Vantage West partners with FHLBank San Francisco to award Groundswell Capital, Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation, and Community Investment Corporation $100,000 AHEAD Program grants
TUCSON, AZ (October 31, 2024) — Vantage West Credit Union, in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco), will deliver $100,000 AHEAD Program grants to Groundswell Capital, Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation, and Community Investment Corporation in support of their efforts to drive economic growth, enhance workforce development, and create equitable opportunities for underserved communities throughout Southern Arizona.
Vantage West applied for the grant in partnership with these non-profits. After a competitive selection process, the three non-profits were awarded the AHEAD Program grants to fund the very important work they do in the community.
- Groundswell Capital builds thriving communities by providing innovative financial solutions that promote equity and sustainability. Their AVANZA Empowerment Fund offers underrepresented small businesses access to low-barrier capital, financial education, and mentorship to drive economic growth and environmental justice.
- Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC), established by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, is dedicated to diversifying and strengthening the Tribal economy. Through ventures in construction, real estate, and workforce development, PYDC creates job opportunities and fosters economic self-sufficiency. The grant will fund PYDC’s new Career Pivot Center, providing essential training and resources for the Tribe’s workforce.
- Community Investment Corporation (CIC), a Tucson-based nonprofit, empowers underserved communities through homeownership, education, and entrepreneurship programs. Known for its innovative microloan programs, CIC helps under-resourced entrepreneurs grow their businesses. This grant will expand CIC’s EPIC Initiative, providing 50 new no-collateral loans across Southern Arizona, supporting economic growth in underserved areas.
“Vantage West is committed to making a lasting impact in the communities we serve, and these AHEAD Program grants are a powerful way to drive meaningful change,” said Jon Bruflat, VP of Community Impact at Vantage West. “Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.”
AHEAD grants enable FHLBank San Francisco members like Vantage West to give a critical boost to local economic development programs and projects that directly address the needs in low-to-moderate income communities.
“These grants will help boost economic opportunity and create access to vital services and support that can be life-changing for people living in underserved communities,” said Eric Cicourel, community
investment officer for FHLBank San Francisco. “We’re proud that for 20 years and counting, the AHEAD Program continues to make a positive impact throughout the communities we serve.”
For those interested in applying for the AHEAD Program in 2025, please contact Vantage West Credit Union or visit the FHLBank San Francisco website to learn more.
About Vantage West Credit Union
Vantage West is one of the largest credit unions in Arizona. Established in 1955 to serve personnel at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the credit union has expanded to serve Members in Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, and Cochise Counties. Vantage West offers consumer and business banking services and is federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at www.vantagewest.org. .
Groundswell Capital
Groundswell Capital is Arizona’s first green bank, dedicated to creating a more resilient and equitable future by providing affordable, flexible funding to underserved communities. Their mission focuses on promoting economic justice and climate resilience by addressing gaps in financing that have traditionally left out underrepresented groups. Groundswell Capital supports small businesses, clean energy projects, and workforce development, ensuring all Arizonans have access to the resources needed to thrive in a sustainable and inclusive economy. Learn more at www.groundswellcapital.org.
Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation
The Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC), established in 2018 by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, is a federally chartered Section 17 corporation dedicated to diversifying and strengthening the Tribal economy. PYDC fosters economic growth, job creation, and self-sufficiency for the Pascua Yaqui community through strategic business ventures in construction, real estate, and workforce development. Learn more at www.pydcorporation.com.
Community Investment Corporation
Community Investment Corporation (CIC) has been a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to fostering financial empowerment and promoting economic inclusion for Southern Arizona residents since 1996. CIC focuses on three core program areas—Homeownership, Entrepreneurship, and Education—to ensure that more people in the community can buy homes, access funding for their small businesses, and secure educational opportunities for their children. Learn more at www.cictucson.org.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods.
