FHLBank Chicago

Check out this feature from @ChiBizJournal, highlighting @FullCircle310’s completion of the $21 million renovation at Brainerd Senior Center on Chicago’s South Side.  Supported by our member @BMO_US and a $900,000 grant through FHLBank Chicago's Affordable Housing Program, the project modernized the property, expanded accessibility, and preserved affordable housing for seniors. We are proud to support our members as they strengthen communities and expand access to safe, affordable housing across our district. bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2…

Thank you to all who joined us at our 2026 Regional Member Insights Forums. Each session brought together perspectives from across our district, with a focus on sharing insights and building connections. From economic outlooks to product and balance sheet strategies, the conversations focused on practical ways to navigate today’s environment and make the most of FHLBank Chicago membership. Take a look at a few highlights below!

Check out this feature from @WEDCNews highlighting their efforts to expand rural housing development capacity—supported by FHLBank Chicago’s Community First® Developers Program. Led by the Office of Rural Prosperity, the Emerging Rural Developer Fellowship is helping local leaders build the experience, tools, and partnerships needed to move housing projects forward. A strong example of how collaboration can help unlock new pathways for development where it’s needed most. bit.ly/3NG2Uff

The new MPF® Habitat for Humanity® Program gives FHLBank Chicago members another tool to advance affordable homeownership by offering below-market, first-mortgage financing to homebuyers served by Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Illinois and Wisconsin. When paired with other FHLBank Chicago offerings—such as Downpayment Plus® and/or Community Advance—members can maximize their impact. Learn how your institution can combine these solutions—read the white paper from our Solutions Desk: bit.ly/4brwRJf

Last week, we convened a roundtable with @RepTonyWied, community banks and credit unions, Wisconsin trade associations, and housing partners to discuss housing finance and economic development priorities across Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. The conversation reinforced how public-private collaboration—and tools that help member institutions meet local needs—can expand affordable housing supply and support resilient communities from the Northwoods to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Thank you to @AssociatedBank, Bristol Morgan Bank, Community First Credit Union, @NicoletBank, Porterfield, Fettig & Sears, @WisBankers, @WICULeague, and @wirealtors for sharing insights and helping to move these important issues forward. Read more on our website. bit.ly/4boZNQz

Geopolitical uncertainty is driving increased activity from state-sponsored threat actors and hacktivists across financial services. Join FHLBank Chicago’s Chief Information Officer Kevin Solchenberger and Chief Information Security Officer Eric Poole for a webinar at 12:00 p.m. on March 20 to learn how strong governance, risk discipline, and security controls support operational resilience. Register here: bit.ly/4lCrPgf

We’re excited to kick off our 2026 Regional Member Insights Forums today in Green Bay. These gatherings bring members together to gain insights on FHLBank Chicago products and solutions, hear expert economic perspectives on the 2026 financial landscape, and explore balance sheet strategies to help maximize membership. We’re looking forward to connecting with more of our members across Illinois and Wisconsin in the days ahead.

Creating new pathways into affordable housing starts with investing in emerging developers. In 2025, we awarded a $241,000 Community First® Developer Program grant through our member Forward Community Investments to support Kaba-Baal LLC, a Madison-based firm founded by developer Kaba Bah. The funding supports fellowships and internships that prepare emerging professionals for careers in affordable housing development, providing hands-on experience in project management, planning, and community engagement. Watch the video below to learn more and read the full story here: bit.ly/4sDOqvk

We’re proud to launch the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Habitat for Humanity® Program, helping members partner with Illinois and Wisconsin Habitat affiliates to expand affordable homeownership through below-market first-mortgage financing. 💰 ~250 bps below market mortgage rates for eligible loans (rate discount funded by FHLBank Chicago) 🏠 Flexible underwriting to support low-to-moderate income homebuyers working with Habitat affiliates 📊 $2.5 million in interest rate subsidies—supporting $20–25 million in funded unpaid principal balance in 2026 💡 Seamless integration with existing @MPFProgram delivery commitment and funding processes By providing below-market first-mortgage financing and helping return more capital to Habitat affiliates, the program can help accelerate construction cycles, grow housing supply, and support more families on the path to stability through homeownership. Learn more on our website: bit.ly/47BSxQa

