SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) is allocating $4 million to its annual Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) economic development program, to be distributed through grants of up to $100,000 throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since the program's inception in 2004, FHLBank San Francisco has partnered with its member financial institutions to award over $25 million in grants to about 800 projects that are creating economic opportunity through innovative and targeted initiatives that benefit underserved communities. "As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our AHEAD program, we are invigorated by the positive impact this funding has had in the communities we serve, boosting job creation, skills training, small business support, and other vital programs in our region," said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. "Alongside our dedicated member institutions, we are proud that our 2024 AHEAD Program will fund another $4 million in grants and we look forward to witnessing how this program increases economic vitality in the years to come." The AHEAD grant program supports FHLBank San Francisco's members in forging strong and productive relationships with nonprofit organizations that have specific economic and community development expertise. FHLBank San Francisco encourages its members to partner with local nonprofits, government agencies, and Tribal organizations to submit grant applications for projects that give a boost to low- to moderate-income communities by:  Creating or preserving jobs Delivering job training or education programs Supporting ...