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

The Mission Driven Bank Fund announced an investment in First Mutual Holding Co., the bank holding company for Warsaw Federal Savings & Loan, an independent mutual bank and Minority Depository Institution based in Cincinnati. This strategic investment represents the Fund's 11th deployment and continues its mission to strengthen mission-driven banking institutions 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 serves as one of only two Minority Depository Institutions headquartered in Ohio and stands as the sole MDI currently serving the Cincinnati metropolitan area, positioning it as a critical financial access point for underserved populations.

Robie Suggs, president and CEO of Warsaw Federal, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership. This investment marks a pivotal step in supporting the strategic growth we envision for our organization. We're proud to empower underserved communities in the Greater Cincinnati region with the financial tools, education, and support they need to thrive. Our doors are open to everyone and together, we'll build stronger neighborhoods and a brighter future for all. We're excited to partner with the Mission Driven Bank Fund to further this progress.

The Mission Driven Bank Fund, which operates through strategic partnerships including Elizabeth Park Capital Management and Calvert Impact, will provide both capital investment and technical services support to Warsaw Federal. This dual approach aims to strengthen the bank's operational capacity while expanding its community impact initiatives. Paul Welch, portfolio manager of the Fund, noted the alignment of values between the organizations. The Mission Driven Bank Fund is pleased to recognize Warsaw Federal's commitment to promoting economic vitality across the Greater Cincinnati area. We appreciate the opportunity to support Warsaw and other mission-aligned banks as they continue to provide vital banking services and experiences to often underserved communities.

This investment carries significant implications for financial inclusion in the region. As the only Minority Depository Institution serving Cincinnati, Warsaw Federal plays a crucial role in addressing banking disparities and promoting wealth building in communities that have historically faced limited access to mainstream financial services. The partnership reinforces the Fund's broader mission to foster a stronger and more inclusive banking system by investing in FDIC-insured CDFI and MDI banks that target low to moderate income African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander communities.

The technical services component of the investment will provide Warsaw Federal with specialized expertise and resources to enhance its community development initiatives. This comprehensive support model reflects the Fund's strategic approach to driving growth and financial resiliency in the mission-driven bank sector, translating into progress that helps close the racial wealth gap. As the Fund continues to build active pipelines to invest in MDI and CDFI banks nationwide, this deployment demonstrates the ongoing commitment to strengthening community banking institutions that serve as economic anchors in underserved markets. For additional information about the Fund's initiatives, visit https://missiondrivenbankfund.org.