Solvay Bank Distributes $100,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits and Church Food Pantries Through FHLBNY Program

Posted on December 4, 2025

Solvay Bank Distributes $100,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits and Church Food Pantries Through FHLBNY Program

(Syracuse, NY): This holiday season, Solvay Bank, the oldest community bank established in Onondaga County, distributed $100,000 in grants through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s (FHLBNY) Small Business Recovery Grant (SBGR) Program.

Through the program partnership, twenty-five local nonprofits and church food pantries across Onondaga County were granted funding to help maintain essential operations and strengthen neighborhood resilience against economic pressures such as inflation, supply-chain constraints, and rising energy costs. Recipients are using the grants for necessary expenses, with priority given to organizations providing emergency food assistance.

“As a community bank, we believe local nonprofits and church food pantries are critical to sustaining our neighborhoods,” said Michele Fernandez, VP Enterprise Risk Manager & CRA Officer at Solvay Bank. “It is our mission to invest back and support those who serve our community. We are honored to partner with the FHLBNY and thank these organizations for their unwavering commitment.”

Founded in 1917, Solvay Bank is the oldest community bank established in Onondaga County. Solvay Bank has nine, soon to be ten with a new office opening in East Syracuse, branch locations in Solvay, Baldwinsville, Camillus, Cicero, DeWitt, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Westvale, downtown Syracuse in the State Tower Building, and a commercial lending presence in the Mohawk Valley. Solvay Bank’s Insurance Agency, Inc. is a full-service general insurance agency. For more information about Solvay Bank, visit solvaybank.com.

The FHLBNY helps community lenders advance housing and community growth in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FHLBNY is part of the congressionally chartered, nationwide Federal Home Loan Bank System and increases the availability of mortgages and home finance to families of all income levels by assisting members in more effectively serving their neighborhoods and meeting their Community Reinvestment Act responsibilities. More information at fhlbny.com.

###

CenterState CEO

Other Member News

The MOST Launches STEM Under 40 Awards Presented by Micron Technology
May 21, 2026

The MOST Launches STEM Under 40 Awards Presented by Micron Technology

A new special event recognizing contributions to STEM fields from 20 professionals under age 40 across Central New York. 

15th Annual Red, White, and Blue BBQ Fundraiser flyer
May 20, 2026

Clear Path for Veterans 15th Annual Red, White & Blue BBQ Fundraiser

Clear Path for Veterans is celebrating 15 years of serving veterans, service members, and military families with its largest community fundraiser of the year.

Oswego Health
May 20, 2026

Marshall+Sterling Investment Brings Advanced Monitoring Technology to Oswego Health, Enhancing Care for Mothers and Babies

Gift funds new cardiac monitor and stands, supporting safer care for mothers and babies in Central New York

Bill Brumstead
May 20, 2026

Give Now, Decide Later: A Smarter Way to Approach Charitable Giving for High-Income Earners

With tax season wrapped up and continued conversations locally around nonprofit sustainability and community giving, this piece offers a fresh, practical perspective for community members looking to make a meaningful impact.

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Announces New Date for ‘Zoo Run Run’ 5K on June 20
May 20, 2026

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Announces New Date for ‘Zoo Run Run’ 5K on June 20

The event offers a unique opportunity to get some exercise while hanging out with an array of beautiful wild creatures.

DisrUpstate Leadership Summit 2026 | June 12 - 14
May 19, 2026

DisrUpstate Takes Leadership Off the Grid: Three-Day Summit Heads to the Adirondacks This June

The Summit is built for leaders who are done with corporate theater — and ready for something real.

NBT Bank Recognized with 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™
May 19, 2026

NBT Bank Recognized with 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™

Cigna Healthcare® has selected NBT Bank as a recipient of its 2025 gold level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program.

Casino Player Magazine Awards Turning Stone Resort Casino “2026 Best Overall Dining” in New York State
May 18, 2026

Casino Player Magazine Awards Turning Stone Resort Casino “2026 Best Overall Dining” in New York State

The 2026 Casino Player Magazine “Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards” recognizes the best establishments in the entire casino industry. Voted on by guests and readers, Turning Stone recognized as the top property in New York in 12…

Harborfest Fundraiser TR
May 15, 2026

Harborfest Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse

Fundraiser for Oswego Harborfest at Texas Roadhouse.