(Bemidji, MN) (June, 2025)– First National Bank Bemidji, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that the United Way of the Bemidji Area on behalf of the Beltrami County Housing Trust Fund will receive a $20,000 grant from the Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding $20 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Minnesota.

“At First National Bank Bemidji, we understand that stable, affordable housing is foundational to a thriving community,” said Amy Haskell, First National Bank Bemidji Executive Vice President and Risk Officer. “Partnering with FHLB Des Moines and United Way of Bemidji Area allows us to directly support solutions that improve quality of life for local families and working individuals. This grant reflects our long-standing commitment to investing in the well-being and resilience of our region.”

First National Bank Bemidji has been a long-time, proud partner of United Way of Bemidji Area. Together, they have been dedicated to improving their community through affordable housing and community development initiatives.

The Beltrami County Housing Trust Fund supports initiatives including new construction, redevelopment, and rehabilitation projects aimed at increasing affordable housing options. It focuses on serving ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations and low-income households. By funding programs that offer down payment assistance and supporting organizations that assist residents in securing stable, affordable housing. First National Bank Bemidji has been a long-time supporter of the United Way of Bemidji Area.

“We are incredibly grateful to First National Bank of Bemidji for their generous contribution to the Beltrami County Housing Trust Fund,” said Denae Alamano, Executive Director of United Way of Bemidji Area. “This kind of local investment shows what’s possible when our community comes together to address housing challenges head-on. Every dollar added to Beltrami County’s Housing Trust Fund helps create and preserve safe, stable housing for people who live and work in our county.”

FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members up to $3 for every $1 in matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities.

“The Member Impact Fund continues to be a powerful resource in supporting our members as they expand access to affordable housing and drive community development,” says Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “It’s inspiring to see the partnerships centered around improving local communities in such a variety of ways.”

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs including job training, affordable housing, financial literacy, food banks and youth programs.

This member matching grant program is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members.

Since its founding in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has supported affordable housing and community development with nearly $70 million in grants awarded by FHLB Des Moines. Member institutions apply and receive Member Impact Fund matching grants to be distributed to eligible organizations alongside their own grant contribution.

About First National Bank

For over 125 years, First National Bank Bemidji has served Bemidji’s businesses and families. It is a community bank – investing in local people and their dreams – and celebrating the successes that enhance quality of life. First National Bank Bemidji has had a partnership with Bemidji for generations. In 1985, our employees invested in the bank through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This means we’ll always be Bemidji’s bank because we are owned by employees, certifying that we will be your banking partner for generations.

First National Bank Bemidji is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement.

FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.