We were proud to join our member @BMO, Full Circle Communities, and community partners today to celebrate the grand opening of Brainerd Senior Center on Chicago’s South Side. FHLBank Chicago awarded a $900,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through BMO to support the rehabilitation of the property, helping preserve long-term affordable housing for seniors, including seniors with disabilities. Read the full story: bit.ly/47dxPpK

Today is National Employee Appreciation Day, a chance to recognize the people who make our work possible. At FHLBank Chicago, our employees bring dedication, expertise, and collaboration to the work we do every day in support of our members and the communities they serve. We’re grateful for the commitment our team shows in advancing our mission.

Each year, the @illinoishousing council convenes hundreds of affordable housing leaders from across the state at the Illinois Affordable Housing Forum, creating space to share ideas, discuss best practices, and build the relationships that move the industry forward. Events like this underscore the power of collaboration in addressing Illinois’ housing challenges and advancing solutions that work for communities statewide. We’re proud to sponsor this event and engage alongside partners who are committed to strengthening access to affordable housing—and to be part of conversations that help shape what’s next.

Today we gathered for a celebratory breakfast to honor the employees who achieved a service anniversary milestone at FHLBank Chicago in 2025. We are grateful for their dedication to our mission: supporting our members and the communities they serve. Join us in congratulating our employees on their years of service!

Last week, our very own Jamie Lutton, Manager of Community Outreach and Engagement, shared her expertise as a panelist at Hope Community Capital’s recent Invest Forward cross sector workshop. Jamie joined leaders from @IFFcdfi, @Wintrust, and @NM_Financial to discuss private financing tools available for community development—and the partnerships needed to move high impact projects from vision to execution, creating real momentum for communities.

Register today for our upcoming MPF® Habitat for Humanity® Program webinar, taking place on Wednesday, February 25 at 1:00p.m. Developed in partnership with @HabitatIllinois and @HabitatofWI affiliates, this informative session will walk through how the program supports long‑term affordability for low‑income homebuyers through below‑market 30‑year mortgage rates, key operational and underwriting features, and the benefits it offers to borrowers and Habitat affiliates. Sign up here: bit.ly/4rYG0OK

Last week, we joined our member Spring Bank to present two $250,000 Community First® Developer Program awards to AK Development and Milwaukee Development Corporation. The funding supports paid internships and fellowships that strengthen Milwaukee’s affordable housing talent pipeline and expand housing supply. Read more: bit.ly/4qNY0dL

Through our Community First® Developer Program, more than 110 internships and fellowships have been supported, representing $5.9 million invested in building the next generation of affordable housing developers. James Cleveland of the @WEDCNews Office of Rural Prosperity – one of the Developer Program grant recipients – shares how the funding is empowering rural leaders to create lasting housing solutions in their communities. Hear from James and other grant recipients in our recent Banking on Connections podcast episode: bit.ly/4a2DWiw

Our February Community First Newsletter is available. Read about leadership updates to our Community Investment Advisory Council, what’s ahead for our 2026 Affordable Housing Program General Fund, the upcoming opening of our MPF® Habitat for Humanity® Program, and additional program highlights. Read the full newsletter here: bit.ly/3OhLvcR

FHLBank Chicago’s updated Community Advance—paired with DPP Advantage®—makes it easier for nonprofit mortgage originators to support income‑eligible homebuyers with better pricing, expanded access to capital, and forgivable down‑payment assistance, while building stronger nonprofit partnerships and deepening community impact. Read more from our Solutions Desk: bit.ly/3MH6IfH

We're officially one month away from our first Regional Member Insights Forum! Join us for in-person conversations designed to help you get more from your membership—featuring timely perspectives, practical takeaways, and opportunities for dialogue and shared learning with peers, hosted in cities across our district. Registration closes March 4—reserve your spot today: bit.ly/407VFiG