Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas & Bonvenu Bank Award $50K to Louisiana Nonprofits
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), in collaboration with its member Bonvenu Bank, has taken a significant step toward addressing heirs’ property issues in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through its Heirs’ Property Program grants, FHLB Dallas awarded $50,000 in funding to two organizations—The BRidge Agency and EnvisioNBR—to support their efforts in helping low-income families resolve property title complications. Each organization received $25,000 during a formal check presentation event, where community members and stakeholders gathered to celebrate this impactful initiative.
These grants will play a crucial role in providing resources and legal assistance to families struggling with heirs’ property issues, a common but often overlooked challenge in real estate inheritance. Heirs’ property refers to land or homes passed down without a legally documented will or deed. As generations continue to inherit these properties, the number of rightful owners increases, often leading to complex legal battles and barriers to securing clear property titles. Without a clear title, families face difficulties in selling, refinancing, or making improvements to their homes, which can result in lost generational wealth and community displacement.
The BRidge Agency’s “Legacy Literacy 4 All” Initiative
One of the grant recipients, The BRidge Agency, will use its $25,000 award to support its “Legacy Literacy 4 All” initiative. This program is designed to educate marginalized communities in Baton Rouge about the importance of estate planning, wills, and property financial literacy.
The initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap by offering workshops and training sessions on legal documentation processes. Many residents, particularly in historically underserved communities, lack awareness of the necessary legal steps to secure property ownership. This initiative will help address that challenge by providing accessible information and resources to prevent property disputes before they arise.
Nicole Scott, Founder and Executive Director of The BRidge Agency, emphasized the long-term impact of the grant. “This funding will allow us to leverage the expertise of our pro bono board members who specialize in financial literacy and real estate. Additionally, we plan to train community leaders as advocates for estate planning and establish a resource hub where families can access ongoing support. Our goal is to create a sustainable model that ensures generational property security.”
Through these efforts, The BRidge Agency will help individuals navigate the complexities of property inheritance while empowering them with the knowledge needed to maintain ownership rights and protect their financial future.
EnvisioNBR’s Commitment to Protecting Family Legacies
The second grant recipient, EnvisioNBR, will allocate its $25,000 grant toward will planning and the establishment of community legal clinics in several Baton Rouge neighborhoods, including Bogan Walk, Easy Town, Eden Park, and Greenville Extension. These areas have historically faced challenges in preserving homeownership due to unclear property titles.
The funding will enable EnvisioNBR to provide direct legal assistance to residents who need help formalizing property ownership. Community legal clinics will serve as accessible spaces where individuals can receive pro bono legal advice and guidance on drafting wills and securing deeds.
Ashlé Young, Founding Executive Director of EnvisioNBR, underscored the significance of this initiative: “This grant is more than just financial assistance—it is a lifeline for families who have been struggling to secure their property rights. By preserving homeownership, we empower residents to build a more stable future for themselves and their children. The impact of this program will be felt for generations to come.”
In addition to legal clinics, EnvisioNBR plans to conduct outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of estate planning. Many individuals only seek legal assistance when problems arise, but proactive planning can prevent many of these issues altogether. By making estate planning a community conversation, EnvisioNBR hopes to instill a sense of urgency in families to take necessary legal steps sooner rather than later.
Addressing the Widespread Issue of Heirs’ Property
Heirs’ property issues disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities, where legal resources and estate planning education are often limited. Without proper documentation, property ownership becomes legally ambiguous, making it difficult for families to claim, transfer, or sell their inherited land.
Over time, these properties can fall into disrepair or become susceptible to tax foreclosures and land loss. In some cases, developers exploit the situation by purchasing fractional ownership rights from multiple heirs, leading to forced sales and displacement. This phenomenon has led to a significant reduction in Black landownership in the United States over the past century.
Programs like the Heirs’ Property Program are vital in addressing this challenge by equipping families with the tools and knowledge needed to protect their property rights. By funding initiatives like those led by The BRidge Agency and EnvisioNBR, FHLB Dallas and its partners are actively working to break cycles of property loss and build stronger communities.
The Role of Bonvenu Bank and FHLB Dallas
Bonvenu Bank, a member of FHLB Dallas, has played an instrumental role in bringing these grants to Baton Rouge. Michael Colston, Vice President of Community Development and Business Banker at Bonvenu Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s impact. “We are so pleased to be a part of this initiative. Helping Louisianans with homeownership benefits not only the families involved but the community as a whole. We hope to continue supporting programs like this for many years to come.”
The Heirs’ Property Program is part of a broader initiative by FHLB Dallas to support housing stability and financial empowerment in underserved communities. In 2024 alone, FHLB Dallas, in partnership with 20 of its member institutions, awarded a total of $2 million in grants to 33 organizations across its five-state region. This funding is expected to clear approximately 560 property titles and provide training and education to more than 5,670 individuals facing heirs’ property issues.
Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, highlighted the program’s broader mission. “The Heirs’ Property Program enables families to protect their legacy and secure their future. Through our partnerships with local organizations, we are able to extend our reach and provide meaningful support to those who need it most.”
The Path Forward
While the grants awarded to The BRidge Agency and EnvisioNBR are a significant step in addressing heirs’ property issues in Baton Rouge, there is still much work to be done. Many families remain unaware of the risks associated with unclear property titles, and legal barriers continue to prevent rightful heirs from maintaining ownership of their homes.
Community leaders, legal professionals, and financial institutions must continue to collaborate to provide education, resources, and legal aid to affected families. Expanding access to affordable legal services and promoting proactive estate planning will be key to ensuring that property rights are protected for future generations.
As initiatives like the Heirs’ Property Program gain traction, they serve as models for other communities facing similar challenges. By investing in property rights education and legal support, organizations and financial institutions can play a pivotal role in strengthening homeownership and fostering economic stability.
Ultimately, the efforts of FHLB Dallas, Bonvenu Bank, The BRidge Agency, and EnvisioNBR demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions in tackling complex social and economic issues. Through continued advocacy and financial support, these initiatives will help preserve family legacies and promote long-term stability in Baton Rouge and beyond.
