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

Solvay Bank Promotions of Taquon Mitchell and Mirabella Acchione
March 19, 2026

Solvay Bank Announces Promotions of Taquon Mitchell and Mirabella Acchione

These appointments reflect the bank’s ongoing commitment to professional growth and providing exceptional service to the Central New York community.

Solvay Bank New Hires - Ashley Foley, Ne’Veah Johnson, and Jessica Reynolds
March 19, 2026

Solvay Bank Welcomes Ashley Foley, Ne’Veah Johnson, and Jessica Reynolds to its Growing Team

Solvay Bank, the oldest community bank established in Onondaga County, announces the appointments of Ashley Foley, Ne’Veah Johnson, and Jessica Reynolds.

Oswego Health
March 19, 2026

Oswego Health Announces Return of Childbirth Education Through Virtual Partnership with Birthly

Patients will have free access to live, virtual childbirth education classes from the comfort of their own homes.

Phil Quintana
March 19, 2026

Tompkins Community Bank Names Phil Quintana President-Elect; Quintana Succeeds John McKenna, who will Retire in July 2026

Quintana brings more than 27 years of banking leadership experience across the Mid Atlantic, North Texas, Southeast Florida, and Long Island.

NY SBDC Fast Track to Small Business Workshop
March 18, 2026

Ribbon Cutting Event for Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique

Learn more here.

photo of Hancock Estabrook attorney Jay O'Shea
March 18, 2026

Hancock Estabrook Partner James J. O’Shea Joins the International Association of Defense Counsel

Mr. O’Shea focuses his practice on complex civil litigation in federal and New York State courts representing clients in sophisticated corporate disputes.

Menu March 23-37
March 18, 2026

View Oswego County Opportunities Weekly Menu for March 23-27

View the menu here.

March 18, 2026

SUNY Oswego Spring Break Events

This program offers a variety of recreational and nature-based activities, as well as sporting events, for the entire family to enjoy.

M&T Bank Wilmington Trust Logo
March 16, 2026

M&T Bank Reminds Small Businesses of March 18 Deadline for New York State Retirement Savings Program

Every business in New York State with 10 employees or more will soon be required to offer retirement savings plan options to their workfo