SEATTLE — CareerWork$ is pleased to announce that Wells Fargo and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) have awarded them a $750,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program, introduced in 2023, provided nearly $12 million to eligible Washington organizations to strengthen communities in targeted areas of the FHLB Des Moines district.
“This generous grant comes at a time when our programs are experiencing incredible momentum, paving the way for even greater impact,” says Ranko Fukuda, Managing Director of CareerWork$. “Thanks to the support from FHLB Des Moines and Wells Fargo, we’ll be able to increase our capacity in ways that will directly and positively benefit many more individuals.”
“We are pleased to be part of this important grant to foster the great work CareerWork$ does across Washington,” said Wells Fargo Washington Senior Community Impact & Sustainability Specialist Liz Lorenzo. “At Wells Fargo, we are committed to opening pathways to economic opportunity in Washington by connecting people with resources, services, products, and career opportunities so we can help empower them to help reach their full potential.”|
These funds will allow CareerWork$ to expand its offerings to new cities throughout the U.S. The organization is preparing to launch its first BankWork$ class in the Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, region in 2025. It continues to expand on its virtual BankWork$ Fundamentals class, which is open to anyone in the U.S.
FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions and liquidity 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 $3 for every $1 of an eligible FHLB Des Moines member’s grant donation to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to serve their communities’ affordable housing or community development needs. The Member Impact Fund awards are given in partnership with member financial institutions to communities in their district to become more vibrant places to live and work.
The Member Impact Fund is just one way FHLB Des Moines enables their members to connect directly with local organizations who matter to them, creating value and a lasting impact in their own communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “The commitment of members like Wells Fargo, and their connections to organizations like CareerWork$ help advance the positive work being done in its community.”
In 2024, the Member Impact Fund matching program supported organizations in Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member institutions in these locations submitted applications in 2024; funds were distributed directly to the member institution, which then provided the funding alongside a matching grant from FHLB Des Moines for the partner/recipient organization.
Recipient organizations were selected based on their need 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.
About CareerWork$
CareerWork$ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that enhances career development through comprehensive programs, resources, and mentorship. Focusing on empowering individuals to achieve their professional goals, CareerWork$ is crucial in building a more robust, skilled workforce.
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.
