Bank partnership leads to $700,000 of charitable donations in southeast South Dakota

This piece is sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines has donated $700,000 across 12 organizations in the Sioux Falls area.

These charitable gifts were made possible by the Member Impact Fund, a matching grant program from FHLB Des Moines that resulted in $13.3 million awarded across South Dakota in February and March.

“This program allowed us to turn $200,000 in gifts from First National Bank into $700,000,” said Bob Baker, director of corporate affairs at First National Bank. “Our bank’s charitable committee carefully selected 12 local organizations to support, with FHLB providing matching funds to more than double our impact.”

The Member Impact Fund supports not-for-profit organizations or government entities dedicated to strengthening communities through affordable housing and community development projects.

First National Bank applied for matching funds on donations to these organizations, resulting in total contributions as follows:

Bishop Dudley Hospitality House – $157,500

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire – $112,000

Call to Freedom – $17,500

Children’s Home Society of South Dakota – $17,500

Flandreau Sports Association – $87,500

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls – $36,750

LifeScape Foundation – $35,000

Sioux Falls Cares – $17,500

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium – $140,000

TeamMates Mentoring of Sioux Falls – $17,500

The Banquet Sioux Falls – $17,500

Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls – $43,750

“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.”

Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $83 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, generating more than $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.

“This has been a wonderful way to help strengthen our communities,” Baker said. “We’re beyond grateful for the contributions FHLB Des Moines has made to these 12 organizations and many more across our state.”

To learn about the purpose behind each of these donations, visit First National Bank’s blog.