The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s (FHLBank Chicago) Community First^® Awards recognize outstanding achievements of our member institutions and their local partners as they work together to strengthen the communities they serve. FHLBank Chicago is pleased to announce recipients of the 2022 Community First Awards.

Affordable Housing

DuPagePads provides permanent supportive housing to individuals, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness. Wheaton Bank & Trust nominated DuPagePads for their commitment to providing shelter, support, and solutions to the community.

The Renaissance Collaborative provides affordable housing to chronically homeless individuals in the renovated Historic Wabash YMCA. Both Chicago Community Loan Fund and Providence Bank & Trust nominated the Renaissance Collaborative for their dedication to preserving high quality, service enriched affordable housing.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Beyond Vision aims to enrich the lives of people who are blind, through the dignity of work valued by customers and the community. Impact Seven nominated Beyond Vision because of their development of the VisABILITY Center, which will allow them to grow their operations as an inclusive facility for people with vision loss.

The Milwaukee Appraiser Diversity Initiative will develop a diverse talent pipeline into appraisal careers in Milwaukee. Associated Bank nominated the initiative for its dedication to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion while working to improve homeownership in communities of color.

Economic Development

Mercado on Fifth is dedicated to serving as a resource and catalyst for aspiring, minority entrepreneurs. IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union nominated Mercado on Fifth because of its commitment to addressing the specific needs of small businesses in the community.

Wolf River Development Company , wholly owned by the Menominee Tribe, opened the Standing Pines Convenience Store co-located with a full-service Bay Bank branch, providing 15 full-time jobs to community members. Bay Bank nominated the Wolf River Development Company because of their strong partnership on the project and the great work they are doing for the reservation.

Emerging Leader

Brandon Rule is the Founder and CEO of Rule Enterprises, which specializes in affordable housing development. BMO Harris Bank nominated Brandon because of his dedication to assisting underserved communities through innovative community development and affordable housing initiatives.