$15K Grant from FHLB Dallas and WestStar Expands Financial Education Programming in Southwest New Mexico

LAS CRUCES, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A $15,000 Partnership Grant Program (PGP) award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and its member WestStar will strengthen United Way of Southwest New Mexico’s ability to deliver financial education and empower families across the region. The funds are part of $1.8 million in PGP funds awarded in 2026 by FHLB Dallas and members in its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

FHLB Dallas made the announcement during a celebratory event yesterday in El Paso, Texas, commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the PGP.

“This support allows us to strengthen the foundation of our work so we can better serve families across Southwest New Mexico,” said United Way CEO Amanda Morales. “These funds will help us add staffing, update program materials and improve participation in our Passport to Financial Success initiative, and ultimately reach more households with tools that promote lasting financial stability.”

The Partnership Grant Program provides up to a 5:1 match of member contributions—up to $25,000 per member—to strengthen community-based organizations engaged in affordable housing and economic development. Funds for the annual program are distributed through participating FHLB Dallas members like WestStar Bank.

“United Way of Southwest New Mexico plays an essential role in helping families build financial stability,” said Mara Portillo, senior vice president, compliance and CRA officer at WestStar. “This grant strengthens the organization’s capacity to deliver high-quality financial education and increases its ability to serve more participants.”

The PGP has been a critical funding source for small nonprofits, said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

“For 30 years, the Partnership Grant Program has empowered our members to drive meaningful change in their communities,” Mr. Hettrick said. “By leveraging the PGP funds, members are compounding their contributions to impact the organizations that are making a real difference in their communities.”

About WestStar Bank

WestStar is the only El Paso-based community bank and the leading commercial bank in the Borderplex region, which includes El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Juárez, Mexico. With more than $3 billion in assets, 14 branches and more than 350 team members, WestStar provides commercial lending, Treasury Management, Wealth Management and title services across the region. Member FDIC.

WestStar’s roots trace back more than a century and are built on the combined legacies of four local institutions: Bank of Ysleta, Bank of El Paso, First National Bank of Fabens and Bank of the West, which was rebranded as WestStar Bank in 2012. These institutions united over time through mergers, ultimately becoming WestStar in 2016. Today, WestStar continues that shared commitment to relationship-based banking.

About 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 $107.8 billion as of June 30, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and credit products to approximately 780 member institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.