FHLBank San Francisco Awards $325,000 in Grants for Financial Improvement, Pandemic Restoration in Arizona

The funding will support 13 nonprofits

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) has awarded $ 325,000 in grants to 13 Arizona nonprofits as part of its AHEAD 2021 program. The grants, which are made available through FHLBank San Francisco’s local financial institutions, are designed to advance innovative business and community development initiatives that provide greater opportunities for underserved populations.

Through the AHEAD program, the members of the bank promote local programs and projects that address urgent needs. The grant recipients support various priority beneficiaries, including budding homebuyers; People affected by homelessness; Small business owned by minorities and women; Tribal organizations; and training programs for workers in a variety of sectors including childcare, construction and healthcare.

“Churches across Arizona have faced an onslaught of challenges in the past 18 months, many of which will have long-term economic implications,” said Teresa Bazemore, president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “Our AHEAD program was launched in 2004 to provide valuable resources to help our communities address such challenges. The need for innovative initiatives and services has never been so important, and we are proud to be able to offer this support. “

This year, 31 applications from Arizona nonprofits were reviewed and 13 winning applicant grants of $ 25,000 each were received through 11 participating local lender members.

“From job creation to employee training, from helping small businesses to providing resources to underserved populations, this year’s grant recipients exemplify the intent of the AHEAD program,” said Marietta Núñez, senior vice president and community investment officer at the FHLBank San Francisco. “The winners stand for innovative, targeted initiatives that create economic opportunities by expanding proven development models or trying out new interventions.”

The story goes on

Selecting the winners of the 2021 AHEAD program valued at $ 25,000:

• Southwestern Human Development (sponsored by Arizona Central Credit Union), which offers comprehensive early childhood development and family support programs. AHEAD will fund childcare management software and tablets for a project providing business coaching and technology tools to daycare owners in low-income, colored communities to ensure financial sustainability.

• Red Feather Development (funded by Clearinghouse CDFI), who works with the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona to provide sustainable housing solutions in their respective tribal communities. The AHEAD grant will help fund the Native Home Resource Network – COVID Resilience and Recovery program staff and related public outreach travel across the region.

• Foresight Foundation for Economic Equity (funded by Raza Development Fund, Inc), a black-led economic development organization that serves minority communities. The grant will support a project that provides employment placement, recruitment, training and career development to help 150 people of color find jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

• Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association Education Foundation (sponsored by Employers Preferred Insurance Co), the non-profit arm of the regional restaurant association. AHEAD will help pay for staff training, curriculum materials, and exam and certification fees for a project that provides culinary training programs for ex-inmates and displaced persons.

A full list of this year’s AHEAD scholarship holders and more information about the program can be found at fhlbsf.com.

Since 2004, the bank has awarded $ 20 million in AHEAD program grants to support over 660 community projects and programs in Arizona, California and Nevada.

Via the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-operated cooperative that helps local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada empower communities, create opportunities, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we make available to our member financial institutions – commercial banks, credit unions, industrial credit companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions – promote home ownership, expand access to quality housing, and promote economic development. Together with our members and other partners, we make the communities we serve more alive, fairer and more resilient.

CONTACT: Media contact: Mary Long, longm@fhlbsf.com, (415) 572-6717