Texas Nonprofit Receives $25K Grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and TexasBank
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), in collaboration with its member TexasBank, has awarded a significant $25,000 Heirs’ Property Program grant to Opening Doors for Women in Need (ODWIN) in Fort Worth, Texas. This financial assistance is aimed at educating women in Tarrant County about heirs’ property issues, an often-overlooked challenge that can lead to loss of generational wealth and homeownership stability.
Dr. Sandra Stanley, the founder and CEO of ODWIN, expressed her concerns about the impact of legal complexities surrounding heirs’ property on disadvantaged communities. “I’ve seen neighbors lose their property because of a lack of information about how probate works,” Dr. Stanley stated. “These women have very few resources. Our goal is to help them retain ownership of their homes.” The funds provided by the FHLB Dallas grant will support educational programs, workshops, and legal aid to assist women in understanding property inheritance laws and procedures, ultimately equipping them with the tools necessary to secure their homes.
The Importance of Addressing Heirs’ Property Issues
Heirs’ property refers to land or homes that have been inherited without a will or other legal documentation proving ownership. As the property is passed down from generation to generation, it often results in multiple heirs collectively owning a share of the estate. Without a clear title, heirs may find it challenging to sell, refinance, or improve the property. This situation disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly African American, Hispanic, and rural populations, who may lack access to proper legal representation.
The issue of heirs’ property can have severe financial consequences for families, as unclear ownership can prevent them from accessing mortgage financing or disaster relief funds. Without intervention, many families risk losing their homes due to unpaid taxes, forced partition sales, or fraudulent claims. Organizations like ODWIN play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by providing the necessary legal resources and education to affected individuals.
ODWIN’s Mission and Outreach
ODWIN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting women in overcoming barriers to financial independence and stability. The organization works closely with Grant formerly incarcerated women, offering them resources to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives. By incorporating heirs’ property education into its programs, ODWIN seeks to prevent housing instability and foster long-term financial security for women and their families.
The $25,000 grant from FHLB Dallas will allow ODWIN to expand its efforts in Tarrant County by offering legal counseling, educational workshops, and personalized assistance to women navigating the complexities of property inheritance. By addressing these legal hurdles, ODWIN aims to ensure that women retain control over their homes and pass them down to future generations with a clear title.
TexasBank’s Role in Community Development
TexasBank, a key partner in this initiative, has long been committed to supporting community development and financial literacy. Greg Dodds, President and CEO of TexasBank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to promoting homeownership as a cornerstone of financial stability.
“At TexasBank, our commitment to community drives everything we do. Homeownership is a cornerstone of financial stability, and the Heirs’ Property Program helps protect that foundation,” Dodds stated. “We are proud to support this initiative and remain dedicated to fostering economic growth and generational wealth for families across Texas.”
TexasBank has actively participated in numerous programs designed to uplift communities through financial education, affordable housing initiatives, and grant funding. The partnership with ODWIN aligns with the bank’s broader mission to create sustainable economic opportunities for underserved populations.
FHLB Dallas’s Expanding Commitment to Heirs’ Property Program
The Heirs’ Property Program is one of several initiatives launched by FHLB Dallas to address property ownership challenges. Since the program’s inception in mid-2023, there has been a significant increase in demand from community organizations seeking to assist families with clearing titles and understanding inheritance laws.
In 2024, FHLB Dallas, along with 20 participating member institutions, awarded $2 million in grants to 33 organizations across its five-state district. These Grant funds are expected to help clear an estimated 560 property titles and provide education and training to more than 5,670 individuals regarding heirs’ property issues.
Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, highlighted the rapid growth and success of the program. “We’ve seen a surge of interest from organizations like ODWIN in the program since its inception in mid-2023,” Hettrick said. “We’ve increased our offering from $1 million in 2023 to $2 million in 2024 and $3 million in 2025.” This substantial growth underscores the ongoing need for resources and support to address heirs’ property challenges across the region.
The Future of Heirs’ Property Assistance
The expansion of the Heirs’ Property Program signals a growing recognition of the importance of property ownership in wealth-building and economic stability. By continuing to invest in education and legal support, FHLB Dallas and its partners aim to reduce the risk of property loss and empower families to protect their assets for future generations.
For organizations like ODWIN, receiving this grant means an opportunity to make a tangible impact in the lives of vulnerable women. By providing access to legal education and support, ODWIN is not only helping individuals secure their homes but also strengthening communities by preserving generational wealth.
With ongoing support from institutions like TexasBank and FHLB Dallas, more families will have the opportunity to navigate the complexities of property inheritance and maintain ownership of their homes. As the program continues to expand, its impact will be felt across Texas Grant and beyond, ensuring that more individuals have the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their property rights.
The collaboration between FHLB Dallas, TexasBank, and ODWIN represents a significant step forward in addressing heirs’ property issues. The $25,000 grant will help educate and empower women in Tarrant County, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate property inheritance laws and secure their homes. With increased funding and a growing commitment to this cause, FHLB Dallas is making a lasting impact on communities in need. By tackling legal barriers and promoting financial stability, initiatives like the Heirs’ Property Program are paving the way for a future where homeownership remains a sustainable and accessible goal for all.
