We were proud to attend and sponsor this year’s Chicago Network: Women in the Forefront Luncheon—one of Chicago’s premier gatherings celebrating women’s leadership. Bringing together more than 1,500 attendees, this inspiring event highlighted the power of leadership, collaboration, and the institutions shaping our future. Thank you to @TCNChicago for convening such a meaningful and impactful conversation. We’re grateful to support events that elevate women leaders and strengthen our communities.

This week, we joined our members and partners at @ChicagoHabitat annual Habitat Hero Award Dinner, where EVP and Head of Sales Carolyn Jaw, who serves on the organization's Board of Directors, presented an award to Wintrust and CEO Tim Crane for their leadership in advancing affordable housing. In addition to recognizing the significant contributions of corporate leaders and distinctive individuals who share a passion for Habitat’s mission, it was an honor to have our MPF® Habitat for Humanity® Program highlighted during the event. We also attended @Illinoishousing’s Summer Mixer this week—connecting with important colleagues and partners in the affordable housing space. We’re proud to stand alongside partners advancing affordable housing in our communities.

This week, we hosted emerging developers, members, and housing leaders from across Illinois at our Community First® Developer Program convening in Chicago. Through discussion, networking, and shared learning, attendees explored opportunities to build capacity, strengthen partnerships, and support the development of affordable housing in communities across the state. Applications for our 2026 Developer Program open June 29. Learn more: bit.ly/4v9sjy2

During #NationalHomeownershipMonth, we’re highlighting how FHLBank Chicago’s Downpayment Plus® Program is helping more individuals and families overcome upfront barriers to homeownership. Since 2024, @IncredibleBank has used DPP® to help approximately 30 families move into stable, affordable homes. Home Lending Specialist Carmen Schipferling shared how IncredibleBank is using DPP® to open doors for first-time homebuyers in Wisconsin’s Northwoods—making it possible for more qualifying families to turn the dream of homeownership into reality. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4egugBV

During National Homeownership Month, we're recognizing the growing network of FHLBank Chicago member institutions helping more households achieve homeownership through our Downpayment Plus® (DPP®) Program. By helping eligible homebuyers overcome upfront costs, DPP® continues to open doors to homeownership across Illinois and Wisconsin. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4vItEMu

In Greenville, Illinois, our member FNB Community Bank leveraged more than $1 million in Community Advance funding to support downtown redevelopment projects—bringing historic buildings back to life, opening new small businesses, and expanding housing opportunities. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4vkRhKZ

Our annual Management Conference is open for registration! Featuring expert speakers on technology, leadership, the current geopolitical landscape, and today’s economy. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Visit our conference website for the agenda, speaker bios, CPE information, and more: bit.ly/49UOMXw

Housing affordability is a national challenge – and no single solution solves it alone. The @MPFProgram has been providing secondary market access for community lenders for nearly 30 years, and new initiatives like the MPF® Habitat for Humanity® Program are expanding what's possible for borrowers. Patrick Sullivan recently sat down with @CrainsChicago to discuss how it all works. Watch now: bit.ly/43r8w1d

Tracey Eddy understands what stability means to a military family. As VP at Citizens First Bank, she uses the @MPFProgram to help veterans get affordable VA home loans. This #NationalHomeownershipMonth, her story is worth sharing. Read more: bit.ly/4o3TEiB

We’re proud to partner with our member, Bristol Morgan Bank, to provide a $250,000 Community First® Developer Program grant to Northpointe Development II Corporation, supporting the next generation of affordable housing developers. The fellows hired under this grant will gain hands-on experience across the affordable housing development process, supporting projects in Wisconsin and Illinois from early-stage applications and approvals through construction, lease-up, and operations.

For many Habitat for Humanity affiliates, access to capital can directly impact how quickly they are able to move from one project to the next. In this clip from Banking on Connections, Peter Lewandowski, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin, discusses how Habitat leaders across Illinois and Wisconsin are responding to FHLBank Chicago's new @MPFProgram Habitat for Humanity® Program and the opportunities it creates to reinvest capital and support future homebuilding efforts. Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/41SGsTC

This #NationalHomeownershipMonth, we’re showcasing the powerful role local lenders play in helping individuals and families achieve the dream of owning a home. Homeownership supports local economies and helps people put down roots. That's why conversations among community lenders, housing partners and leaders like Congressman @TonyWied are so important as we work to address housing needs and expand opportunities for homebuyers. By connecting people with trusted, community-based lenders, we’re helping ensure more individuals and families can build equity and thrive. Their stories are a powerful reminder that homeownership is more than a milestone—it’s a foundation for stronger communities. We’re proud to work alongside members like Joe Fazio of Bristol Morgan Bank and Tim Schinkten and Chelsea Gay of @NicoletBank, to open doors and expand access to housing across our district. Watch the video below or on our website to see the impact in action. bit.ly/4boZNQz

We’re proud to partner with our member, @BMO_US, to provide a $190,000 Community First® Developer Program grant to The Resurrection Project (@TRPistas), and a $250,000 Community First® Developer Program grant to the Illinois Housing Council (@illinoishousing), supporting the next generation of affordable housing developers. Read more on our website: bit.ly/43LotiM

A $10,000 DPP® grant helped Bobbi Penn buy a home. Now she's a mortgage lender helping other families do the same. There's no better time to share a story like Bobbi's than #NationalHomeownershipMonth. Read more on our website: bit.ly/4uL80at

During National Homeownership Month, we're reflecting on the impact that housing counseling can have on the path to homeownership. The 2025 FHLBank System Impact Report from @FHLBanksVoice highlights how our Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program is helping housing counseling agencies expand services that prepare more individuals and families for long-term financial stability and homeownership, alongside down payment assistance available through the Downpayment Plus® Program. bit.ly/49XG2zG #NationalHomeownershipMonth

We enjoyed coming together last month for the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge! It was a great evening of fitness and team building, with the proceeds from this year’s race going to the @AssocHouse of Chicago, which has been supporting local communities for over 100 years. We had nearly 50 runners completing the 3.5 mile race, and many more employees joining as spectators. Thanks to everyone for their participation and we look forward to next year! #JPCC

The stories behind our work deserve to be seen and heard—and now we have a new way to share them. We're excited to launch our FHLBank Chicago YouTube channel, featuring member stories, community impact, employee spotlights, and more. See how we support our members, strengthen housing and community development, and invest in communities across Illinois and Wisconsin. Subscribe and follow along: youtube.com/@fhlbankchicago

This week, we brought together emerging developers, members, and housing leaders from across Wisconsin for our Community First® Developer Program convening in Milwaukee. Through meaningful conversations and new connections, attendees explored ways to strengthen the affordable housing development pipeline, expand opportunities for emerging professionals, and advance housing solutions across Wisconsin. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussion. Applications for our 2026 Developer Program open June 29. Learn more: bit.ly/4v9sjy2

Great leadership takes investment. Our CHAMP program pairs experienced leaders with newer managers for six months of coaching, mentorship, and growth. In 2025, we welcomed a new cohort – building the next generation of leaders from within. Learn more about how we’re cultivating a high-performing, engaged workforce on our website: bit.ly/49KnMtN

In celebration of Small Business Month, we’re highlighting how FHLBank Chicago’s Community Advance is helping strengthen local businesses and revitalize communities. In downtown Greenville, Illinois, our member FNB Community Bank harnessed more than $1 million in Community Advance funding to support downtown redevelopment projects that brought historic buildings back to life, opened new small businesses, and expanded housing options. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4vkRhKZ