Community Development Grants

MERIDIAN, Miss. — Citizens National Bank is proud to announce that, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, two Mississippi organizations have received Partnership Grant Program awards totaling $17,476. Through the program, CNB contributed $1,500 to each organization with FHLB Dallas providing matching funds to expand the impact of these community-focused initiatives.

The bank’s grant recipients include the Housing: Economic Resources & Education organization in Hattiesburg, who received a total grant of $9,000 including a $1,500 contribution from CNB and a $7,500 match from FHLB Dallas. In addition, the Housing Education and Economic Development in Jackson organization received a total grant of $8,476 including a $1,500 contribution from CNB and a $6,976.74 match from FHLB Dallas.

"We are honored to partner with FHLB Dallas to support organizations that are making a meaningful difference in our communities," said Tra Alford, senior vice president and community development director of Citizens National Bank. "These grants help strengthen local programs that provide housing, education and economic development opportunities for Mississippi residents."

The Partnership Grant Program is designed to help nonprofit organizations expand their impact through funding that supports community development and economic opportunity. Sixteen Mississippi community-based organizations received a combined $355,950 through FHLB Dallas’ Partnership Grant Program in 2026, part of more than $1.8 million awarded across FHLB Dallas’ five-state region.

“By providing matching funds to our members’ contributions, the PGP empowers local organizations to pursue ambitious goals and serve more people,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of community investment at FHLB Dallas. “We are proud to work alongside our members to foster positive change in communities across the state.”

About Citizens National Bank

Citizens National Bank is celebrating 138 years of service as an independent, Mississippi-owned community bank with locations throughout the state in Meridian, Quitman, Philadelphia, Olive Branch, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Waynesboro, Columbus, Macon, Kosciusko, Carthage, Ridgeland, Madison, Flowood, Brandon and, soon, Gluckstadt. The bank has assets in excess of $1.9 billion and manages $2.8 billion in its wealth division, which is committed to assisting clients with the accumulation, preservation and transfer of wealth. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CNB is dedicated to promoting economic growth and improving the financial well-being of underserved communities across Mississippi through affordable housing, small business development and consumer financial products and services.