Marquette Bank Supports Southwest Organizing Project Through FHLBank Chicago Community First® Developer Program Grant

Release date: 3/11/2026

CHICAGO (March 11, 2026) – Marquette Bank, a locally owned neighborhood bank, announced the disbursement of grant funding of $233,352 to the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago's (FHLBank Chicago) Community First® Developer Program. As a member institution of FHLBank Chicago, Marquette Bank facilitated the funding to support SWOP's Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign, a neighborhood-driven initiative transforming vacant properties into quality, affordable homes for working families.

The funding will enable SWOP to develop emerging leaders in affordable housing development while advancing neighborhood revitalization projects. Through its work, SWOP has created pathways to homeownership, preserved affordability, and strengthened neighborhood investment through collaboration with residents and partners.

"This grant demonstrates the power of partnership between financial institutions, neighborhood organizations, and residents," said Manny Jimenez, First Vice President & Director of Community Reinvestment Act. "By facilitating this grant, we empower the next generation of community developers who understand the needs of the Southwest side."

Supporting Career Development and Neighborhood Leadership
SWOP will use the funding to continue fellowships for Blanca Casillas and Dantay Williams. The grant will expand their capacity to undertake neighborhood development projects and strengthen their affordable housing development skills. Both fellows will take leading roles in implementing the Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign over the coming year.

The Community First® Developer Program awarded $12 million since its inception four years ago at the recommendation of FHLBank Chicago's Community Investment Advisory Council. Grants support internships, fellowships, and career pathways in affordable housing development across Illinois and Wisconsin.

About Marquette Bank:

Marquette Bank is a full-service, neighborhood bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland – offering an extensive line of financial solutions – including retail banking, real estate lending, trust, insurance, investments, wealth management and business banking to consumers and commercial customers. Marquette Bank has 20 branches in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Romeoville, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois.