Catholic Charities receives grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Stearns Bank

July 7, 2025

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud receives $10,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Stearns Bank through the Member Impact Fund


Grant program supports affordable housing and community development

We are thrilled to announce Catholic Charities has received a $10,000 grant from Stearns Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) through the Member Impact Fund. This grant is part of $20 million in funding awarded by FHLB Des Moines through a matching grant program to support affordable housing and community development in Minnesota.

 

This award will invest $10,000 into our Central Minnesota community and support our Home Stretch Homebuyer Education classes which provide essential guidance for individuals looking to navigate the homebuying process with confidence. Topics include mortgage qualification, credit and affordability, loan closing procedures, and the responsibilities of homeownership.

 

Homebuyer Education offers valuable resources to help individuals get ready for homeownership. Additionally, many lenders require Homebuyer Education to ensure first-time buyers are well-informed about the process and expectations. 

 

Attendees hear from industry experts in lending, real estate, title services, and home inspection. They also receive a certificate of completion, which may be required by certain loan programs. Participants can also take advantage of free pre-purchase advising services for personalized support. 

 

"This grant opens the door to more than just a class—it offers families and individuals the chance to build a future with confidence,” said Lois Rengel, Catholic Charities Financial & Housing Counseling Supervisor. “Through homebuying education, participants gain essential tools to navigate budgeting, credit, mortgage options, and the true cost of owning a home. It’s not just about buying a house; it's about empowering people to make informed, confident decisions that protect their dreams and create lasting stability for generations to come."

 

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 up to $3 for every $1 in 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 enables our members to directly support local organizations who matter to them, creating value and a profound impact in their own communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “The commitment of Stearns Bank to champion organizations like Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud inspires us all.” 

 

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 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.

 

 

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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