Wasilla, Alaska, – The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) awarded $15,000 to the Financial Reality Foundation for the Get REAL Financial Reality Fair project for students and young adults to learn about managing personal finances. 

With the help of a public vote, financial institutions Alaska District Engineers FCU, Alaska USA FCU, Credit Union 1, Denali FCU, MAC FCU, Matanuska Valley FCU, Northern Skies FCU, Spirit of Alaska FCU, Tongass FCU, True North FCU, Aloha Pacific FCU, HawaiiUSA FCU, Hawaiian Financial FCU, Gather FCU and Kauai Government Employees FCU, supporters of the Financial Reality Foundation, were announced as one of two winners in the rural category for the Strong Communities Award. The award recognizes community partnerships for their support of local economic development and small business needs.

During the 2017-2018 school year, credit unions in Alaska and Hawaii sponsored a combined 99 Get REAL Financial Reality Fair events, reaching and setting a total of 5,632 students up for future financial success.

“We’re excited to award the Financial Reality Foundation our Strong Communities Award,” commented Mike Wilson, president and CEO, FHLB Des Moines. “The Get REAL Financial Reality Fair project has had a positive impact in their communities, and we hope this award will ensure its continued success.”

“It is an honor to receive the Strong Communities Award,” commented Karina Wentworth, Executive Director of the Financial Reality Foundation “The Get REAL Financial Realty Fairs are critical to achieving future financial success for students. These fairs provide valuable experience with real-life budgeting and we’re excited to continue our support of these learning opportunities.”

Since its inception five years ago, applications for the Strong Communities Award have continued to grow, with a record number of FHLB Des Moines member financial institutions applying for this year’s awards. The award honors the projects, people and programs that promote small business growth and retention in their communities. The award was open to FHLB Des Moines members and community partners throughout the Bank’s district, consisting of 13 states and three U.S. Pacific territories. 

For more information on the FHLB Des Moines Strong Communities Award visit www.fhlbdm.com/award.