BSP to receive $50k award for GJEP

Property service workers in BSP’s Green Janitor Education Program

Building Skills Partnership Awarded $50,000 Grant to support Property Service Workers from
Low-Wage Industries in Green Sustainability Program 

SCE Credit Union Partners with FHLBank San Francisco to Award AHEAD Grant to Boost Economic Development in California

Building Skills Partnership will receive a $50,000 grant in support of its Green Janitor Education programs, awarded by the AHEAD Economic Development Grant Program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco).

SCE Federal Credit Union collaborated with FHLBank San Francisco and its AHEAD economic development grant program to provide the funding to Building Skills Partnership. The AHEAD program enables FHLBank San Francisco members like SCE Credit Union to give a critical boost to local programs and projects that target pressing community needs and bring greater opportunity to underserved populations.

The SCE Credit Union-sponsored grant will fund Building Skills Partnership’s work to provide opportunities to fully address the unique barriers workers from low-wage industries workers and their families face in realizing the benefits of social, civic, and economic integration.

Building Skills Partnership’s Financial Capabilities programs offer training and coaching to help frontline, property service workers meet their financial goals and achieve economic stability. The programs empower low-wage industry families to create positive financial habits, access the financial mainstream, and achieve financial security. Instructors provide financial support and services to help participants improve their credit, save money towards owning a home, and save for retirement. 

Low-wage industry families served by BSP programs

“Building Skills Partnership is grateful to SCE Credit Union for providing support and opportunities to expand the Green Janitor Education Program”, says Luis Sandoval, Executive Director for Building Skills Partnership.

“At the forefront of commercial building operations are janitors, who are critical in reducing energy and water consumption through operations and maintenance. The Green Janitor Education program provides hands-on energy management and green cleaning training earning janitors a seat at the sustainability table while reducing the carbon footprint of buildings,” Sandoval continues.

“The program curriculum addresses energy efficiency, recycling, waste management, water conservation and other sustainable and green cleaning practices.”

AHEAD grants are awarded annually and delivered through the Bank’s member financial institutions to local community organizations for projects and programs that benefit lower-income and underserved communities.

Since the program's inception in 2004, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded more than $25 million in AHEAD grants to over 800 economic development projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada. In 2023, the Bank’s board of director’s allocated $4 million to the AHEAD program, more than doubling the funding in prior years, and awarded grants to 75 projects. This will be the first year that SCE Federal Credit Union has participated in the Green Janitor Education program. They have been a supporter of Building Skills Partnerhsip’s Financial Capabilities programs since 2019.

A GJEP property service workers in California

“Each year we are inspired by the wide range of impactful programs that are brought to us by our member institutions through the AHEAD grant program,” said Eric Cicourel, senior vice president and community investment officer at FHLBank San Francisco. “We were particularly encouraged by the large number of unique nonprofits who participated in this cycle, including Building Skills Partnership. These organizations are pillars in their communities and have an intimate understanding of the needs of the communities they serve. We are proud to partner with our members and so many compelling and deserving organizations.”  

For those interested in applying for the AHEAD Program in 2024, please contact SCE Federal Credit Union or visit the FHLBank San Francisco website to learn more.

About SCE Credit Union

SCE Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution with more than 65,000 members and $1 billion in assets. Founded in 1952, SCE Credit Union is a mission-driven financial partner focused on uplifting communities and helping members realize their potential by maximizing their financial future, through education and a full suite of products, such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, youth accounts, business services, and more. 

Providing banking in underserved communities is a core commitment from SCE Credit Union. It is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and is recognized as a Low-Income Designated Credit Union by the National Credit Union Administration. As a community partner, SCE Credit Union holds financial education workshops and supports community-based organizations in Southern California and Southern Nevada.    

Banking with SCE Credit Union is convenient, with digital banking, branch locations, and a network of more than 5,000 shared branches and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Membership with SCE Credit Union is available to residents and businesses in California and Nevada. Learn more at scefcu.org.  

About Building Skills Partnership

Building Skills Partnership improves the lives of property service workers in low-wage industries and their families. BSP programs serve 5,500 participants annually through direct services and training, and 20,000 individuals through hybrid outreach engagements & online services. Programs focus on workforce development, immigrant inclusion, and community advancement. The organization offers career and education programs that enable workers’ personal and professional success.

Founded in 2007, BSP offers programs throughout California, serving Los Angeles, Oakland, Orange County, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose. BSP is a 501(c)3 non-profit and has strong collaborations with SEIU-United Service Workers West, janitorial employers, building owners, and community leaders. 

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — promote homeownership and expand access to quality housing and boost economic development. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.