Mission Driven Bank Fund Invests in Cincinnati's Warsaw Federal to Boost Financial Equity

The Mission Driven Bank Fund announced an investment in First Mutual Holding Co., the bank holding company for Warsaw Federal Savings & Loan, a Minority Depository Institution based in Cincinnati. This represents the Fund's 11th deployment as it continues building pipelines to invest in MDI and CDFI banks nationwide.

Warsaw Federal intends to use the net proceeds to support the bank's communities by providing focused financial services, tools and education to promote economic opportunity and financial equity. The bank is one of two MDIs headquartered in Ohio and the only MDI currently serving the Cincinnati area, making this investment particularly significant for regional economic development.

This partnership addresses critical gaps in financial access for minority and underserved populations. Robie Suggs, president & CEO of Warsaw Federal, stated that the investment marks a pivotal step in supporting the strategic growth envisioned for the organization. We're proud to empower underserved communities in the Greater Cincinnati region with the financial tools, education, and support they need to thrive, Suggs said. Our doors are open to everyone and together, we'll build stronger neighborhoods and a brighter future for all.

The Mission Driven Bank Fund will make technical services support available in conjunction with the capital investment, enhancing Warsaw Federal's capacity to serve its community effectively. Paul Welch, portfolio manager of the Fund, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support Warsaw and other mission-aligned banks as they continue to provide vital banking services and experiences to often underserved communities.

The Mission Driven Bank Fund seeks to foster a stronger and more inclusive banking system by investing capital and providing technical services to FDIC-insured CDFI and MDI banks that target low to moderate income African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander communities. The Fund's mission to drive growth and financial resiliency in the mission-driven bank sector translates into progress that helps close the racial wealth gap. For more information about the Fund's approach, visit https://missiondrivenbankfund.org.

Warsaw Federal operates as an independent mutual bank with a mission to empower underserved communities to thrive in today's economy. The bank provides banking products and services to individuals and businesses in greater Cincinnati and surrounding communities. Additional details about the bank's services are available at https://warsawfederal.bank.

First Mutual Holding Co., the recipient of the investment, provides a structure that allows independent affiliate banks to continue serving their communities and growing as member-owned institutions. Information about the holding company's network can be found at https://firstmutualholding.com.

This investment represents a strategic commitment to addressing systemic financial disparities by strengthening institutions that directly serve communities historically excluded from mainstream banking services. The partnership between mission-driven financial organizations creates a multiplier effect that can significantly impact local economic development and wealth-building opportunities for marginalized populations.