Affinity Plus Foundation, FHLB Des Moines Award $1 Million in Grants to 41 Minnesota Nonprofit Organizations

Partnership leverages Member Impact Fund to expand resources for affordable housing, community development and hunger relief

The Affinity Plus Foundation, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is excited to announce $1 million in Member Impact Fund grants to 41 nonprofit organizations across Minnesota. The Member Impact Fund matches up to $3 for every $1 contributed by FHLB Des Moines member institutions, supporting affordable housing and community development initiatives statewide.

"Through this grant program, we are able to significantly expand our local charitable impact and support the incredible work of nonprofits serving our communities,” said Jacquie Twedt, Board Chair of the Affinity Plus Foundation. “Whether it’s building transitional housing, delivering financial education, or improving food security, these organizations are the backbone of a stronger Minnesota."

The Affinity Plus Foundation has been a proud partner of many of these nonprofit organizations for several years. Together, they remain dedicated to improving their communities through affordable housing, community development and basic needs programs.

Notable Grant Recipients

• Joy Collaborative ($140,000): Construction of a mobile “Joy Zone” for sensory-friendly respite at events for youth and adults with disabilities or life-limiting diseases.
• Lutheran Social Services ($100,000): Statewide re-activation of Train the Trainer financial education for nonprofit educators.
• New Pathways ($100,000): Funding towards a new, state of the art transitional housing center for families in Isanti County, including on-site resources for families experiencing homelessness.
• Kitchen Coalition/Second Harvest Heartland ($45,000): Providing additional culturally connected “heat & eat” meals for food-insecure Minnesotans, expansion of local meal distribution partners.
• Minnesota Council for Economic Education ($15,000): High School Personal Finance workshops certify high school educators to deliver required personal finance curriculum, making these life skills more accessible to students. The donation will expand the organization's capacity to offer this workshop to 15 additional educators.

“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,” said 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.”

Community & Regional Grant Recipients

Grants were also awarded to nonprofits making a difference in affordable housing, housing stability, and food security, including:

Housing Stability Grants ($25,000 each):

One Roof Community Housing (Duluth), St. Vincent de Paul dba St. Phillips Conference (Bemidji), ServeMinnesota (statewide), Northwoods Habitat for Humanity (Bemidji), Neighborhood House (St. Paul), Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County (Little Falls), Women’s Shelter & Support Center (Rochester), Relationship Safety Alliance (Brainerd), Life House (Duluth), Habitat for Humanity serving Winona County (Winona), Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (St. Paul), Community Action Center (Northfield), Partnership for Affordable Housing (Mankato), Fergus Falls Habitat for Humanity (Fergus Falls), Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County (Alexandria), Committee Against Domestic Abuse (Mankato).

Food Security Grants ($10,000 each):

Feeding Our Community Partners (Mankato), Open Arms of Minnesota (St. Paul), Duluth Community School Collaborative (Duluth), North Country Food Bank (East Grand Forks), Kaitlyn’s Kloset (Eagan), Open Hands Midway (St. Paul), The Sanneh Foundation (St. Paul), Neighbors, Inc. (South St. Paul), Outreach Food Shelf (Alexandria), Bridges of Hope (Brainerd), United Way of Bemidji Area (Bemidji), Open Cupboard (Oakdale), Emergency Community Help Organization (ECHO, Mankato), Valley Outreach (Stillwater), Channel One Regional Food Bank (Rochester), Rural Enrichment & Counseling Headquarters (REACH, Moorhead), People’s Church (Bemidji), The Food Group Minnesota (Minneapolis), The Open Door Pantry (Eagan), Second Harvest Northland (Grand Rapids).

About the Affinity Plus Foundation

The Affinity Plus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and based in St. Paul, Minn., is committed to building stronger communities through brighter financial futures for all. Through initiatives focused on housing stability, financial well-being, food security and access to education, the Affinity Plus Foundation creates lasting impact in the communities it serves. Since its inception in 2000, the Affinity Plus Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants and scholarships, empowering individuals and organizations to overcome barriers and achieve brighter financial futures. Learn more about the Foundation's mission and programs at www.affinityplusfoundation.org.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

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. The bank works with more than 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development, and community improvement. Learn more at fhlbdm.com.

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In partnership with FHLB Des Moines, the Affinity Plus Foundation announces $1 million in Member Impact Fund grants to 41 nonprofit organizations across Minnesota to support housing and community development initiatives statewide.