BankWest Gregory and FHLB, Award $35,000 to Area Orgs
BankWest and FHLB Des Moines, are pleased to announce that the Gregory American Legion Post 6, Gregory Volunteer Fire Department, Gregory Athletics Club and Avera Gregory will receive a total of $35,000 in grant funding.
BankWest Gregory and FHLB, Award $35,000 to Area Orgs
BankWest and FHLB Des Moines, are pleased to announce that the Gregory American Legion Post 6, Gregory Volunteer Fire Department, Gregory Athletics Club and Avera Gregory will receive a total of $35,000 in grant funding.
BankWest, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that the Gregory American Legion Post 6, Gregory Volunteer Fire Department, Gregory Athletics Club and Avera Gregory will receive a total of $35,000 in grant funding from the Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program will result in BankWest and FHLB Des Moines awarding $700,000 in funding to support affordable housing and community development in South Dakota communities.
“Each of these projects addresses a real, tangible need in the Gregory community—from keeping our first responders safe and strengthening local healthcare, to improving recreational facilities and preserving spaces that bring people together,” said David Kotrba, BankWest’s Branch Manager in Gregory. “These are investments that support our neighbors, our families and the quality of life in our community, and we’re proud to help make them possible.”
BankWest applied for and received matching grant funds for the following projects:
“This grant is a significant investment in the safety of our firefighters and the community we serve,” said Chief Joel Bartling with the Gregory Volunteer Fire Department. “With support from BankWest and FHLB Des Moines, we’re able to replace critical protective equipment and ensure our firefighters have the reliable gear they need to respond safely and effectively.”
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. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities.
“The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion the organizations that make a real difference in their communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “By partnering with our members, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.”
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.
Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $83 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, generating over $113 million in combined support for affordable housing and community development. Notably, every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding—reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to partnership and impact.
“Each of these projects addresses a real, tangible need in the Gregory community—from keeping our first responders safe and strengthening local healthcare, to improving recreational facilities and preserving spaces that bring people together,” said David Kotrba, BankWest’s Branch Manager in Gregory. “These are investments that support our neighbors, our families and the quality of life in our community, and we’re proud to help make them possible.”
BankWest applied for and received matching grant funds for the following projects:
- Gregory American Legion ($8,750) – Funds will be used for replacing the building's roof and ceiling.
- Gregory Area Healthcare System and Foundation ($8,750) – Grant funds will be used to strengthen the ultrasound program at Avera Gregory, helping enhance local access to diagnostic healthcare services.
- Gregory Athletics Club ($8,750) – The Gregory Athletics Club will use the funds to install a pole vault complex at the Gregory track. Currently, there is no pole vault pit for practice or competition.
- Gregory Volunteer Fire Department ($8,750) – Funds will be used to replace four sets of aging firefighter PPE, or “bunker gear,” in accordance with NFPA standards. Replacing this equipment will help ensure firefighters have safe, reliable protective gear while managing the high cost of replacements over time.
“This grant is a significant investment in the safety of our firefighters and the community we serve,” said Chief Joel Bartling with the Gregory Volunteer Fire Department. “With support from BankWest and FHLB Des Moines, we’re able to replace critical protective equipment and ensure our firefighters have the reliable gear they need to respond safely and effectively.” 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. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities.
“The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion the organizations that make a real difference in their communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “By partnering with our members, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.”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.
Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $83 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, generating over $113 million in combined support for affordable housing and community development. Notably, every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding—reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to partnership and impact.