BTC Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank partner to provide funding

BTC Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines have awarded a $40,000 grant to the Grundy County Veteran’s Association to help renovate a building that will become the organization’s permanent home.

The grant was awarded through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines’ Member Impact Fund, a matching program intended to expand the community investments of member financial institutions supporting local housing, business and economic needs.

The funds will help renovate a building for use by the Grundy County Veteran’s Association, which supports Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 919, American Legion Post No. 31 and veterans throughout the area.

Plans for the building include permanent office space for the veterans service officer and a private area where a psychologist can meet with veterans. The facility also is expected to include space for meetings, fellowship and relaxation, and may be made available to other community organizations.

“Organizations like the Grundy County Veteran’s Association make a real difference in our communities,” BTC Bank President and CEO Doug Fish said. “Through our partnership with FHLB Des Moines, this grant helps provide resources that might not otherwise be available. We’re honored to support a project that will serve veterans and the broader community for years to come.”

Sam Smith, quartermaster of the Grundy County Veteran’s Association, said establishing a permanent location will allow the organization to expand its support for area veterans.

“This grant is a tremendous step forward for the Grundy County Veteran’s Association and for the veterans we serve,” Smith said. “Having a permanent location will give us the opportunity to better support local veterans, provide access to important resources and create a welcoming space for fellowship, connection and community use. We are grateful to BTC Bank and FHLB Des Moines for partnering with us and helping make this vision a reality.”

In Missouri, 956 applications received funding through partnerships with 174 member institutions. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines matched $3 for every $1 contributed by a member institution. Member contributions totaled $6.5 million, while the bank awarded $19.4 million.

“The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion organizations like the Grundy County Veteran’s Association that make a real difference in their communities,” FHLB Des Moines President and CEO Kris Williams said. “By partnering with our members, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.”

Since the fund was launched in 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines has provided more than $106 million in grants. Every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding, according to the bank.

“Projects like this are exactly why community partnerships matter,” Fish said. “When local organizations, community banks and partners like FHLB Des Moines work together, we can accomplish more than any one of us could alone.”