FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 16, 2025
Contact: Kent Wipf
Sr. Community Relations Strategist
651.291.2525 888.347.7473
kent.wipf@blazecu.com
Falcon Heights, MN – Blaze Credit Union, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines, is pleased to announce the distribution of $1 million in grants to 33 Minnesota nonprofits. These funds will support work in affordable housing and community development.
This opportunity for Blaze nonprofit partners was made possible through the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund, which matched up to $3 for every $1 Blaze donated to the recipient nonprofits. Funds are designated to support the capacity-building or working capital necessary for these organizations to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs in Minnesota communities.
“Life is about giving, and that’s what this partnership with the FHLB Des Moines has allowed us to do,” said Blaze CEO/President Dan Stoltz. “One million dollars is going to make an incredible impact in our communities, and we are so excited to lean into our core action of ‘Give Back’ in this way.”
The recipient organizations are each longtime Blaze partners, working to improve lives and strengthen communities across the state. These grants will support a wide range of projects including housing support for veterans, library renovations, and more.
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. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding $20 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Minnesota.
“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.
The nonprofits receiving Member Impact Fund dollars from Blaze and FHLB Des Moines are:
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.
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ABOUT BLAZE CREDIT UNION
Blaze Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, with Minnesota roots dating back to 1931. Blaze serves nearly 250,000 members, registers over $4.5B in assets, and has 28 branch locations. Blaze is here to help members “Go for it” by providing financial guidance and encouragement along life’s journeys. Driven by Midwestern values like community, integrity, and plain old hard work, Blaze is committed to providing smart financial products, great rates, and top-tier service as it lives its mission of bettering lives. For more information, please visit blazecu.com.
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.
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