Mississippi Nonprofit Receives $17K in Funds to Promote Financial Literacy

Thanks to $17,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds awarded by BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) will be able to offer more efficient services in providing educational programs focused on increasing literacy, personal development and economic performance for low-income families in the Mississippi Delta. The funds – announced today at a check presentation in Lexington – will be used to purchase a new computer and hire additional staff.

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Community Students Learning Center received $17K in grant funds from BankPlus and FHLB Dallas at a check presentation today in Lexington, Mississippi. (Photo: Business Wire)

Representatives from the banks were joined at the check presentation by the organization’s leadership and a representative from the office of Congressman Bennie Thompson.

Beulah Greer, executive director for CSLC, said that the upgraded equipment will help the organization tremendously.

“Our equipment is outdated so we cannot operate at our maximum potential,” said Ms. Greer. “Purchasing just one new computer will help so much.”

With the PGP, FHLB Dallas member institutions like BankPlus contribute $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3:1 ratio. This year, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 25 member institutions to assist 27 CBOs. Combined with FHLB Dallas member contributions, a total of $442,500 has been awarded to the organizations.

Ms. Greer said the organization would have had to cut back on vital programming without the PGP funds.

“Without the grant, we would have tried to find funding elsewhere,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful to BankPlus and FHLB Dallas. They helped us make the magic happen.”

Mark Ouellette, first vice president and director of Affordable Housing at BankPlus, said grants such as the PGP enable the bank to improve the community.

“Enacting positive change in the community is a large part of BankPlus’ mission and the PGP helps us achieve that,” said Mr. Ouellette.

Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the PGP creates a multiplier effect on the community.

“The benefits of the Partnership Grant Program are multifaceted,” Mr. Hettrick said. “The program not only strengthens our members’ community ties, but also the community benefits from our partnership.”

To learn more about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp.

About BankPlus

BankPlus, with total assets of more than $2.9 billion, has more than 55 locations in 32 Mississippi communities. BankPlus is one of the largest certified Community Development Financial Institution’s in the United States. BankPlus offices are located in Belzoni, Bentonia, Brandon, Byram, Canton, Clinton, Durant, Flora, Flowood, Gluckstadt, Hernando, Holly Bluff, Horn Lake, Isola, Jackson, Lexington, Madison, Meridian, Newton, Olive Branch, Pearl, Picayune, Pickens, Poplarville, Quitman, Ridgeland, Shubuta, Southaven, Stonewall, Tchula, Tupelo, Waynesboro and Yazoo City. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit BankPlus.net.

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 $74.5 billion as of June 30, 2019, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 810 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

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