First National Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago partnership awards $30,000 to local nonprofits for COVID-19 relief program
June 12, 2020
Clinton, IL, June 12, 2020 - First National Bank and Trust has partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB), together granting $30,000 to three local nonprofits including the Neighborhood Care Center with First Christian Church, Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau and the Clinton Community YMCA.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago offers a COVID-19 Relief Program consisting of zero-rate advances and grants to support all of its member institutions and the communities they serve as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Relief Program opened on April 27th, with funding available through May 22nd.
“Strategic partnerships with organizations like the FHLB that share our views and commitment to community, allows us to do more for the local community,” said Josh Shofner, First National Bank and Trust President. “Whether it be their Down Payment Plus Grant Program for homebuyers or COVID-19 Relief Grants, we are appreciative of the support from the FHLB. Because of them, we were able to impact some great organizations that serve our community well.”
The Neighborhood Care Center received $15,000 in grant funding, the Clinton Area Chamber received $10,000 and the YMCA received $5,000. First National Bank donated $10,000 and the FHLB COVID-19 Relief Program donated $20,000.
Pictured above: Neighborhood Care Center folks join Josh Shofner. President at First National Bank (FNBT) who received $15,000 as part of FNBT and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago partnership in COVID-19 relief funds program. Front row left to right: Ed Beck, Barb Tuggle, Laura Conheady Back row left to right: Josh Shofner, Mary Holland, Cody Monkman, Karen Rice
"During these unique times, this gift will help us tackle the challenges of building a network that will bring radical transformation to our rural communities and neighborhoods,” said Cody Monkman, Director of Neighborhood Care Center. “First National Bank has proven to be an outstanding partner with us by serving as the 'wind to our backs.' We are so grateful for this unexpected gift. It means so much to us to know that we have this kind of support coming from a community member like First National Bank.”
The Clinton Chamber had to delay, reschedule or cancel several income-producing events during the COVID-19 quarantine. The Chamber's operations are dependent on revenue generated from events such as the Clinton Business Expo and May Days.
Marian Brisard, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce joins Josh Shofner, President at First National Bank (FNBT) who received $10,000 as part of FNBT and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago partnership in COVID-19 relief funds program.
“Our main priority during this time has remained supporting our local businesses from a locked office. While we support maintaining the safety of the population we serve, we found ourselves in a situation where our non-profit organization was facing a critical budget deficit,” shared Marian Brisard, Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau Executive Director. “We understand these are unprecedented times and we appreciate the support of First National Bank so we may continue working to promote our businesses and our community."
Other youth and community-based havens, like the YMCA have also been affected by the pandemic.
David Torbert, Youth/Adult Sports & Camp Osage Program Director joins Josh Shofner, President at First National Bank (FNBT) who received $5,000 as part of FNBT and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago partnership in COVID-19 relief funds program.
"The loss of revenue during this weeks-long shutdown certainly put a strain on our ability to provide services to those in our community that would benefit most," said Rennie Cluver, CEO of Clinton Community YMCA. "This donation very much helps us keep with our mission to support our community and we are truly grateful that First National Bank joins us in our commitment to strengthen our community."
To learn more about the Federal Home Loan Bank programs visit www.fhlbc.com and view First National Bank’s community reinvestment efforts at www.firstnbtc.com.
About First National Bank and Trust Co: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois. Dedicated to community prosperity, the bank was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank. The name was changed First National Bank and Trust Company in 1974, and was acquired by TS Banking Group in 2017. With $177 million in assets, First National Bank is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information visit firstnbtc.com.