Stronger Communities Through Community Investment Cash Advances

A vibrant economy is essential to a strong community. Through our discounted Community Investment Cash Advance programs, we offer Advance funding to support economic development at discounted rates for members. In turn, our members are then able to offer below market rates for business owners and developers looking to grow businesses, rehabilitate facilities, promote job creation and more.

Under the Community Investment Program (CIP), discounted loans are available to finance the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of housing and economic development projects. Our Economic Development Program (EDP) provides discounted Advances to promote economic development and job creation or retention in areas with qualifying socioeconomic measures.

In 2024, $211.6 million in CIP, EDP and Zero Interest Fund (ZIF) funding was disbursed through 10 member institutions. One FHLB Cincinnati member, Citizens National Bank, Bluffton, Ohio, has used the EDP for over 12 years to help make a difference in local communities.

“It’s been a great source for us. Knowing that we can consistently get a decent rate helps us on the front end,” said Stacy Nissley, Senior Vice President at Citizens National Bank.

As one of the largest users of the program, Citizens National Bank financed economic development projects ranging from dairy farms and commercial driving schools to hotels and manufactured home communities. The organization helped Bates Recycling, located in Cygnet, Ohio, secure a loan of over $1 million through the EDP to help open a new facility.

“We have always been a customer centric business and really take pride in our customer service,” said Ms. Nissley. “Being able to offer the Economic Development Program to them has been another key to making those relationships successful.”

Matt Wood, EVP, Chief Lending Officer at Citizens National Bank with the owner of Bates Recycling, Chris Bates