A $15,000 award through the Partnership Grant Program (PGP) from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and its member WestStar will strengthen United Way of Southwest New Mexico's ability to deliver financial education and empower families across the region. The funds are part of $1.8 million in PGP funds awarded in 2026 by FHLB Dallas and members in its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

FHLB Dallas announced the grant during a celebratory event in El Paso, Texas, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the PGP.

"This support allows us to strengthen the foundation of our work so we can better serve families across Southwest New Mexico," said United Way CEO Amanda Morales. "These funds will help us add staffing, update program materials and improve participation in our Passport to Financial Success initiative, and ultimately reach more households with tools that promote lasting financial stability."

The Partnership Grant Program provides up to a 5:1 match of member contributions—up to $25,000 per member—to strengthen community-based organizations engaged in affordable housing and economic development. Funds for the annual program are distributed through participating FHLB Dallas members such as WestStar Bank. FHLB Dallas is one of 11 banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a government-sponsored enterprise created by Congress in 1932 to support housing finance and community investment; alongside other member institutions, it returns a portion of its earnings to local communities through competitive grant programs like the PGP.

"United Way of Southwest New Mexico plays an essential role in helping families build financial stability," said Mara Portillo, senior vice president, compliance and CRA officer at WestStar. "This grant strengthens the organization's capacity to deliver high-quality financial education and increases its ability to serve more participants."

The PGP has long served as a critical funding source for small nonprofits, according to Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

"For 30 years, the Partnership Grant Program has empowered our members to drive meaningful change in their communities," Mr. Hettrick said. "By leveraging the PGP funds, members are compounding their contributions to impact the organizations that are making a real difference in their communities."

For United Way of Southwest New Mexico, the grant addresses a common challenge faced by small community organizations: restricted funding often covers direct program delivery but not the operational needs—staff, materials, and outreach—that determine whether programs can scale. By directing funds toward staffing and updated materials for the Passport to Financial Success initiative, the award is designed to extend the program's reach to more households in a region where rural communities often face limited access to financial services.