Funds Will Be Used for Initiatives to Solve Title Issues and Educate about Heirs’ Property

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through member Bonvenu Bank, awarded $500,000 in Pathway Fund grants to five organizations in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area that will support resolving heirs’ property issues. The funding is part of more than $1 million awarded to 13 Louisiana nonprofits by FHLB Dallas through Bonvenu Bank.

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The Petra Foundation was one of five organizations in the New Orleans area that received an FHLB Dallas Pathway Fund grant through Bonvenu Bank to address heirs' property issues. $500,000 was given out in the New Orleans area through Bonvenu Bank.

“Supporting families as they work to secure clear title to their homes is essential to strengthening communities across Louisiana,” said Bonvenu Bank Vice President of Community Development Michael Colston. “Bonvenu is proud to partner with FHLB Dallas to help these organizations provide the legal, financial and educational resources residents need to preserve generational assets and build long-term stability.”

The following organizations received funding in or near New Orleans:

• Community Development Capital, New Orleans: $150,000. Community Development Capital provides financing and technical assistance to support housing development and neighborhood revitalization
• Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, Mandeville: $25,000. Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, builds affordable homes
• The Petra Foundation, Hammond: $25,000. The Petra Foundation offers educational pathways from early childhood through adulthood
• The Pro Bono Project, New Orleans: $150,000. The Pro Bono Project connects low-income individuals and seniors with volunteer attorneys providing free civil legal services for wills, housing and estate matters
• West 30’s Redemption Co. (West 30’s), Covington and Mandeville: $150,000. West 30’s focuses on neighborhood renewal and affordable homeownership through partnerships with local civic and faith-based organizations

Heirs’ property is land or a home passed down without a will, so many family members end up owning it together. Over time, that shared ownership makes it hard to prove who legally owns the property or to sell or borrow against it.

“Heirs’ property issues can create significant barriers for families trying to maintain ownership, access disaster assistance or build wealth,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment with FHLB Dallas. “Through the Pathway Fund and the commitment of members like Bonvenu Bank, we are able to support organizations that are making a real difference by helping families protect their homes and secure their futures.”

In December 2025, FHLB Dallas and 15 participating member institutions awarded $4.3 million in Pathway Fund grants to 42 organizations engaged in initiatives aimed at preventing or addressing heirs’ property issues. The 2026 application window opens Monday August 3 and offers $3 million. Learn more about the Pathway Fund and how to apply.

About Bonvenu Bank

Bonvenu Bank is a community bank in Louisiana that offers a variety of banking services for individuals and businesses. Formerly Citizens National Bank, Bonvenu Bank was established in 1985, and has 14 full-service branch locations throughout Louisiana. Committed to offering an elevated banking experience, Bonvenu strives to build a prosperous future for the communities it serves. Bonvenu Bank has been a leading financial partner for businesses and individuals in Northwest Louisiana for 40 years.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $97.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 780 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

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“Supporting families as they work to secure clear title to their homes is essential to strengthening communities across Louisiana,” said Bonvenu Bank Vice President of Community Development Michael Colston.