Funds Will Be Used for Financial Property Education, Will Planning and Legal Clinics

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member Bonvenu Bank, awarded $50,000 in Heirs’ Property Program grants to two organizations that support resolving heirs’ property issues in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area.

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Representatives from FHLB Dallas, Bonvenu Bank, the BRidge Agency and EnvisioNBR celebrate Heirs' Property Program funds. (Photo: Business Wire)

The BRidge Agency and EnvisioNBR each received a $25,000 grant at a ceremonial check presentation today. The funds will be used to assist low-income families to resolve heirs’ property title issues.

The BRidge Agency grant will be used in part to implement the “Legacy Literacy 4 All” initiative, which focuses on providing marginalized communities in Baton Rouge with education and awareness about executing wills and deeds, as well as property financial literacy.

“This grant will enable us to leverage the expertise of pro bono board members in financial literacy and real estate, train community leaders as advocates and establish a resource hub for ongoing support, ensuring the program’s sustainability and long-term impact,” said The BRidge Agency Founder and Executive Director Nicole Scott.

The EnvisioNBR grant will fund resources for will planning and hosting community legal clinics to help protect family legacies in the neighborhoods of Bogan Walk, Easy Town, Eden Park and Greenville Extension.

“This grant will preserve homeownership, empower residents to secure their futures and build a stronger North Baton Rouge for generations to come,” said Founding Executive Director of EnvisioNBR Ashlé Young.

Heirs’ property refers to property inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. As property is passed down, each successive generation typically results in more heirs being added to the inheritance. The absence of a deed or will can make it more complicated to obtain a clear title to land or homes as time passes.

“We are so pleased to be a part of this program,” said Michael Colston, VP community development officer and business banker at Bonvenu Bank. “Helping Louisianans with home ownership benefits not only the families involved, but the community as a whole. We hope to be a part of it for many years to come.”

In 2024, FHLB Dallas and 20 participating members awarded $2 million to 33 organizations in our five-state region. The funding will help clear an estimated 560 titles and assist more than 5,670 people with training and education regarding heirs’ issues.

“The Heirs’ Property Program enables families to protect their legacy and secure their future,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

Learn more about the FHLB Dallas Heirs’ Property Program.

About Bonvenu Bank

Bonvenu Bank is a community bank in Louisiana that offers a variety of banking services for individuals and businesses. Formerly Citizens National Bank, Bonvenu Bank was established in 1985, and has 14 full-service branch locations throughout Louisiana. Committed to offering an elevated banking experience, Bonvenu strives to build a prosperous future for the communities it serves. Bonvenu Bank has been a leading financial partner for businesses and individuals in Northwest Louisiana for 40 years.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $129.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

Corporate Communications Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas fhlb.com, (214) 441-8445