Empowering Local Communities

Discover how we support community growth through engagement, investment, and collaboration with local partners.

Our Commitment to Community Engagement

At FHLBank Chicago, we believe in the power of community. Our approach to engagement fosters collaboration and supports local initiatives.

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We provide a range of funding programs that help expand access to affordable housing, strengthen small businesses, and support community development across Illinois and Wisconsin. Our members use these programs to meet local needs and create lasting impact.

Programs include:

 

Through our Housing Counseling Resource Program, we support financial education and homebuyer readiness by funding housing counseling agencies across Illinois and Wisconsin. These organizations equip individuals and families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and achieve sustainable homeownership.

Two FHLBank Chicago housing associates, Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), administer the Housing Counseling Resource Program on behalf of FHLBank Chicago. These beneficiary organizations received funds in 2025. 

We engage with local organizations and industry partners to strengthen affordable housing and community development across our district. Our employees participate in community events, contribute expertise through service on boards and committees, and collaborate with partners to advance initiatives that align with our values and areas of focus.

We listen to our members and community partners to ensure our programs align with local priorities. Through ongoing engagement, data collection, and insight from our Community Investment Advisory Council, we identify opportunities to address critical issues such as housing affordability, small business growth, and community resilience.

Community Engagement

Empowering communities through meaningful partnerships.

Recent Collaborative Efforts

Building stronger communities together.

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Highlighting Our Community Projects

Engaging with local organizations for positive change.

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Connect with us and make and help us make a difference.

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Tell Your FHLBank Chicago Story

We want to hear how FHLBank Chicago has made a difference in your community.

Power of Community

At FHLBank Chicago, we believe in the power of community. Our mission is to provide essential liquidity and support to our member institutions, enabling them to serve their local communities effectively. By focusing on the unique needs of banks, credit unions, and development financial institutions in Illinois and Wisconsin, we foster sustainable growth and development.

Our cooperative model ensures that we are not just a financial institution, but a partner in community investment. We work closely with our members to understand their challenges and opportunities, offering tailored solutions that drive impactful results. Together, we can create a thriving environment for homeownership and community development.

We are committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that our members and their communities can trust us as a reliable partner. Our governance structure, led by a board of directors elected by our members, reflects our dedication to serving their interests.

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Community Engagement Insights

Stay informed with our recent news and articles.

More Impact Stories

FAQs

It’s a core part of our role as a cooperative. By supporting members and local partners, we help strengthen housing, economic development, and long-term resilience across the communities we serve.

Our employees contribute time, expertise, and leadership by participating in community events, serving on boards and committees, and collaborating with partners on efforts that advance affordable housing and community development.

Access to our programs comes through participating member institutions. This ensures support aligns with local priorities and is administered by partners who understand their communities best.

Our programs are delivered through member institutions—not directly to individuals or organizations. Members are already rooted in their communities, which allows them to tailor support to local needs and deploy resources quickly and effectively.

We prioritize areas where our members see the greatest need. Their on-the-ground insight, combined with regional data and guidance from the Community Investment Advisory Council, helps direct our support toward efforts with the strongest local impact.