Dr. Abraham said.
Presented annually to community-based organizations (CBOs), PGP grants may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services.
“The Cottonport Bank has served this region since 1902, and we thank FHLB Dallas for partnering with us to better provide for the ASDD and all they do in our community,” said Vickie Miller, chief compliance officer and community development officer at The Cottonport Bank.
ASDD currently provides training and employment opportunities to 45 clients, supporting their levels of independence, personal growth, and community engagement.
“This is just outstanding for us,” said ASDD Executive Director Lauren Laborde. “We rely heavily on fundraisers to support our mission so, without the grant, we would have had to coordinate another fundraiser or find another grant program.”
Through the PGP, member institutions, such as The Cottonport Bank, contribute $500 up to $4,000 to a CBO. These contributions are matched by FHLB Dallas at a 3:1 ratio to provide up to $12,000 in grant money to the CBO.
Avoyelles Parish Sheriff Anderson said ASDD’s tenure of service has created a legacy of positive outcomes.
“This nonprofit meets people where they are and gives them tools and resources to make the most of their lives,” he said. “Thank you to everyone involved with this grant. It will free up funding that can directly impact citizens.”
PGP grants are offered annually through FHLB Dallas’ member institutions via a lottery system. Funds may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. In 2016, FHLB Dallas awarded $225,000 in PGP funds to assist 23 CBOs. Combined with the $96,200 from member institutions, a total of $321,200 was awarded this year.
“FHLB Dallas appreciates the support of The Cottonport Bank to Louisiana,” said Bruce Hatton, Affordable Housing Program manager at FHLB Dallas. “Through the PGP, we are able to partner with our valued member to effectively direct grant funds to nonprofits.”
About The Cottonport Bank
Established in 1902, The Cottonport Bank employs 144 financial professionals serving 12 locations across Baton Rouge, Bordelonville, Brusly, Bunkie, Cottonport, Effie, Mansura, Marksville, Moreauville, New Roads, Plaucheville, and Simmesport. The bank reported total assets of $331.1 million as of June 30, 2016. For more information, visit cottonportbank.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 $54.4 billion as of June 30, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information.
