#USA #Tucson #Vantage West #FHLBank San Francisco #Groundswell Capital

Vantage West's Commitment to Community Development

Vantage West Credit Union has joined forces with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) to make a significant impact on the Southern Arizona community by awarding $150,000 in grants through the AHEAD Program. The funds will assist three remarkable nonprofit organizations: Groundswell Capital, Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC), and Sahuarita Food Bank. These initiatives aim to promote economic growth, foster workforce development, and create equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Jon Bruflat, Vice President of Community Impact at Vantage West, stated, "Vantage West is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. The AHEAD Program grants are a powerful way to drive meaningful change." This collaboration shines a light on the importance of partnerships in enhancing community resilience and vibrancy.

Overview of the Grant Recipients

Groundswell Capital

Groundswell Capital, Arizona's first green bank, has a mission focused on eliminating barriers to entry into skilled trades. The funds from the AHEAD Program will support their Juntos Microenterprise Job Training and Loan Fund, which provides essential job training and zero percent interest microloans for aspiring contractors. Through bilingual outreach and collaborative community efforts, Groundswell is committed to empowering a new generation of contractors equipped with the necessary tools and support to thrive.

Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC)

The PYDC plays a crucial role in diversifying and strengthening the Tribal economy of the Pascua Yaqui community. The AHEAD funds will facilitate the establishment of a Career Pivot Center that includes advanced utility infrastructure and a professional environment for job training. Such initiatives aim to enhance long-term skills development, ultimately leading to better workforce readiness within the community.

Sahuarita Food Bank

Sahuarita Food Bank’s Project VERDE is a remarkable venture aimed at addressing hunger through innovation. This project will implement a large-scale hydroponic system to grow food in the adverse conditions of the Southwestern desert. Project VERDE is not only designed to provide nutritious food but also to serve as a replicable model for job creation and surplus food production. AHEAD funds will be instrumental in establishing the container farm and covering staff salaries.

Success Amidst Competitive Landscape

The grants awarded to these nonprofits were part of a highly competitive selection process. Vantage West successfully secured these awards amid 400 proposals submitted for the AHEAD program this year. Eric Cicourel, Community Investment Officer at FHLBank San Francisco, commented on the competitive nature of the grant cycle, emphasizing the increasing need for support to stimulate local economic vitality.

Vantage West has demonstrated a sustained commitment to fostering economic development in the region, with successive wins in grant acquisition since 2019. As Bruflat noted, “This is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our dedication to regional development.”

Looking Ahead

The AHEAD grants are specifically designed for community lenders to enhance local economic development programs that address needs in low-to-moderate-income regions. For those interested in applying for the AHEAD Program in 2026, more information can be obtained through Vantage West Credit Union or the FHLBank San Francisco website.

Capable and engaging partnerships are pivotal in propelling our communities toward progress and resilience. Vantage West’s collaboration with FHLBank San Francisco exemplifies how strategic funding can support significant initiatives and help uplift every facet of local communities.

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About Vantage West Credit Union

Founded in 1955 to serve the personnel of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Vantage West has significantly expanded its services to several counties in Arizona. As one of the largest credit unions in the state, Vantage West offers a variety of banking services and is federally insured.

About Groundswell Capital

Groundswell Capital focuses on economic justice and climate resilience, providing flexible funding to underrepresented communities. Their mission addresses the financing gaps that historically excluded certain groups.

About Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation

Established in 2018, PYDC aims to foster economic self-sufficiency for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe through strategic business initiatives in various sectors.

About Sahuarita Food Bank

Since its inception in 2009, Sahuarita Food Bank has worked tirelessly to combat hunger and empower families through nutrition programs and community resources.