U.S. Bank Rebuild and Transform Fund
Press Release
We are excited to announce that Riverworks was chosen as a recipient of U.S. Bank's Rebuild and Transform Fund right here in Milwaukee!
U.S. Bank donates $700,000 to the Milwaukee Area as part of its
$15 million Rebuild and Transform Fund
The U.S. Bank Foundation fund addresses systemic economic and racial inequities in small business, housing and workforce advancement
Milwaukee, Wis., September 30, 2020 – U.S. Bank announces $700,000 in donations to the Milwaukee area as part of its $15 million U.S. Bank Foundation Rebuild and Transform Fund, addressing rebuilding in corridors impacted by social unrest and systemic racial inequities in small business, housing and workforce advancement. The Fund is part of the bank’s previously announced $116 million commitment to address social and economic inequities.
“It is our responsibility to embrace the critical partnerships we have with our community leaders to promote and support practices that bridge the wealth gap for people of color,” said Suzanne Zwaksa, community affairs manager for Milwaukee at U.S. Bank. “Today we are announcing the details of our philanthropic giving to 10 key markets across the country that continue to be challenged with significant economic mobility gaps within communities of color. We are investing in organizations led by and serving people of color and providing general operating funds because we trust community leaders to know how, when and where to use these funds for the greatest impact.”
The donations in Milwaukee will go to Riverworks to support two full-time financial empowerment coaches for two years, doubling their capacity. In addition, the Milwaukee Urban League, Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, Running Rebels, ACTS Housing, United Community Center and Housing Resources, Inc. will receive grants for job skills training and placement and home ownership counseling services in collaboration with Riverworks.
“To address longstanding racial inequities, Milwaukee needs partnerships, investment and action. That’s why I am grateful for U.S. Bank’s announcement,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. “This work aligns well with our recently announced investments in housing, homeownership and neighborhood improvement. My administration looks forward to teaming with U.S. Bank on these efforts.”
“The economic impact of the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges for many of the families we serve,” said Darryl Johnson, executive director of Riverworks Milwaukee. “This grant from U.S. Bank will help us expand our capacity with two new full-time financial empowerment coaches who can help our clients triage their financial situation, stabilize housing and cultivate home ownership so they can build wealth.”
The local markets receiving grants are: Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Little Rock, AR; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; Ohio - Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; and St. Louis, MO. In total, 48 organizations will receive funding across these markets. For more information, visit usbank.com/community.
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $547 billion in assets as of June 30, 2020, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Visit U.S. Bank at www.usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.
Media contact
Evan Lapiska, U.S. Bank evan.lapiska@usbank.com/724.816.0624
