STERLING — First Bank was able to help local projects flourish once again through their partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank.

“First Bank staff polled the community for needs and submitted multiple applications for the Federal Home Loan Bank’s #500forGood grant. The #500forGood grant is open to area partner banks who want to make an impact in their communities. “Two grant applications were awarded funding for three projects,” said Raechel Manley, First Bank Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator.

The city of Sterling, has been working with other groups to fund the creation of a dog park. First Bank staff member, Breanna Gillespie, stepped forward to support this project and submitted the grant for $500. “My dogs are part of my family, and we would love a fenced area in Sterling where the kids and I can play with our pups,” said Gillespie.

USD 376 and USD 405 both previously received grants to create greenhouses for their districts. Lauren Bundy, First Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, wanted to support this project with supplies for the greenhouse lessons. “One study found that vegetation surrounding schools is associated with improved standardized test scores on math and reading, and our team members at First Bank are already experts in funding agriculture so this project felt like a great fit,” said Bundy. Each district submitted a list of supplies they would like to use when teaching in the greenhouses. First Bank was able to match the Federal Home Loan Bank’s grant, providing a total of $500 to each district.

Annually First Bank participates in the #500forGood program and suggests Rice County community members share concerns and needs these grant dollars could be put towards throughout the year.

Community members should reach out to Raechel Manley via email at raechelm@first-bank.net with any grant ideas.