First National Bank Announces Community Development Grants

First National Bank (www.firstnational.com) recently announced its first round of community development grant recipients for 2017, including a $15,000 grant to NeighborWorks Lincoln (www.nwlincoln.org).

NeighborWorks Lincoln is a non-profit organization dedicated to community revitalization through an active partnership of resident leaders, private businesses and public officials. The organization opens doors for people to achieve their dreams of home ownership and for others who desire a safe and attractive neighborhood. Often times, new construction costs exceed the appraised value. The grant from First National Bank will help to fill that funding gap and support NeighborWorks Lincoln’s construction of quality, affordable homes in Lincoln’s core neighborhoods.

“We’re proud to partner with NeighborkWorks Lincoln,” said Rich Herink, Lincoln Market President. “First National Bank is committed to the success of the communities we serve. We believe this grant to support affordable housing construction is an important investment in the future of our community.”

First National Bank awarded a total of $834,000 in community development grants to 47 organizations in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas and South Dakota. The grants support programs focused on stable housing, vibrant neighborhoods and strong local economies. In Nebraska, First National Bank awarded $580,500 in community development grants to 26 organizations across the state. Grants for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization programs will enable the bank’s community partners to build, rehabilitate or finance 484 homes and provide 654 individuals with home ownership education and foreclosure prevention services. Grants supporting economic development initiatives will create or retain 362 jobs and assist more than 635 small businesses in Nebraska.