GREAT FALLS, MONT. – Bravera Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that the following organizations will receive nearly $110,000 through the Member Impact Fund. The awards are part of a $5.6 million grant investment to support more than 200 nonprofit and government organizations across Montana, with FHLB Des Moines matching more than $2.40 for every $1 contributed by a member.
- Benefis Health System Foundation
- Billings Family YMCA
- Family Service
- The Friendship Center
- Great Falls Development Alliance
- Intermountain
- Landon’s Legacy Foundation
- Neighborhood Housing Services Inc. of Great Falls
- Toby’s House Crisis Nursery
- United Way of Cascade County FBO Meals on Wheels
- Zoo Montana
Shannon Hoiland, Bravera’s regional president for Great Falls, provides insight into the impact of these funds and how it will help the communities of the recipients, “The Federal Home Loan Bank’s Member Impact Fund plays a critical role in strengthening our communities. These funds help local organizations expand access to housing, support essential services, and invest in long‑term community stability. We are grateful for this partnership and the meaningful difference it will make for the individuals and families served across Montana.”
Bravera has been a proud partner of these organizations in Billings, Great Falls and Helena for several years. Together, they have been dedicated to improving their community through affordable housing and community development initiatives.
The Benefis Health System Foundation is the nonprofit fundraising arm of Benefis Health System, supporting healthcare across northcentral Montana. Founded in 1998, the foundation works with donors to fund programs and projects that improve patient care and community health, directing 100% of donations to advancing local healthcare services.
The Billings Family YMCA is a nonprofit, community-based organization serving Billings and Yellowstone County since 1905. Part of the national YMCA movement, it focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, offering programs that support physical, mental and social well-being for people of all ages, with a commitment to ensuring access regardless of income.
Family Service is a nonprofit organization based in Billings that has served Yellowstone County and surrounding areas since 1906. One of Montana’s longest-serving human service nonprofits, Family Service works collaboratively to help individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness and poverty through programs such as food assistance, rent and utility support, clothing services and education funding, with a mission focused on stability and dignity for all.
The Friendship Center of Helena is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971 that serves as the tri-county resource for addressing and preventing domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson counties. The organization provides advocacy, education, outreach and supportive services to people of all genders, working to promote safety and healthy, violence-free relationships.
The Great Falls Development Alliance is a nonprofit, public-private economic development organization serving Great Falls and a 13-county rural and tribal region of north-central Montana. Operating as a certified Community Development Financial Institution, the alliance supports business growth and community development through financing, business development, advising and regional programs aimed at strengthening the local economy and quality of life.
Intermountain is a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing through healthy relationships by supporting children, youth and families. Guided by a mission focused on relational and emotional well-being, Intermountain provides prevention, treatment and permanency-focused services through integrated, trauma-informed care designed to promote lasting, healthy change.
Landon’s Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2023 in honor of Landon D’Aprile. The foundation focuses on assisting children with special needs and supporting their families, continuing Landon’s legacy by providing help, resources and hope to those facing developmental and medical challenges.
NeighborWorks Great Falls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding affordable housing in Great Falls. Founded in 1980, the organization supports successful homeownership and community development through housing construction, renovation, education and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Toby’s House Crisis Nursery is a nonprofit organization in Great Falls dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by providing crisis, respite and transitional care for children under 6. Named in memory of Toby Perez, the organization offers free, short-term care in a safe and nurturing environment for families experiencing emergencies or overwhelming stress, while also connecting caregivers to community resources that strengthen family stability.
Cascade County Meals on Wheels is a county-operated nutrition program that delivers hot meals five days a week to older adults in Great Falls. Part of Cascade County Aging Services, the program supports seniors who may be homebound, recovering from hospitalization or unable to prepare meals themselves, while also providing daily wellness checks to help promote health, independence and food security.
ZooMontana is a nonprofit zoological and botanical park in Billings dedicated to wildlife conservation, education and quality animal care. Established in 1984, the AZA-accredited zoo focuses on species native to Montana and the northern Rockies, caring for primarily rescued animals while offering educational programs and experiences that connect visitors to regional ecosystems.
The Member Impact Fund is a matching grant program that strengthens the community involvement of FHLB Des Moines member institutions. By partnering with local financial institutions, the program delivers vital support for affordable housing and community development efforts throughout the FHLB Des Moines district.
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