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MERCANTILE BANK PARTNERS IN STATEWIDE INVESTMENT TO ADVANCE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES

News Provided by PR Newswire2025-05-01

MERCANTILE BANK PARTNERS IN STATEWIDE INVESTMENT TO ADVANCE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES

[01-May-2025]

Over $200,000 provided to nonprofits through Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Community Multiplier Program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercantile Bank is proud to announce its participation in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis) Community Multiplier program, resulting in over $200,000 in grant funding awarded to six nonprofit organizations across the state supporting affordable housing projects.

This partnership reflects the Bank's deep and ongoing commitment to the communities it serves. By working hand-in-hand with nonprofits and FHLBank Indianapolis, Mercantile Bank is helping expand access to affordable housing for individuals and families throughout Michigan. "At Mercantile Bank, we believe that accessible housing is fundamental to thriving communities," said Ray Reitsma, President and CEO of Mercantile Bank. "We're proud to support these projects that will create real, lasting impact for people across the state. Our partnership with FHLBank Indianapolis underscores our commitment to meeting local needs with local solutions."

The grants will support various initiatives, from homebuyer education and supportive services to transitional and permanent housing, tailored to meet the diverse needs of communities across five regions. Nonprofit partners include:

ICCF Community Homes - Grand Rapids
Safe Haven Ministries - Grand Rapids
Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services- Kalamazoo
Capital Area Housing Partnership - Lansing
Community Housing Network – Troy/Macomb
Northwest Michigan Action Agency – Cadillac/Traverse City/Petoskey

Each nonprofit partner was selected for its dedication to expanding housing access and improving quality of life in its area.

"Our work with these nonprofits goes beyond funding," said Sonali Allen, SVP, Community Development Officer at Mercantile Bank. "We're building partnerships with these nonprofits that include financial education and support services to help individuals and families not only find housing but enhance the tools they need to maintain long-term stability and independence."

The Community Multiplier program enables member banks to amplify the reach of their community investments, leveraging the power of collaboration to maximize local impact. With a 10% matching funds commitment from Mercantile Bank, FHLBank Indianapolis provides grants between $25,000 and $125,000 for targeted affordable housing initiatives. "We're proud to partner with Mercantile in providing needed capital to housing-focused nonprofit organizations across Michigan," said MaryBeth Wott, SVP Community Investment and Strategic Planning Officer. "Together, we're working to provide flexible support that meets housing needs at the community level."

As a community bank, Mercantile Bank remains committed to delivering solutions that support housing equity, financial empowerment, and stronger communities across the state.

About Mercantile Bank
Mercantile Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercantile Bank Corporation. Mercantile provides financial products and services in a professional and personalized manner designed to make banking easier for businesses, individuals, and governmental units. Distinguished by exceptional service, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to the communities it serves, Mercantile is one of the largest Michigan-based banks with assets of approximately $6.1 billion. Mercantile Bank Corporation's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM." For more information about Mercantile, visit www.mercbank.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) @MercBank, and LinkedIn @merc-bank.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities.
FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank included in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded and receive no Congressional appropriations. FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions, and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) at @FHLBankIndy.