NEW ORLEANS – Gulf Coast Bank and Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) presented $16,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to the Committee for a Better New Orleans (CBNO) to support two major initiatives.
The grant will help CBNO fund work related to its Big Easy Budget Game which allows citizens to go online and create a realistic city budget. The game is designed to help residents understand how government budgeting works and help them learn to advocate for causes important to them.
The PGP funding will help CBNO take the budget game on the road to places such as senior centers to reach people who may not have access to the Internet. Funds will also be used to create a new online budget offering that helps people with their personal finances.
“Gulf Coast Bank and Trust has supported CBNO for many years,” said Keith G.C. Twitchell, president of the nonprofit whose mission is to create equity and opportunity for all New Orleans residents by developing community leaders, fostering civic engagement and advocating for open, effective and accountable government. “Funding for community engagement work is always a challenge so to receive this funding is really meaningful in terms of our ability to engage and inform the community to give them a greater voice and enhance their quality of life.”
Guy Williams, president and CEO at Gulf Coast Bank and Trust, said CBNO is a well-respected organization that has made a positive difference in the lives of New Orleanians over the course of many years.
“CBNO believes that informed citizens must become engaged in their community,” said Mr. Williams. “They’ve instituted many programs over the years to expand the city’s breadth of leadership and encourage residents to be proactively involved in municipal government. We’re glad to further their mission through the PGP.”
Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said CBNO is building a diverse group of leaders through a multifaceted approach.
“CBNO’s connection with Gulf Coast Bank and Trust is one that has developed over time and continues to bear fruit,” Mr. Hettrick said. “Making these long-term community connections that make our cities stronger is what the PGP is all about.”
PGP awards provide grants up to $12,000 to community-based organizations (CBO). The funds may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. Through PGP awards, FHLB Dallas matches a member’s contribution to a CBO of $500 up to $4,000 at a 3:1 ratio. The grants are offered via a lottery system once a year through FHLB Dallas members.
