Partnerships in Action: $46,000 in Member Impact Funds Awarded to Support Affordable Housing and Community Development in Southern Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) is proud to announce the receipt of a combined $46,000 in grant funding through the Member Impact Fund, a matching grant program created by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) to strengthen local communities across its district.

These funds—made possible through the generous support and partnership of MinnWest Bank, BankVista, and Home State Bank—will go directly toward projects that support affordable housing and community development in our region.

In Slayton, MinnWest Bank contributed $4,000, which was matched 3:1 by FHLB Des Moines, resulting in a total grant of $16,000.
In Mankato, BankVista’s contribution of $2,500 was similarly matched, bringing in a total of $10,000.
In Willmar, Home State Bank contributed $5,000, which unlocked $15,000 in matching funds for a total grant of $20,000.

These dollars will help support our mission to build strong, healthy communities through the creation of affordable, resilient housing across southern Minnesota.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the trust and partnership of MinnWest Bank, BankVista, Home State Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines,” said [SWMHP Executive Name or Title, if you want to add one]. “Their investment enables us to make a direct and lasting impact in the neighborhoods we serve.”

About the Member Impact Fund

The Member Impact Fund was launched in 2023 by FHLB Des Moines to amplify the charitable contributions of its more than 1,200 member institutions. The program offers up to $3 in matching funds for every $1 donated, helping ensure that local nonprofit and government organizations—like SWMHP—can expand their efforts in affordable housing and community development.

Through this initiative, FHLB Des Moines and its members have collectively awarded over $95 million in grants to date. Every eligible application has received funding, a testament to the program’s deep commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities.

In 2025 alone, $20 million in Member Impact Fund grants have been awarded across Minnesota, including 798 applications from 174 financial institutions. Grant awards have ranged from $10,000 to $1 million, depending on contributions from member banks and the match received.

“The Member Impact Fund enables our members to directly support local organizations who matter to them, creating value and a profound impact in their own communities,” said Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines.

Looking Ahead

At SWMHP, we believe that sustainable, community-driven development starts with strong partnerships. These Member Impact Funds will help us continue to deliver on our mission—creating housing stability and opportunity for individuals and families across the region.

We’re honored to work alongside mission-aligned financial institutions like MinnWest Bank, BankVista, and Home State Bank, and we’re deeply grateful to FHLB Des Moines for their ongoing commitment to community investment.

If you’d like to learn more about our projects or ways to support our work, we invite you to get in touch at swmhp@swmhp.org. Together, we’re building stronger communities—one home at a time.